Quick answer. Book early, describe the problem clearly, and ask for a written estimate, the labour rate, and the warranty on the work before you authorize repairs. Choose a dealer service department for warranty work and a mobile technician for on-site or roadside problems.
Who fixes RVs
Dealer service departments
Best for warranty work, recalls, and complex jobs. They often have parts on hand, and can be booked up in peak season.
Independent RV shops
Often shorter waits and more flexible pricing. Ask about experience with your brand and type of RV.
Mobile RV technicians
Come to your driveway, storage lot, or campground. Good for small and medium jobs and for avoiding a trip to a shop.
Specialists
Slide-outs, roofs, fridges, chassis and brakes, hitches and frames, collision and fibreglass, and more.
Common RV problems
- Roof, seam, and window leaks
- Slide-out motors and seals
- Fridge, furnace, water heater, and air conditioner faults
- Electrical issues: batteries, converters, inverters, and shore power
- Plumbing leaks and frozen lines
- Brake, bearing, tire, and suspension problems
- Propane system leaks and regulator faults
Safety work needs qualified people
Propane work is regulated. Leak repairs, regulator replacement, and appliance gas lines should be done by a qualified technician authorized to work on gas systems in your province. The same goes for brakes and structural repairs. Do not treat a propane smell as a do-it-yourself job. See our propane safety guide for what to do.
Questions to ask before you authorize work
- What is your hourly labour rate, and is there a diagnostic fee?
- Can I get a written estimate before work starts, and will you call me if the price changes?
- Do you work on my brand and type of RV?
- Do you supply the parts, and are they new, used, or aftermarket?
- What is the warranty on parts and labour?
- How long is the wait, and how long will the repair take?
- Will you return the old parts if I ask?
- If it is a warranty claim, who handles the paperwork with the manufacturer?
- For mobile service: what is your travel fee and service area?
When to book
- Spring is the busiest season. Everyone wants their RV ready for the first trip, so book in winter.
- Fall is busy for winterizing. See our winterizing guide.
- Mid-trip breakdowns are harder to schedule, which is why roadside assistance and a plan matter.
A plan for breakdowns on the road
- Roadside assistance that covers an RV or trailer, and that works in every province you will visit
- The phone numbers saved offline, since cell service can be poor in the mountains and on the coasts
- A basic tool kit, a spare tire and jack that fit, and tire pressure gauge
- A way to call for help: a satellite messenger if you travel in remote areas
- Your insurance and warranty details where you can find them
Preventive maintenance that saves money
- Roof and seals: inspect and reseal at least once a year.
- Tires: check pressure and date codes, and look for cracks.
- Brakes and bearings: have them inspected on a regular schedule.
- Propane system: have it leak tested periodically.
- Batteries: keep them charged and clean, and replace them when they fade.
- Plumbing: winterize properly and check for leaks at the start of the season.
Red flags
- No written estimate, or a price that keeps changing without a call
- Reluctance to explain the diagnosis or show the failed part
- Pressure to approve large repairs immediately
- No warranty on the work
- Unlicensed work on propane or other gas systems
Find RV repair
This page covers how to choose a shop or mobile technician. For service providers, see the RV repair and service directory at RV Resources Canada. If you want to fix something yourself first, its RV repair guides cover the common problems.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find an RV repair shop or mobile technician?
Start with your dealer's service department and local independent shops, then look for mobile technicians in your area. Ask about your brand, waiting times, the labour rate, and the warranty on the work.
Is a mobile RV technician cheaper than a shop?
Not always. You save the trip and the time, but mobile service often adds a travel fee. Ask for a written estimate either way.
Who can repair a propane leak?
A qualified technician authorized to work on gas systems in your province. Shut off the valve, ventilate, and do not use the RV until it is inspected.
How far ahead should I book RV service?
Book spring service in winter and fall winterizing early in the season. Both are busy times.
Does my warranty cover repairs away from home?
It depends on the warranty. Ask who handles claims, and whether a repair shop near your route can do the work.
Sources and further reading
Prices, rules, and availability change. Check directly with providers and official bodies.