Camper parts wear down over time and eventually need to be replaced. But not any old part will do. Choosing the wrong part can cause a host of issues, from damage to the RV to safety situations on the open road. Trying to navigate the parts shopping process on your own can be a challenge, though, which is why we created the following guide to finding the right RV replacement parts.

If you have questions or want professional assistance picking the right camper part, reach out to the experts at Pete’s RV Center Indiana. We are a dealership with a camper parts and accessories department in Schererville, Indiana.

Be Careful About Deviating From The OEM Part

Sure, other options at cheaper price points may look similar. But we recommend avoiding those. There are often significant differences in quality and in the specifications that they were built to accommodate. The end result? A compromised RV performance that can even result in a safety hazard.

If you do decide to deviate from the OEM part, get an expert's second opinion before ordering and installing. They should be able to tell whether the swap is fine or too risky.

Check Your RV's Warranty Coverage

In some cases, a compromised part will still be under warranty coverage. This can save you an impressive amount of money.

The warranty coverage will depend on many factors. For example, a recently purchased RV will likely still be covered while an older used camper probably won't. It also hinges on the reason why the part needs to be replaced. Manufacturer error should be covered. User error probably will not.

Focus On The Camper Part Compatibility, Not The Price

The cheapest part option could be at the cost of important quality, durability, or longevity. On the flip side, the most expensive part option may not be the highest quality or the best fit. Pay attention to the part's fit with your camper first, then look at the price point.

Know It May Be Challenging To Find The Camper Part On Your Own

Some RV replacement parts are easy to locate. Others can be a diamond in the rough.

One contributing factor is the camper's manufacturer. It'll be harder to find a part from a lesser known or smaller RV brand.

Another factor is the RV's age. Replacement parts are more readily available for newer models. The parts found in old campers may not be manufactured anymore, which can make locating them a difficult process.

Know When To Rely On An RV Dealership

A camper dealership like Pete’s RV Center Indiana is a valuable resource in the parts replacement process. Our expert staff can quickly determine the exact part or parts you need, determine whether other models are a suitable alternative, order an obscure part, and even install it for you.

Let an RV dealership handle the parts replacement process if:

  • You need help figuring out which part to get
  • You can't find the part on your own
  • You don't know how to properly install the part
  • You could install the part, but you don't have the time or energy for the tedious process

We hope you found this guide to finding the right RV replacement parts helpful. Remember that the friendly staff at Pete’s RV Center Indiana is here to help! Our dealership is based in Schererville, Indiana. We also proudly serve those in Decatur and Champaign, Illinois, as well as Indianapolis, Indiana.