When to Repair vs. When to Replace RV Parts & Appliances
- Jordan Concannon
- Mar 11
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 6
Deciding whether to repair or replace an RV component isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes a simple fix can save you hundreds—but other times, repairing might cost just as much (or more) than replacing the whole unit.
As RV technicians, we see both sides every day. In this post, we’ll break down real-life examples of common RV repairs, when they’re worth tackling, and when it’s smarter to go for a replacement.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we personally use and trust.
🗂 Click to Skip Ahead:
RV Converters
RV Water Pumps
Air Conditioners
Furnaces
RV Lighting (Interior/Exterior)
Refrigerators
Water Heaters
Propane Regulators
Transfer Switches
Slide-Out Motors & Gear Systems
🛠️ 1. RV Converters
Repair or Replace? Usually replace.
Backstory: This one hits close to home. Within two months of living in our brand-new camper, our converter failed. Just… dead. We later suspected it wasn’t properly mounted and had vibrated loose on travel days. Diagnosing the issue, opening the case, testing the board, and ordering internal parts would’ve taken too long—and during a heat wave, we needed working power that day. So, we grabbed a new one from a local RV store and installed it ourselves.
Tech Insight: Converters are relatively affordable to replace (often $150–$400), and labor for troubleshooting a dead one can eat up just as much in time and hourly rates. Unless you’re certain it’s a fuse or loose wire, replacement is usually more cost-effective.
🚿 2. RV Water Pumps
Repair or Replace? Usually repairable—until they’re not.
Why it matters: Water pumps are hardy but can clog, lose pressure, or run dry if filters aren’t maintained. In many cases, the issue is just a jammed impeller, loose wiring, or debris in the filter—all fixable with a little know-how.
When to Replace: If the pump is constantly cycling, leaking, or making loud grinding noises even after filter checks, the motor could be wearing out. At that point, replacement (~$70–$150) is simpler than opening the housing and attempting a DIY motor rebuild.
Pro Tip: Keep a backup water pump on hand if you boondock often. It’s a quick swap that can save a trip.
❄️ 3. Air Conditioners
Repair or Replace? Depends on the issue.
Minor Fixes: Capacitor swaps, filter replacements, and routine cleaning are easy and common. If your AC won’t start but you hear a humming sound, it could just be a capacitor—a $20 fix.
When to Replace: If the compressor goes out, the cost of labor and parts often matches or exceeds the price of a new unit ($800–$1400+). Plus, AC units are sealed systems—which means refrigerant leaks can’t be recharged like home units. If your unit isn’t cooling and you’ve ruled out airflow and capacitor issues, it’s probably time to replace.
Pro Tip: Newer units are quieter, more energy efficient, and offer better performance in hot climates.
🛏️ 4. Furnaces
Repair or Replace? Often repairable, but replacement may be necessary if it’s old.
What goes wrong: Blower motors seize up, circuit boards fail, and sail switches get stuck. These parts are often swappable.
When to Replace: If your furnace is more than 10 years old or showing signs of multiple failures (burnt wires, excessive soot, or short cycling), replacing the unit may save money long-term.
Cost Tip: A new furnace runs $700–$1200. A new control board alone can cost $200–$400 with labor, so weigh your options.
Technical Note: Check exhaust ports and return air intakes. Restricted airflow due to nesting insects or debris can mimic electrical issues and cause premature system failure.
💡 5. RV Lighting (Interior/Exterior)
Repair or Replace? Almost always replace.
Why: Most LED or incandescent fixtures aren’t worth fixing. If the bulb is integrated and the fixture fails, just swap it. Replacement is affordable, and upgraded LED options offer better light and lower battery drain.
Pro Tip: When upgrading, check the wiring for corrosion or heat damage—especially around exterior porch lights.
🍦 6. Refrigerators
Repair or Replace? It depends—but most major repairs mean replacement.
Tech Reality: RV fridges use absorption cooling with ammonia, and if that sealed system fails (leak or blockage), it can’t be repaired. Minor fixes like replacing thermistors or control boards are common, but cooling unit failures usually mean total replacement.
Cost Tip: Replacing a fridge can run $1200–$3000. If the repair is more than half the cost of a new unit, replacing is usually best.
Bonus Tip: Consider switching to a 12V or residential fridge if you don’t boondock often. They’re cheaper and cool faster.
Pro Tech Insight: Use a digital thermometer in both compartments. If freezer dips below 10°F but fridge stays warm, suspect poor airflow or a failed cooling fan.
⛽ 7. Water Heaters
Repair or Replace? Repairable in most cases.
Common Repairs: Replacing anode rods, thermostats, and igniters are basic maintenance. You can often repair leaks at fittings or flush sediment out of the tank.
When to Replace: If the tank itself is cracked or rusted through, replacement is the only option. Full tank replacements cost $400–$1000 depending on gas/electric models or on-demand.
Pro Tip: Tankless on-demand heaters offer continuous hot water and are becoming more popular for full-timers.
Deep Dive: Propane control valves and ECO limit switches are common failure points. If you're not getting hot water but hear clicking, suspect ignition failure or board issues.
🧯 8. Propane Regulators
Repair or Replace? Replace.
Why: Regulators often go bad without warning. If you're experiencing low burner flame, inconsistent fridge performance on propane, or furnace short-cycling, the regulator may be failing.
Tech Insight: Two-stage regulators are common. If the primary stage fails, the secondary won’t compensate. Replace the whole unit—repairing them is not cost-effective or reliable.
Pro Tip: Always keep a spare propane regulator in your RV. It’s a 20-minute job with basic tools and can save a ruined weekend.
🔌 9. Transfer Switches
Repair or Replace? Usually replace.
Why: Transfer switches route power between shore, generator, or inverter sources. If you're noticing buzzing, power drops, or delayed switching, it's likely a contactor or relay going bad.
Repairing internal components can lead to unsafe connections. These switches carry high voltage and any arc damage can cause fire risks. A full replacement is the safest route.
Tech Tip: Always inspect wiring lugs and ground terminals—loose connections here can melt the box or cause total system failure.
🔄 10. Slide-Out Motors & Gear Systems
Repair or Replace? Depends on the issue.
Repair: If the slide is slow or uneven, it might just need lubrication or a new shear pin. Motors can sometimes be rebuilt.
Replace: If your rack and pinion gears are stripped or motors have moisture damage, replacing the whole drive system may be necessary.
RV Tech Insight: Inspect slide controller boards and wiring for voltage drop before replacing expensive mechanical parts.
⚠ Final Thoughts
A good rule of thumb? If a repair costs more than 50% of the replacement price and your component is nearing end-of-life, it’s probably time to replace. But for small parts and common issues, learning to DIY your own repairs can save hundreds.
We always aim to empower our customers to understand their systems better—because a knowledgeable RV owner makes the best kind of client. And when it comes time for a pro? That’s what we’re here for.
Until next time fellow travelers,
Jordan @ Rolling Rabbit RV Repair
"Keeping you rolling, wherever the road takes you."
📍 Omaha, Nebraska
📞 (Text/call 402 - 699 - 4053 to schedule a service!)
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