The RV issues 24/7 Roadservices Australia sees the most
While every breakdown is different, these are issues seen repeatedly across highways, regional roads and remote travel routes. They often involve experienced travellers as much as first-timers, which highlights how important preparation and maintenance are when travelling in a motorhome.
The most common issues RV travellers require roadside assistance for are:
- Tyre blowouts or punctures
- Battery failure (engine or auxiliary batteries)
- Overheating and cooling system issues
- Running out of fuel
- Mechanical breakdowns such as belt, hose or brake failures
Tyre blowouts and punctures
Tyre-related incidents are one of the most common reasons motorhome travellers call for roadside assistance. A typical scenario is a motorhome travelling along a highway on a hot afternoon after several hours of driving or running over potholes and nails in tyres. The vehicle begins to pull to one side before a loud bang signals a blowout. In many cases, the tyre is under-inflated for the load it carries, or it is several years old and weakened by heat. Motorhome tyres work harder than standard vehicles due to weight and prolonged driving, so heat build-up can cause sudden failure even when the tread still looks acceptable.
Battery failure
Battery issues frequently occur at campsites, rest stops or free camping areas, often first thing in the morning. For example, a motorhome that’s been parked overnight with lights, fridges or an inverter running may struggle to start the next day. Sometimes the batteries are simply ageing and no longer hold charge effectively; other times, travellers aren’t aware of how much power their accessories draw overnight. In a larger motorhome, multiple batteries and auxiliary systems can make it harder to pinpoint the issue until the vehicle won’t start.
