Finding the right replacement part for an RV isn’t always as easy as searching by the year, make and model.
RV manufacturers use components from many different suppliers, and those components can change during production. Two RVs of the same year and model may sometimes have different appliances, plumbing components, electrical parts, hardware or accessories.
That’s why at California RV Specialists in Lodi, California, we encourage RV owners to bring us as much information as possible when they’re trying to identify a replacement part.
And whenever practical:
Bring us the old part.
Our RV Parts & Accessories Store is backed by an actual RV repair shop, giving our parts department access to the real-world experience of technicians who work on these systems every day.
Sometimes seeing the failed component is the fastest way to start figuring out what you actually need.
Why RV Parts Can Be Difficult to Identify
An RV isn’t manufactured entirely by one company.
The RV manufacturer builds the coach using components supplied by many other manufacturers. Depending on the RV, those components might include products from companies specializing in:
Appliances • Plumbing • Electrical Systems • Awnings • Slide-Outs • Suspension • Axles • Brakes • Leveling Systems • Windows • Doors • Roof Components • Towing Equipment
Over time, manufacturers also change suppliers, update designs and substitute components.
The original part may have been discontinued.
A part number may have been superseded.
A replacement may look different from the original.
Or a newer replacement may require additional components to make it work.
That’s why identifying an RV part from a single photograph or the RV’s model year isn’t always enough.
Bring the Old Part With You
If the component is small enough to remove and transport safely, bring it into our parts department.
The old part can tell us quite a bit.
We may be able to look at:
- Manufacturer
- Part number
- Model number
- Serial number
- Dimensions
- Electrical connections
- Voltage
- Plumbing connections
- Mounting configuration
- Hardware
- Physical design
- Other identifying markings
Even a broken component can contain valuable information.
Don’t throw the old part away until you’ve confirmed the correct replacement.
Don’t Clean Off the Information We Need
Before cleaning an old component, look closely for labels, stickers, stamped numbers or molded numbers.
Sometimes a dirty label that doesn’t look important contains the information needed to identify the part.
Take a clear picture of it before doing anything else.
Model and serial numbers can be especially important for appliances and other major components.
Can’t Bring the Part? Bring Pictures
Obviously, you can’t walk into our store carrying your entire RV refrigerator, furnace, air conditioner or slide-out system.
That’s okay.
Take pictures before coming in.
But don’t take only one close-up picture.
We recommend taking several photographs:
1. Take a wide picture.
Show us where the component is located and how it’s installed.
2. Take a close-up.
Show the actual component or damaged area.
3. Photograph the label.
Get a clear picture of model numbers, serial numbers and part numbers.
4. Photograph the connections.
Show wiring, plugs, hoses, fittings and mounting points when applicable.
5. Photograph both sides.
Sometimes an identifying feature is located somewhere you wouldn’t expect.
6. Take pictures before disassembly.
This can help show how everything was originally installed.
The more useful information we have, the better chance we have of pointing you in the right direction.
Measurements Can Make a Big Difference
If you’re looking for items such as molding, seals, vents, plumbing components, hardware or replacement accessories, bring measurements.
Depending on the component, we may need to know:
Length • Width • Height • Diameter • Hole Spacing • Mounting Dimensions • Opening Size • Connection Size
Don’t rely on appearance alone.
Two parts can look almost identical in a photograph but differ just enough that one won’t fit.
Bring Your RV Information Too
It’s always helpful to know:
RV Year • Manufacturer • Model • Floorplan
Depending on what you’re looking for, the RV’s VIN may also be helpful.
For an appliance or component, however, the information directly from that component may be more important than the information on the side of the RV.
For example, if you’re looking for a water-heater part, we may need the water heater’s model and serial number, not simply the RV model.
Tell Us What Happened
Don’t just tell us:
“I need one of these.”
Tell us why you think you need it.
Did it break?
Did it stop operating?
Is it leaking?
Did a fuse blow?
Is there physical damage?
Did something happen while traveling?
Has someone already diagnosed the problem?
That information matters because sometimes the broken part is only the result of another problem.
Replacing it without determining why it failed could lead to the replacement failing again.
The Part You Think You Need May Not Be the Problem
This is where having an RV parts department connected to an independent RV repair shop can be particularly valuable.
A slide that won’t move doesn’t automatically mean it needs a motor.
A furnace that won’t start doesn’t automatically need a furnace.
A water pump that isn’t operating doesn’t automatically mean the pump has failed.
A battery that keeps going dead doesn’t automatically mean you need another battery.
A blown fuse doesn’t necessarily mean the fuse was defective.
Sometimes the problem requires actual diagnostic testing.
We’re not going to pretend that every RV can be diagnosed over a parts counter.
Sometimes our best advice may be:
“Before you spend money on that part, we should test the RV and find out what’s actually wrong.”
That can potentially save you from buying parts you don’t need.
Our Parts Department & Repair Shop Work Together
This is one of the advantages of visiting California RV Specialists.
We’re not simply a retail store with RV products hanging on the wall.
We’re a working RV service facility.
Our technicians deal with:
Electrical Problems • Plumbing Leaks • Appliances • Roofs • Sealants • Slide-Outs • Awnings • Suspension • Brakes • Wheel Bearings • Towing Systems • Solar • Batteries • Inverters • RV Accessories
Our parts department sees what comes off the RV, and our technicians see how those components fail, how they’re installed and what it takes to repair them.
That combination gives us a different perspective when helping an RV owner look for a part.
See Our Displays & Samples
We’ve also put together displays, samples and examples to help educate RV owners.
Sometimes it’s much easier to understand a maintenance item when you can actually see what we’re talking about.
You may be able to compare components, see examples of wear or understand how a particular system works before purchasing something.
That’s part of what we want our local RV parts store to be:
Not just somewhere to buy RV parts—but somewhere to learn about your RV.
DIY RV Owners Are Welcome
If you enjoy maintaining or repairing your own RV, we’re happy to help where we can.
Bring us:
The Old Part • Pictures • Model Numbers • Serial Numbers • Measurements • RV Information • Your Questions
We’ll use the information available to help identify possible replacement components and point you in the right direction.
If the issue requires diagnosis or the repair becomes more involved than you want to handle yourself, our service department is right here.
Before Ordering an RV Part Online, Come See Us
Online shopping is convenient, and sometimes it’s exactly the right option.
But ordering the wrong RV part can mean:
Waiting for shipping → Discovering it doesn’t fit → Requesting a return → Paying return shipping → Waiting for a refund → Ordering another part → Waiting all over again
If you’re local, bring the old component to us first.
Sometimes a few minutes looking at the actual part can save a lot of time, frustration and money.
Bring us the part. Bring us the pictures. Bring us the information.
We’ll help where we can.
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
Experts You Can Count On.
