How to Fix a Camper DIY

After a season in storage or a season on the road, damage to your camper is almost inevitable. RV dealers often charge an arm and a leg for minor repairs, in addition to having long wait lists for repair jobs in peak camping season. Learn to fix your camper at home with basic supplies available at home improvement stores and camper supply shops. Most repairs are accomplished in a weekend, getting you back on the road for your next adventure.

Things You'll Need

  • RV-grade detergent
  • Aluminum tape
  • Aluminum siding
  • Roof sealant
  • Paint
  • RV putty tape
  • Caulk
  • White liquid correction fluid
  • White drywall filler
  • Tinted drywall filler
  • Sewing needle and thread
  • Canvas patch
  • Sand paper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the exterior of your camper with a detergent designed for RVs. Examine the roof for minor damage, such as small holes or tears. Cover the damaged area with a rounded-off piece of aluminum tape, leaving some overlap. Smooth out the tape with your hand to make sure it seals completely.

    • 2

      Repair large roof damage with a spare piece of aluminum siding. Wrap the edges of the siding with roof sealant. Place the siding over the damaged area and cover it completely with aluminum tape, attaching it to the roof. Paint over the area to camouflage your repair job.

    • 3

      Inspect the roof vents for any leaks. Cover all potentially leaky areas with RV putty tape and let it dry. Caulk your repair for a tight seal.

    • 4

      Unroll your camper awning and wash it, inspecting for tears and leaks. After the fabric is dry, sew any tears closed with a needle and thread. Cut a canvas patch that will overlap the repair area, and sew it over the damaged area.

    • 5

      Inspect the interior of your camper for damage. Fill small holes in the walls with white correction fluid or drywall filler and let it dry. Lightly smooth the repair area with sand paper. Apply tinted drywall filler to holes on darker surfaces to help the repair blend in to the camper's interior.