Shopping online has made finding RV parts easier than ever. With a few clicks, you can search thousands of products, compare prices and have a part delivered directly to your home.
But there’s one problem:
Finding an RV part online doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve found the right RV part.
At California RV Specialists in Lodi, California, we regularly help RV owners identify parts, understand how components work and determine what may actually be causing a problem.
Sometimes the best thing you can do before clicking “Buy Now” is talk with someone who works on RVs every day.
Because when it comes to RV repairs:
The cheapest part isn’t a bargain if it isn’t the right part.
RV Parts Aren’t Always as Simple as Year, Make & Model
Automotive parts are often easy to identify by entering a vehicle’s year, make and model.
RVs can be very different.
An RV manufacturer may use components from numerous suppliers, and those components can change during a production year.
Two RVs that look identical may have different:
- Water pumps
- Furnaces
- Air conditioners
- Refrigerators
- Water heaters
- Slide-out components
- Awnings
- Plumbing fittings
- Electrical components
- Axles and suspension components
- Leveling-system parts
- Windows and exterior components
That’s why simply searching:
“2022 fifth wheel water pump”
may not give you enough information to identify the correct replacement.
Sometimes the manufacturer, model number, serial number, measurements or information directly from the original component is much more useful.
Make Sure the Part Is Actually the Problem
This may be even more important than identifying the correct replacement part.
Before ordering anything, ask:
Do you know that the component you’re replacing has actually failed?
For example:
A furnace that doesn’t operate doesn’t automatically need a new furnace.
A slide-out that doesn’t move doesn’t automatically need a motor.
A water pump that won’t run doesn’t necessarily mean the pump has failed.
A battery that keeps going dead doesn’t automatically mean you need another battery.
An RV refrigerator that isn’t cooling doesn’t necessarily need to be replaced.
A blown fuse doesn’t mean the fuse itself was the problem.
There may be an electrical, wiring, control, power-supply, adjustment or other issue causing the symptom.
Replacing parts without diagnosing the problem can get expensive quickly.
You might install a $200, $500 or $1,000 component and discover that the original part wasn’t the problem at all.
Diagnosis Before Parts
This is one of the biggest differences between simply shopping for parts and talking with an experienced RV repair facility.
Our technicians troubleshoot RV problems every day.
When appropriate, we want to determine:
What’s happening? Why is it happening? What failed? And what caused it to fail?
Replacing a failed component may solve the immediate problem.
Understanding why it failed may help prevent the replacement from failing too.
Compatibility Matters
Even when you’ve correctly identified the failed component, the replacement still needs to be compatible with the RV and the rest of the system.
A replacement component may have:
- Different electrical requirements
- Different dimensions
- Different mounting locations
- Different connectors
- Different plumbing connections
- Different control systems
- Updated hardware
- Superseded part numbers
- Additional components required for installation
A product listing saying “universal” doesn’t necessarily mean it will be a simple direct replacement for every RV.
Sometimes an older component has been discontinued and replaced by a newer version requiring an adapter, harness, control board or installation modification.
Knowing that before ordering can save time and frustration.
Online Pictures Can Be Deceiving
We’ve all done it.
You look at a picture online and think:
“That’s exactly what I have.”
Then it arrives.
The fitting is different.
The connector is on the wrong side.
The mounting holes don’t line up.
It’s the wrong voltage.
The dimensions are slightly different.
Or it’s simply the wrong part.
Many RV components look very similar from a photograph.
That’s why part numbers, model numbers, serial numbers and measurements can be so important.
Bring Us the Old RV Part
If you’re trying to identify a replacement component, bring the old part with you whenever practical.
Seeing the original component can provide information that isn’t obvious from an online search.
Look for labels containing:
Manufacturer • Model Number • Serial Number • Part Number • Voltage • Amperage • Capacity • Dimensions
Don’t throw the old component away until you’re sure you have the correct replacement.
Sometimes the information printed on that old part is exactly what we need to help identify what you’re looking for.
Can’t Bring the Part? Take Pictures
Obviously, you can’t bring your entire refrigerator, awning or slide-out system into the parts store.
That’s where good pictures can help.
Before coming in, take several photographs.
We recommend taking:
- A wide picture showing where the component is located
- A close-up of the component
- Pictures of electrical or plumbing connections
- A clear picture of the manufacturer’s label
- Model and serial numbers
- Pictures of mounting points or brackets
- Measurements when applicable
Don’t take only one extreme close-up.
Sometimes understanding where and how the component is installed is just as important as seeing the component itself.
Shipping Delays Can Turn a Small Repair Into a Big Headache
Online shopping is convenient when everything goes correctly.
But what happens when the wrong part arrives three days before your camping trip?
Now you have to:
Request a return → Package the part → Ship it back → Wait for the refund → Order another part → Wait for another delivery
And hopefully the second one is correct.
Sometimes buying locally means you can see the product, ask questions and compare components before leaving the store.
That can be especially valuable when you’re trying to get your RV ready for an upcoming trip.
Returns Aren’t Always Easy With RV Parts
Before ordering an RV component online, pay attention to the seller’s return policy.
Some electrical and electronic components may have return restrictions once installed or opened. Special-order components can also have different policies.
Shipping a large or heavy RV component back can also become expensive.
A low online price doesn’t look quite as attractive after paying return shipping and waiting another week for the correct part.
Sometimes You Don’t Need the Part You Think You Need
This is one of our favorite ways to help an RV owner.
You come in thinking you need a major component.
After talking through the problem, we may be able to point you toward something else that should be checked first.
That doesn’t mean we can diagnose every RV problem from across the parts counter. Some problems require proper testing by a technician.
But sometimes a conversation can prevent an owner from spending money on something that doesn’t address the actual issue.
We would rather help you understand the problem than simply sell you a part you may not need.
Sometimes Online Is the Right Choice
We’re not going to tell you that you should never buy RV parts online.
There are times when online shopping makes perfect sense.
Maybe it’s an item we don’t stock.
Maybe you need something highly specialized.
Maybe you’re traveling and we’re nowhere near you.
Maybe you’ve already identified the exact manufacturer and part number and simply found a good source.
Our point isn’t that buying online is bad.
Our point is:
Make sure you know what you’re buying before you buy it.
The Advantage of a Local Independent RV Parts Store
When you visit the California RV Specialists RV Parts & Accessories Store, you’re not walking into a parts store that’s disconnected from RV repair.
Our parts department is backed by a working RV service facility.
We see the problems.
We see the failed components.
We install the replacement parts.
We perform the maintenance.
And we see what happens when the wrong products are used.
That real-world experience allows us to help educate RV owners about the products they’re considering.
See the Parts Before You Buy
We’ve also created displays, samples and educational examples to help RV owners better understand their RVs.
Depending on what you’re working on, we can help with products and information involving:
Roof & Body Sealants • Plumbing • Electrical • Water Systems • Awnings • Slide-Outs • Suspension • Bearings & Brakes • Towing Equipment • Solar • Batteries • Maintenance Products • RV Accessories
Sometimes being able to hold two products side-by-side and see the difference makes the decision much easier.
DIY RV Owners Are Welcome
We believe RV owners should understand their RVs.
If you enjoy doing your own maintenance and repairs, come see us.
Bring your questions.
Bring your pictures.
Bring your old part.
Bring the model and serial numbers.
We’ll help where we can and let you know when something may require additional diagnosis.
And if you start a project and decide it’s more than you want to tackle yourself, our RV repair shop is right here.
Support Local RV Service
There’s another reason to consider shopping locally.
Supporting independent RV parts and repair businesses helps keep local RV knowledge, technicians, parts and service available in your community.
When you’re preparing for a trip and discover a problem on Thursday afternoon, having a knowledgeable RV shop nearby can suddenly become very important.
We’re proud to be that resource for RV owners throughout Northern California.
Before You Click “Buy Now,” Come Talk With Us
Online shopping isn’t going anywhere—and that’s okay.
But before spending hundreds or thousands of dollars guessing at an RV problem, consider stopping by your local RV repair and parts facility.
A few minutes of conversation may save you from:
Ordering the wrong part • Replacing a good component • Buying an incompatible product • Paying return shipping • Waiting for another delivery • Losing valuable camping time
Remember:
The cheapest part isn’t a bargain if it isn’t the right part.
California RV Specialists LLC
RV Parts & Accessories Store
200 S. Cherokee Lane
Lodi, CA 95240
209-263-7040
service@calrvspecialists.com
CaliforniaRVSpecialists.com
Serving the RV community since 2003.
RV Parts • Service • Repairs • Maintenance • Upgrades
