About RV Tech Lab
RV Tech Lab exists because most RV repair content online is either too vague to act on, written to rank rather than inform, or buried in forum threads where the answer is three pages in and might be wrong.
When something breaks on your rig — the fridge stops cooling at 6 PM, the water heater won't fire up before a cold morning shower — you need a clear answer fast. Not a list of ten things to maybe try. Not a recommendation to visit a dealer.
What this site is
A structured reference library for understanding and diagnosing RV systems. Every guide follows the same format: what the symptoms mean, which system they point to, what to check first, and what the fix actually is — with cost and time estimates so you know what you're getting into before you start.
The content is organized around systems — refrigerators, water heaters, air conditioners — rather than brands or models, because most RV appliances share the same components across manufacturers. A Dometic RM 1350 and a Norcold 2118 have different names on the door but the same absorption cooling physics. Once you understand the system, you can diagnose any brand.
What this site isn't
It's not a lifestyle blog, not a product review aggregator, and not a forum. You won't find "best RV refrigerator" listicles here — that format optimizes for affiliate commissions, not for helping you fix what you have.
Where affiliate links appear — in the tools and parts sections of repair guides — they're there because the item is genuinely needed for the repair. The recommendation comes from the diagnostic process, not the other way around.
How guides are written and verified
Every guide draws on manufacturer documentation, technician guidance, and real-world repair experience. We make reasonable efforts to verify accuracy, but RV appliance designs change across model years and manufacturers issue updates that may not be reflected here. Always verify procedures against your specific appliance's documentation before beginning a repair. See our full Disclaimer.
The Pacific Northwest — Washington and Oregon — is home base. If you're RVing out here, the guides reflect the realities of camping in a region with wide temperature swings, damp winters, and occasional elevation where propane pressure behaves differently.
Found an error?
RV repair guidance evolves as manufacturers update their components and technicians discover better diagnostic approaches. If something in a guide is wrong, outdated, or missing an important step — please reach out. Accuracy matters more than being right the first time.