If you love your RV, you’re not alone. According to RVIA estimates, there are as many as 30,000,000 RV enthusiasts and RV renters in the United States. There’s something special about being able to hop in your own vehicle and completely shift your place of residence at the same time. The freedom associated with driving an RV is second to none. However, that freedom can be quickly curtailed if your RV is in need of repair. Getting your RV repaired can be simple, however, if you know the right place to go. Auto body repair on an RV doesn’t have to be a complicated task, and neither does the process of getting new parts. Finding the right professional to handle the job will make it a breeze. Here are some tips to make sure you land the right RV pro for your auto body repair or other RV repairs.

Choose a Shop that Specializes in RVs

Fixing an RV comes with several different challenges that are specific to these kinds of vehicles. The weight of an RV makes certain problems more severe than others. Even when it comes to auto body repair for an RV, a collision is going to cause more damage than it would if the vehicle were a regular car or truck. The momentum the vehicle experiences during impact is significantly more due to its increased mass. This means special care has to be taken in order to make sure not just the outside of the RV is spic and span, but everything underneath the surface that could have been damaged is properly taken care of. For example, if you get into a fender bender, the front bumper will certainly suffer damage, but the frame underneath could also be compromised because of the energy it may have had to absorb. Only a shop that specializes in RVs is going to be able to check for all of the auxiliary issues that can occur with an accident.

One of the primary reasons why you will need a shop that specializes in RV repair is the availability of parts. Auto body repair for an RV necessitates specific auto body components that a specialty shop will have access to. Furthermore, they may be able to get parts at a discount due to making bulk orders or having preexisting relationships with the parts suppliers. A normal auto body shop, even one that has a catalog of RV parts designed for RV repair, is not going to have the potential discounts that could lower the cost of your RV repair. In addition, a shop that specializes in RV repair will have access to used parts. Perhaps the part you need for your auto body repair is somewhat common. In that case, there is a good chance that it will be available at a shop that specializes in motor home parts.

Look for Experience

Any type of auto body repair is going to be better if the person performing the work has experience. Once a pro starts the work, there are a number of issues in addition to the primary reason the vehicle was brought in that can pop up. For an experienced pro, these will not be unpleasant surprises that catch them off guard. They will likely have dealt with these issues before. If you find an RV shop that has experience in dealing with collision repairs, they are going to have an extensive body of knowledge that can be put to work for your benefit. Even a newer mechanic or tech is going to be able to rely on his or her coworkers for information if he or she gets stuck. There’s no replacement for a shop that has been around for a good amount of time.

Only Accept Quality Work

As a consumer, you have the right to have good work performed on your vehicle. Clarify this expectation as soon as you initiate the business relationship. Getting the job “done” needs to include it being done to your satisfaction. Figure out what you want to see when the job is finished and get this put in writing. This way, the shop knows your expectations and you can have confidence that the job will be done properly.