By Dustin Simpson, Co-Owner – California RV Specialists, Lodi, CA
Lately, I’ve seen a wave of online posts warning people to “run away” from certain RV brands — Grand Design included. As someone who has been in the RV repair industry for more than 25 years and works with thousands of customers across the U.S., I understand the frustration behind some of those comments. But I also think we need to take a step back and look at RV ownership a little differently.
Here’s the truth most people don’t talk about:
RVs are man-made machines, and every single one of them is used, stored, maintained, and towed differently. Two identical floorplans built on the same day can have completely different lifespans based solely on how they’re treated.
Some owners unintentionally overuse, overload, or even abuse their RVs without realizing it — and eventually those stresses show up in the form of repairs.
RVs Aren’t “Turn the Key and Go”
An RV isn’t a car.
It’s a house.
On wheels.
Going through earthquakes every time you tow it.
Inside that house is a combination of electrical circuits, plumbing, heating and cooling, slide-out mechanisms, water systems, suspension components, appliances, structural fasteners, seals, adhesives, and dozens of vendor-supplied parts working together.
These units require ongoing care — not because they’re “bad,” but because they’re complex.
I’m not defending any manufacturer. I’m saying that as a community, the culture of RV ownership needs to shift.
Pride in Ownership Matters
There was a time when taking care of your rig was part of the lifestyle — just like maintaining a classic car. You cleaned it, inspected it, upgraded it, and learned its quirks.
Today, many owners simply haven’t taken the time to really dig into their owner’s manuals or understand the individual components that make their RV function. And it’s not their fault — RV education has never been strong across the industry.
What We See in the Shop Every Day
At California RV Specialists, we perform thousands of inspections and repairs every year. One of the most common conversations we have goes like this:
We review a customer’s list of issues.
They’re shocked.
We ask what maintenance has been performed.
The answer?
“We gave it a bath.”
That’s not neglect — that’s simply a lack of information.
Education Is Everything
Even after 25+ years in this industry, I still learn something new every single day. That’s why we share as much as we can through our shop, our YouTube channel, our Facebook groups, and our RV consumer education posts.
Our goal isn’t just to fix RVs — it’s to:
- Help owners understand their rigs
- Offer guidance before small issues become big ones
- Protect their long-term investment
- Bring back the pride and enjoyment of RV ownership
Because when RVers are educated, they’re empowered — and their RV experience is better in every way.
A Final Thought
If you’re struggling with RV issues, I genuinely feel for you. It can be overwhelming, but many problems can be corrected with time, care, and proper repair. Don’t give up on your RV — let’s focus on education, maintenance, and community support.
Have a fantastic week, and please travel safe.
About California RV Specialists
California RV Specialists (Lodi, CA) is an independent RV repair facility serving RV owners across California and beyond. Since 2003, we’ve specialized in customer-pay repairs, insurance claims, extended warranty repairs, manufacturer warranty work, structural evaluations, expert witness services, and RV owner education.
We proudly assist owners of Grand Design, Brinkley, Alliance, Keystone, Forest River, Outdoors RV, Genesis Supreme, Winnebago, Jayco, Thor, Dutchmen, and many others.
Why RV Owners Choose Us
- 25+ years of hands-on industry experience
- No RV sales — just honest repair and maintenance
- We work with insurance & warranty providers
- Factory-level inspections and upgrades
- In-person and virtual education for RV owners
- Over 1,300+ YouTube videos teaching RV repairs and maintenance
- Admins for multiple Facebook groups with 250,000+ RV owners
If you need help, advice, or repairs, we’re here for you.
📍 California RV Specialists – Lodi, CA
📞 (209) 263-7040
🌐 https://calrvspecialists.com
📺 YouTube: Your RV Specialists
💬 Facebook Communities: 250k+ members served monthly
