Mobile service

Mobile RV appliance repair

RV appliances run on a mix of propane, 12-volt DC and 120-volt shore power, which is why they fail in ways a home appliance does not. A fridge that works on electric but not propane, a furnace that blows cold air, or a water heater that will not light usually comes down to a specific component like an igniter, thermocouple, board, fuse or sail switch. A mobile RV tech can come to your campsite, driveway or storage spot, test the propane and electrical side, and repair or replace the part. Tell them the appliance and, if possible, the model plate details, and describe what it does when you try to use it.

Request RV appliance repair Check recalls first
Updated September 25, 2026Written by the Trackara team
Quick answer

Yes. A mobile RV tech can diagnose and repair most refrigerators, furnaces, water heaters, stoves, ovens, roof air conditioners and microwaves where the RV is parked. Some repairs need ordered parts or a unit removed for replacement, and a propane leak should be treated as an emergency first.

Signs you need RV appliance repair

  • Refrigerator not cooling, or cooling on one power source but not the other
  • Fridge shows a 'check' or fault light
  • Furnace fan runs but no heat
  • Furnace clicks or tries to light and shuts off
  • No hot water, or hot water only on electric or only on propane
  • Stove burners or oven will not light
  • Roof air conditioner runs but does not cool, or trips the breaker
  • Rotten egg smell near an appliance
  • Microwave or outlets dead when on shore power

If you smell propane, turn off the tank valve if you can do so safely, get everyone out, do not flip switches or light anything, and call for help from a safe distance. Leave propane lines, burners and the 120-volt side to the tech, and keep carbon monoxide and propane detectors working.

Common causes

Low or interrupted propane supplyAn empty or partly closed tank, a regulator problem, or air in the lines after refilling can stop propane appliances from lighting.
Ignition or flame sensing partsIgniters, electrodes, thermocouples and flame sensors wear or get dirty. The appliance tries to light, then shuts off for safety.
Low 12-volt powerMost propane appliances still need 12-volt power for their control boards and fans. A weak battery can make them act up even when propane is fine.
Control board or fuse failureCircuit boards on fridges, furnaces and water heaters can fail or blow a fuse, taking out one mode or the whole appliance.
Electric heating elementWater heaters and absorption fridges use a heating element for electric mode. When it fails, the appliance may work only on propane.
Furnace airflow faultsA weak battery, blocked return air or failing blower can keep the sail switch from closing, so the burner never lights.
Level and ventilation for absorption fridgesAbsorption fridges need the RV reasonably level and good airflow behind the unit to cool well.
Air conditioner capacitor or airflowFailed start capacitors, dirty coils and clogged filters are common reasons a roof air conditioner struggles.

What gets done where it's parked, and what needs a shop

Usually done on site

  • Testing propane supply and pressure at the appliances
  • Replacing igniters, electrodes, thermocouples and flame sensors
  • Diagnosing and replacing control boards, fuses and thermostats
  • Replacing water heater elements, thermostats and anode rods where used
  • Furnace cleaning and repair of blowers and sail switches
  • Refrigerator diagnosis on both propane and electric modes
  • Roof air conditioner capacitor, filter and airflow service
  • Leak checks on the propane system after work

May need a shop or lift

  • Replacing a refrigerator cooling unit, which often means removing the fridge
  • Sealed system refrigerant work on air conditioners or residential fridges
  • Appliance swaps where the new unit needs cabinet changes
  • Parts that must be ordered for older or less common models

Every mechanic's setup is different. The one who accepts your request will tell you if your job needs a shop.

Before the mechanic arrives

  • Note which power sources you have (shore power, generator, battery) and check the house battery
  • Confirm the propane tanks have fuel and the tank valves are open, if there is no leak
  • Take a photo of the model and serial plate on the appliance
  • Write down what the appliance does, including any lights or codes
  • Clear access to exterior appliance doors and the inside cabinet

Photos of warning lights, leaks or damage help the mechanic bring the right parts. You can add up to five with your request.

Questions to ask when you get a quote

  1. Is this a propane, 12-volt or 120-volt problem, or more than one?
  2. Do you carry common parts for my appliance, or will they need to be ordered?
  3. Will you leak test the propane system after working on it?
  4. Is repair worth it on this unit, or would replacement make more sense?
  5. Can you check the other appliances and detectors while you are here?

Trackara never handles payment for the work. You agree the price with the mechanic before they start, and you pay them directly. How to read a repair quote.

Vehicles this applies to

RVs and motorhomes Trailers

RV appliance repair: questions and answers

Usually, yes. Most fridge problems are in the controls, igniter, heating element or power supply, and those can be tested and replaced on site. If the cooling unit itself has failed, the fridge may need to come out, which takes more planning.
The propane side depends on the tank supply, the igniter, the burner and flame sensing, and the control board. Any of those can stop propane mode while electric still works. A tech can test each in turn.
Often the burner is not lighting, because of low propane, low battery voltage, a sail switch that is not closing, or an ignition fault. Do not keep cycling it over and over. Have it looked at, and check that your carbon monoxide detector works.
Get everyone out, shut the tank valve only if you can reach it safely, do not operate switches or anything that could spark, and call for help from a safe distance. Do not use the RV until the leak is found and fixed. Once it is safe, a tech can repair the source.
Many RV techs work on all the house systems. See RV plumbing and tank repair and solar and inverter service, and mention everything you want checked in one request.

Helpful guides

RV Pre-Trip Checklist: What to Check Before You Hit the RoadRVs
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