RV Appliance Repair in Sebastian

Both are absorption refrigerators that run on propane or electric, but they use different cooling unit designs. Dometic units tend to be more efficient on propane and are found in a wider range of RV models. Norcold units are known for their control board reliability in older models but have had recall issues with certain cooling units. Both brands work on the same basic principle: a boiler heats an ammonia solution, and gravity circulates the coolant through the system. There are no moving parts in the cooling unit itself, which is why they last a long time but are expensive to replace when they fail.

The most common causes are a dirty or clogged burner orifice, a failed thermocouple, a bad gas valve, low propane pressure from a failing regulator, or spider webs inside the burner tube. In Florida, insects love to nest in the warm burner assembly, especially during the humid summer months. We start by checking the flame quality. A healthy RV fridge flame is solid blue with minimal yellow tips. If the flame is lazy, orange, or will not stay lit, we clean the burner, test the thermocouple, and check propane pressure at the appliance.

RV propane systems must meet NFPA 1192 standards. Every propane appliance has a safety shutoff mechanism. Refrigerators use thermocouples. Furnaces use flame sensors. Stoves rely on manual valve operation. The system includes a two-stage regulator at the tank, gas lines rated for RV use, and individual shutoff valves at each appliance. We check for leaks at every connection using a gas detector and soap solution. If you smell propane inside your RV, open windows immediately, turn off the tank valve, and call us.

Awning fabric replacement runs $200 to $500 for the fabric alone, depending on the length and material. Vinyl is the most affordable. Acrylic fabric costs more but holds up better to UV and resists mildew. Installation adds $100 to $200 depending on the awning style. If the hardware, arms, or roller tube are damaged, that adds to the cost. Florida sun is brutal on awning fabric. We see fabrics that are rated for 5 years fail in 3 in Sebastian due to the constant UV exposure.

The most common issues are the unit not completing the dry cycle (clothes come out damp), excessive vibration during spin, the unit stopping mid-cycle with an error code, and water not draining properly. Splendide and Westland are the two main RV combo brands. Both are ventless condensation dryers, which means they take much longer to dry than a vented unit. In Florida's high humidity, the dry cycle can take 2 to 3 hours for a small load. If your unit is consistently failing to dry, the most common fix is cleaning the lint filter, checking the drain pump, and verifying the water supply temperature.

Yes, but the replacement needs to fit the existing cutout in the cabinetry. RV microwaves are typically smaller than household units. Standard sizes are 0.7, 0.9, and 1.1 cubic feet. We measure the opening, match the electrical requirements, and install a compatible unit. If you want to upgrade to a convection microwave, that is usually a straightforward swap as long as the dimensions and wattage match. We handle the mounting, trim kit if needed, and electrical connection.

RV refrigerators last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance, though the cooling unit may need replacement around year 10 to 15. RV furnaces last 10 to 15 years. Water heaters last 8 to 12 years. Stoves and ovens are mostly mechanical and can last 15+ years. Awning fabric lasts 3 to 5 years in Florida's sun. Washer/dryer combos typically last 5 to 8 years. These numbers assume regular use and maintenance. An RV that sits unused for long periods in Florida's heat and humidity will see faster degradation across all appliances.

Our general rule is the 50 percent threshold. If the repair cost exceeds 50 percent of the replacement cost and the appliance is past the midpoint of its expected lifespan, replacement usually makes more sense. For example, a Dometic fridge cooling unit replacement runs $1,200 to $1,800 installed. If the fridge is 15 years old, that money is better spent on a new unit. But if the fridge is only 5 years old and just needs a new control board for $200, repair is the obvious choice. We will always give you both options and our honest recommendation.