Customer Reviews

RV Repair and Maintenance Manual: Updated and Expanded (RV Repair & Maintenance Manual)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

OK - I haven't read this book front to back. It is, after all, a reference book. However, I have skimmed each of the sections and read several in detail, particularly those dealing with 12 Vdc and plumbing. I didn't pay so much attention to those parts dealing with motorhomes because I don't have one.

However, whether you own a Class A motorhome or an humble single-axle travel trailer (like I have), this book is *THE* guide to maintenance and repair. Example: I have an n-th hand 1975 Vanguard T13 travel trailer. The electrical system is in horrible shape, to express it charitably. This book has been my constant companion and guide as I refurbished and repaired the wiring, charging system, distribution boxes and so forth. Without doubt it has paid for itself twice or even three times over.

The book is broken down into self-contained sections - so you don't have to read the electrical section if the topic of the day is plumbing. Each section provides definitions for any special terms used, discusses the requirements and nature of the system in general terms, then gets into more detail. Each section has lots of clear line illustrations and high-quality black and white photographs.

The only reason I give this book only 4 stars is that in some respects it is a little intimidating for a novice RV owner. Once you get into it, it is very clear, but the initial impression is a little overwhelming, simply by the sheer size of the book and the volume of information presented. The only way to address this would be to produce multiple books - which might not be such a bad idea.

It is rare to find a "how-to" book which addresses both the needs of the mechanically skilled and the needs of those of us who break into a cold sweat at even the sight of a toolbox. This is such a book.

The topics covered, and the depth of the information, provide substance for even the most impassioned "do-it-yourselfer". On the other hand, those of us who are mechanically challenged find the step-by-step instructions and the detailed illustrations and photographs to be invaluable when circumstances require that we actually attempt to fix something.

The "RV Repair and Maintenance Manual", in each of its various editions, has accompanied us on our RV outings since we first got involved in the life style. We can't imagine hitting the road without it!

My wife inherited a 1988 Winnebago (31 foot, no slide-outs) and we've decided to bring it up to speed for beach trips. This is one of two books I have bought to get started, and it is the better of the two, but I like them both.

This book is absolutely one the best car maintenance books I have ever had the pleasure of using (I also have a 1964 MGB and related maintenance books). This book is brilliantly organized, crystal-clear, and I especially appreciate the full-page trouble-shooting guide with symptoms and fixes in two columns.

I also recommend RV Owner's Handbook, Revised (Rv Owner's Handbook) but I use that for overview reading. If you want only one book, buy the Trailer Life book, it is vastly more detailed and useful with respect to each individual system in any given RV.

I have not bought but want to flag Woodall's RV Owner's Handbook: The Complete, Illustrated Guide to Preventative Maintenance & Repairs for consideration.

This book is a must have for any RV owner. It is an excellent guide to tackle any tasks associated with RV maintenance. It is written for any level of do it yourself handymen.

I bought my first copy of this book (an older edition) for my MeToo RV (it would be 35 years old, if it's still on the road).
I have bought newer editions as I have bought new RVs (with newer appliances, needing newer information). I have also bought this manual as a present for almost every RVer I know

If you buy ONE RV book, buy this one

I found this book very useful, and will keep it on my shelf as a reference book. Although I already knew how to fix and maintain many car/truck items already, I found it very useful and think its good also for those who have not tried their hand at repairing other vehicle types.

Overall, I was happy with the purchase and would recommend it.

I've gotten an earlier edition from the local library 5 times and am buying it today. It seems to have everything I need for repair of everything on my 75 Dodge Class C. And everything in it needs repair

I picked up this book about a month ago. It does provide an overview look at the various functions that comprise the RV's "systems". I couldn't imagine that one book could provide specific detail on all the variations of those systems out here in the real world. It does a fair job of that though.

What I didn't like was that here is an "Updated & Expanded" manual, that starts off with figure 1.1 that is "WRONG". It is a pictorial of a simple tester measuring voltage across a fuse holder. The test light is "ON". The probes are shown at each end of the fuse. If the fuse is "good", there is zero volts between these two points and the test light would be "OFF". If the fuse was bad, again the test light would be "OFF". The negative probe should be displayed as being on a "ground" location. It may seem picky, but I can't find any place in the book to contact the author to suggest corrections. If there are a 3rd and 4th edition of this book, it seems that someone would have brought this up.

The purchase of the book was a mistake. The bulk of the information is cut and paste from various manufacturer's websites. The few photos are old and grainy. Clearly the book is pre-"take a great pic with a cell phone and upload it". Again, there is nothing really wrong with book other than dated information and lack of much real insight. My suggestion is save your money and google your RV issue- you will find the source information that was borrowed for the book.

This book seems to have EVERYTHING in it! I do the maintenance in an RV park, and as such, I help campers repair their own RV! This book has helped MANY new & old friends! Why pay someone else hundreds of dollars when you can just find the problem in this book and fix it yourself???