Frequently Asked Questions

Skandia Northwest Manufacturing has been serving the RV community since 2008, giving us over 15 years of specialized experience in RV repair and maintenance. Our founder, Marcus Skandia, started the company after working as a technician for various RV dealerships throughout Washington State.

Over the years, we've completed over 500 RV repairs and restorations, earning a reputation for quality workmanship and honest service throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Yes, we offer mobile repair services for certain types of repairs and situations. Our mobile service is available for:

• Emergency roadside repairs
• Basic maintenance and inspections
• Minor electrical and plumbing issues
• Pre-trip safety inspections

However, major repairs requiring specialized equipment or extensive work are best performed at our fully equipped facility. We'll assess your situation and recommend the best approach for your specific needs.

We proudly serve customers throughout Washington State, with our primary service areas including:

• Bellingham and surrounding areas
• Mount Vernon and Skagit Valley
• Anacortes and the San Juan Islands region
• Sedro-Woolley and the North Cascades corridor

For mobile services, we typically service within a 50-mile radius of our Mt Baker Highway location. Special arrangements can be made for customers traveling from greater distances.

RV repair costs vary significantly depending on the type of repair needed. Here are our typical starting prices:

• Engine Repair: Starting at $295 (diagnostics and minor repairs)
• Electrical Systems: Starting at $185 (troubleshooting and basic repairs)
• Plumbing Systems: Starting at $165 (leak repairs and maintenance)
• Roof Repair: Starting at $425 (inspection and minor repairs)
• Interior Restoration: Starting at $750 (partial refurbishment)
• Slide-Out Repair: Starting at $385 (adjustment and maintenance)

We always provide detailed estimates before beginning work, with no hidden fees or surprise charges.

Yes, we provide free estimates for all repair work. Our process includes:

1. Initial Consultation: We discuss your RV's issues over the phone or in person
2. Visual Inspection: Our technician examines your RV to identify problems
3. Detailed Estimate: We provide a comprehensive written estimate with itemized costs
4. Explanation: We explain all recommended repairs and answer your questions

There's no obligation to proceed with repairs after receiving an estimate, and we never charge for the initial assessment.

Repair timeframes depend on the complexity of the work and parts availability:

• Minor Repairs: 1-2 days (electrical fixes, small leaks, basic maintenance)
• Moderate Repairs: 3-5 days (appliance repair, slide-out service, roof work)
• Major Repairs: 1-2 weeks (engine overhauls, complete interior restoration)
• Complex Projects: 2-3 weeks (major renovations, extensive damage repair)

We provide realistic timeframes during the estimate process and keep you updated on progress throughout the repair.

Yes, all of our repair work is backed by comprehensive warranties:

• Labor Warranty: 12 months on all labor and workmanship
• Parts Warranty: We honor manufacturer warranties on all parts used
• Engine Work: Extended warranties available for major engine rebuilds
• Interior Work: 24 months on upholstery and interior modifications

Our warranties demonstrate our confidence in the quality of our work and provide you with peace of mind for your investment.

Regular maintenance is crucial for RV longevity and safety. We recommend:

• Annual Inspections: Complete system check before camping season
• Engine Service: Every 6 months or 5,000 miles (whichever comes first)
• Roof Inspection: Twice yearly, especially after winter storage
• Appliance Service: Annually or as needed based on usage
• Winterization: Essential before freezing temperatures

Heavy users or full-time RVers may need more frequent service. We can create a custom maintenance schedule based on your usage patterns.

Roof leak prevention is one of the most important aspects of RV maintenance:

• Regular Inspections: Check your roof every 3-6 months for cracks or damage
• Clean Gutters: Keep gutters and drains clear of debris
• Reseal Joints: Inspect and reseal around vents, antennas, and AC units annually
• Tree Avoidance: Be careful when parking under low branches
• Professional Inspection: Have your roof professionally inspected every 2-3 years

Early detection and repair of small issues can prevent major water damage and expensive repairs.

Proper winterization protects your RV's plumbing and systems from freeze damage:

1. Drain Water System: Empty all tanks, lines, and the water heater
2. Add Antifreeze: Use RV-safe antifreeze in all water lines
3. Protect Appliances: Winterize ice makers, washing machines, and other water-using appliances
4. Battery Care: Remove or maintain charge on batteries during storage
5. Ventilation: Ensure proper air circulation to prevent moisture buildup

We offer professional winterization services to ensure the job is done correctly and completely.

Based on our 15+ years of experience, the most common RV issues include:

• Water Leaks: Usually from roof, windows, or plumbing connections
• Electrical Problems: Battery issues, converter problems, or wiring faults
• Slide-Out Issues: Mechanical problems or seal failures
• Appliance Failures: Refrigerators, furnaces, and water heaters
• Tire Problems: Blowouts, wear issues, or age-related failures
• Awning Problems: Fabric tears or mechanism failures

Regular maintenance and prompt attention to small issues can prevent most major problems.

RV refrigerator cooling issues can have several causes:

• Leveling Issues: RV must be level for absorption refrigerators to work properly
• Ventilation Problems: Blocked vents prevent proper air circulation
• Cooling Unit Failure: The absorption cooling unit may need replacement
• Thermistor Problems: Faulty temperature sensors cause erratic operation
• Door Seal Issues: Worn seals allow cool air to escape

Many refrigerator issues require professional diagnosis and repair. We service all major RV refrigerator brands and can often repair units that others consider unrepairable.

Slide-out issues are common in RVs and can be caused by:

• Lack of Lubrication: Moving parts need regular lubrication
• Seal Deterioration: Worn seals allow water infiltration and mechanism damage
• Motor Problems: Electric motors can fail or lose power
• Hydraulic Issues: Leaks or pressure problems in hydraulic systems
• Debris Buildup: Dirt and debris can jam the mechanism
• Structural Issues: Frame damage can cause binding or misalignment

Regular maintenance and prompt repair of small issues can prevent major slide-out failures that could leave you stranded.

Signs of electrical system problems include:

• Battery Issues: Batteries not holding charge or dying quickly
• Lights Dimming: LED or incandescent lights dimming or flickering
• Converter Problems: No 12V power when plugged into shore power
• GFCI Tripping: Frequent ground fault circuit interruption
• Inverter Failure: No AC power when off-grid
• Charging Issues: Batteries not charging from engine or solar

Our technicians use advanced diagnostic equipment to trace electrical problems quickly and accurately, saving you time and money on repairs.

System upgrades can improve your RV experience and value:

• Solar Power: Consider upgrading if you enjoy off-grid camping
• Lithium Batteries: Upgrade from lead-acid for longer life and better performance
• LED Lighting: Reduces power consumption and heat generation
• Inverter Upgrade: Higher capacity inverters support more appliances
• Water Filtration: Improve water quality and taste
• Connectivity: WiFi boosters and cellular signal boosters

We can help you evaluate which upgrades make sense for your RV and camping style, providing professional installation and integration.