How to Stay Positive While Navigating RV Repair Emotions
Ah, the joys of RV living – the open road, the freedom to roam, and the unexpected PITA (pain in the ass), in this case, a waterfall cascading from our ceiling. If you've ever found yourself in a situation where a "factory-certified" technician has missed the mark, you're not alone in your adventures.
Let me regale you with a tale of waterworks that unfolded during a seemingly routine maintenance and repair. Picture this: an interior ceiling fan needing replacement, preventative maintenance on a roof that is not leaking, and a new air conditioner. Easy peasy, right? Wrong.
Fast forward to the aftermath. Thinking everything was a-ok, we traveled from the Tennessee to the California coast to be with family for the holidays just in time for the arrival of an atmospheric river.
What was supposed to be a simple repair and maintenance job turned into days of dodging drips, catching and soaking up water, playing Whack-a-Mole with sealer, and contemplating the merits of camping in a hotel lobby. We were fighting a losing battle and decided to cut our trip short and run for drier weather in the desert.
As the rain poured in through the ceiling, turning our cozy abode into a makeshift water park, I found myself questioning full-time RVing and the universe with its sense of humor.
We made an appointment to have the prior repairs “repaired” and headed to the shop. Tracing and fixing the problem was a long and frustrating ordeal ( two extended stays at the shop). Amidst the chaos and the soggy insulation, it became essential to elevate my appreciation for the complexities and nuances of RVs, remember that no one is perfect, maintain a positive attitude and find the funny. For instance, I noticed the waiting area aka “lounge” conversation sounded a lot like I imagine jail might, “Been here long?” , “What are you in for?”, “When are you getting sprung?” Bonus: some fellow captives are adorable, especially the four-legged ones, and you make new friends.
What's a little water damage compared to the epic tale to tell? Many RVers embrace their inner comedian and regale fellow RV dwellers with stories of their woes and mishaps. Interestingly enough, it is here that you laugh a lot and find you’re not alone, a quasi-therapy group if you will.
Some repairs problems are very difficult to trace. The area of damage was actually more than 10 feet from the source of the problem and a seal in the air conditioner. Water is insidious and travels. Just like many other issues it is often a process of elimination that takes time.
Let's not forget the joys of sharing your tiny, wet, torn-up space with a partner amidst the chaos of repairs. Tempers and frustrations may flare, and words may be exchanged, but remember, it's all part of the adventure.
If you want RVing to be somewhat economical, DIY is the way to go but there
is a caveat: if the repairs are outside your area of expertise or you don’t have the tools or shop for the job a repair facility might be in order. If it is any consolation, though expensive some times, a repair professional is probably cheaper than couples therapy.
Setting expectations straight and identifying the elephant in the room – paying more for a coach does not ensure perfection. Yes, we all dream of a trouble-free life on the road, but let's be real – expecting perfection from a rolling abode hurtling down the highway at 70 mph is like expecting to find a unicorn at a gas station. It's just not realistic, so if the RV life is for you, then it’s something to get used to.
So, how do we maintain our sanity amidst the chaos of repairs and in this case, unexpected leaks? For us, it boils down to perspective. Sure, your RV might resemble a rolling sauna for a few days, but think of it as an opportunity to test your waterproofing skills and bond with your fellow travelers over shared waterworks and misadventures.
Here's a little trick I use to keep it real – count the number of "shitty repair days" in a year, then divide by 365. Sure, your RV might have spent a few extra days in the shop for repairs, but when you look at the bigger picture, those days pale in comparison to the countless memories and miles of open road. In this case the year had roughly 20 difficult days / 365 = 95% good year which is pretty darn good and only 5 points from perfection. A win in my book.
Remember this – life on the road is an amazing adventure, filled with unexpected twists, turns, and a few PITAs. Embrace the chaos, maintain your sense of humor, and always keep your eye on the horizon. After all, it's not the destination that matters, but the journey – problems and all. Safe travels, fellow wanderers, and may your repairs be swift and your water buckets empty.
Help the FT RV newbies; share this article and your “now funny” stories and methods for managing and coping through the menagerie of feelings during extensive repairs.
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