Maintaining RV appliances is critical for ensuring your comfort and the functionality of your rig during trips. The most common appliances requiring regular upkeep and repair include refrigerators, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, and microwaves.

RV Refrigerator Maintenance -- RV refrigerators (usually dual-mode, running on propane or electricity) are inherently prone to cooling inefficiencies due to burner issues, ventilation blockages, or wear.

• Cleaning the Burner Assembly: We remove debris or rust from the propane burner to ensure proper flame (you want to see blue, not yellow) using compressed air or a soft brush.
• Checking Ventilation: We help ensure exterior vents are free of dust, nests, or debris to prevent overheating.
• RV Leveling Can Be a Problem: Absorption refrigerators in RVs require a level position to function properly and efficiently. Use a bubble level to confirm.
• Inspecting Door Seals: We will check gaskets for cracks or looseness to maintain a tight seal and prevent cooling loss.

We will recommend the cleaning of burners and vents once a year; Appliance seals should be checked before each trip; Alway make sure to level the RV during stationary use.

Our Most Commonly Seen Repairs:

• The replacing a faulty thermocouple or igniter if the propane mode fails to ignite.
• We often repair or replace cooling units if the fridge doesn’t keep the temperature below 40°F.
• We can address electronic issues like failure of the control board or the heating element in electric mode.

We recommend that you test both propane and electric modes before trips to catch issues early.

Water Heater Maintenance -- RV water heaters (propane or electric) will accumulate mineral deposit scale and debris over time.  This leads to reduced efficiency, and, over time,  failure.

• Flushing the Tank: We recommend Draining and flushing the tank with a wand and/or vinegar solution to remove sediment and scale.
• Inspecting the Anode Rod: For suburban-style heaters, we check the anode rod for corrosion and replace it if more than 50% worn (this is typically done every 1-2 years).
• Checking the Burner: We recommending cleaning the propane burner to ensure a consistent flame. Also -- test the pressure relief valve for leaks.
• Winterizing: We recommend completely draining and bypassing the heater in cold climates to prevent freezing.

Our technitions will flush the heating system annually, inspect anode rod every 6-12 months and winterize the system in the fall. 

• Most Commonly Done Repairs:
• The Replacement a faulty thermostat or heating element in electric mode.
• The repair of ignition failures due to a clogged burner or defective spark igniter.
• Correcting leaks from corroded fittings or a failed pressure relief valve.

Tip: Use a tank rinser for thorough cleaning to extend heater life.

Furnace Maintenance -- RV furnaces rely on propane to provide heat and and blowers to distribute the heat.  However,  dust, debris, or ignition issues can cause heating failures.

Furnace Maintenance Tasks:

• Cleaning the Blower and Vents: We will remove dust from the blower motor and exhaust vents to ensure proper airflow.
• Inspecting the Burner: We check for soot or corrosion and clean with a soft brush. Our technicians will verify the flame is blue and steady.
• Testing Safety Components: We will check the sail switch and limit switch operation to ensure it is working properly to prevent overheating.
• Checking Propane Lines: We inspect propane lines for leaks.
• Frequency: Clean and inspect annually, ideally before the heating season.
• Common Repairs:
• Replacing a faulty igniter or thermocouple if the furnace won’t light.
• Repairing or replacing a noisy or seized blower motor.
• Addressing circuit board failures causing erratic operation.

• Tip: Clean and inspect the furnace annually, optimally right before the heating season.  Also run the furnace briefly every few months to keep components lubricated.

Air Conditioner Maintenance -- RV air conditioners (both roof-mounted or portable) can accumulate dirt and wear out from heavy use.  This affects cooling efficiency.

A/C Maintenance Tasks:

• Cleaning Filters and Coils: We recommend the removal and washing of foam filters monthly during times of use. Also, clean the evaporator and condenser coils with a coil cleaner to remove dirt.
• Inspecting the Shroud: For roof-mounted units, check the A/C shroud for cracks or UV damage and replace or repair if needed.
• Checking Drainage: We recommenda that drain pans be clear to prevent water pooling or water backing up and leaking into the RV.
• Testing Electrical Components: Prior to the warmer seasons, verify the capacitor and fan motor are functioning to avoid startup failures.
• Frequency: Clean filters monthly during use; inspect coils and shroud annually.
• Common Repairs:
• A failed start or run capacitor will cause the unit to hum but not start.  This should be repaired.
• We will repair or replace a seized fan motor.
• We often fix leaks due to worn gaskets or clogged drain lines.

• Tip: We recommend covering the A/C unit during off-season storage to protect it from debris and UV exposure damage.

Microwaves Oven Repair -- We often find that microwaves and small appliances like stovetops or coffee makers face electrical and/ or mechanical wear from vibration and frequent use.

Microwave Maintenance Tasks:

• Securing Connections: We will ensure the microwave is securely mounted to prevent vibration damage. We also check electrical plugs for secure connections.
• Cleaning Vents: We recommend removing dust from microwave vents to prevent overheating.
• Inspecting Stovetop Burners: We inspect propane stovetops, clean burners and ensure proper ignition, and check for gas leaks.
• Frequency: Clean and inspect every 6 months or after extended trips.
• Common Repairs:
• Replacing a faulty microwave turntable motor or control panel.
• Fixing propane stovetop igniters that fail to spark.
• Repairing loose or damaged electrical wiring from road vibrations.

• Tip: Avoid overloading circuits by running high-wattage appliances simultaneously.

General Tips for RV Appliance Maintenance

• Keep a Log: Track maintenance schedules and repairs to stay proactive.
• Use RV-Specific Parts: Always use OEM or RV-compatible replacement parts for appliances to ensure compatibility.
• Test Before Trips: Run all appliances before departure to identify issues.
• Professional Servicing: For complex repairs (e.g., refrigerator cooling units or furnace circuit boards), consult with the certified RV technicians at St, George Mobile RV Repair.

Per RV owner forums (e.g., iRV2, RV.net) and repair shop data, refrigerator and water heater issues account for nearly 50% of appliance-related service requests. Furnace and air conditioner failures are also prevalent, especially in extreme climates. Having us perform regular maintenance can reduce repair costs by up to 60%.



Call to ask what services we can provide for you.