Before taking that dream road or camping trip (or maybe both), it is vital to make sure all your RV parts are in excellent working condition. Do not cancel your trip. Since there are several online and local stores that offer expedited shipping, your itinerary does not need to change. Look on the Internet for all the elements of a great and safe trip.
The Hunt
First, locate the make, model, and year of your mobile home. In most cases, putting this information in your search engine will yield useful results. Many times, it’s best to use the manufacturer’s website, as you may be able to order directly, locate stores that sell authorized products, or, if needed, find a copy of the owner’s manual in PDF format. These downloadable files make it easy to sift through all that text and get right to the information you need. Most owner’s manuals will have a “Replacement Parts” section that will tell you the item or part number of the most commonly replaced RV parts.
Type your item number and the brand name into the search box. Normally, the manufacturer will be the first one that displays on your query results. The listing should show you the URL before you click the link. Most companies use a .com or .net and avoid .us, .biz, etc. This isn’t to say legitimate businesses don’t use them, simply that it’s uncommon.
On the other hand, if you can’t find the item number for the item you’re looking for, your results will look a little different. The results that come up will be all over the place, but never fear! Sifting through to find what you’re looking for can still be quick and easy. First, you’ll want to type in your make, model, and year. Follow that up with the basic description of what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a tube or clamp, be specific. If you want the door handle for your XT-9000, then search that. It’s simple!
The Outcome
You’ll find a variety of listings for RV parts that could possibly fit your model. How do you tell them apart? Check for your model and style specifically. Depending on the component, the year may matter. Better safe than sorry, ensure the year is a term used in your query. Be wary of any retailer that offers items with “similar to” or “same as” in their descriptions. Just because they look the same and have the model and year in the description, doesn’t always mean it’ll work. In addition, always check the reviews. Double check that the merchant has a return policy that allows you to send the item back. Also, check their shipping policy. One-day shipping is useless if there is a week-long processing period. You will want someone that will ship it within 24-48 hours.
Buying Locally
Using the Internet to help you find a local shop is sometimes the only way to find the right piece you need. This may require a bit of calling around. Many phone browsers and search engines have a “near me” option, so typing in “RV parts” or “XT-9000” should bring you a list of localized results. However, if you’re using your home computer, make sure to include the area code, not the city, to locate a business. If you’re looking for broader results or are willing to travel farther, then increasing the distance or using the city may be sufficient.
No matter if you’re in a squeeze or just starting on a project, finding the missing bits for your RV can be as easy as sitting down at your computer. It only takes a few minutes and you’ll have your missing pieces within a reasonable amount of time. Of course, no guarantee you’ll make your trip, but the money saved or even the lack of stress is worth the result.