Not everything goes according to plan. Even when you think your campground is running like a well-oiled machine, a guest backs into a tree, a water hookup fails, or a tire blowout causes chaos at check-in. With more first-time RVers on the road and aging rigs showing wear, campground owners need to be more prepared than ever.

Table of contents

The RV industry is evolving rapidly. Between an aging RV fleet, a surge in inexperienced travelers, and shifting regulations, campground operators face new challenges daily. Anticipating common RV fails and knowing how to prevent or resolve them is now essential to providing a safe, satisfying, and successful guest experience.

What You Will Learn

Running a successful RV park means more than offering scenic views and full hookups. This guide delivers three key takeaways every campground owner needs to stay competitive:

  • Proactive maintenance and clear guest education are essential to reducing RV fails on your property.
  • Changing guest demographics and staffing shortages mean campground workflows must be smarter and more automated.
  • Understanding common RV issues, including vehicle electrical problems and plumbing failures, allows you to improve the guest experience, reduce liability, and increase satisfaction and retention.

10 RV Fails and Solutions Every Campground Owner Should Know

Preventing problems before they escalate is cheaper, easier, and way better for guest satisfaction. These are the 10 most common RV fails that can cause disruption at your park, and how to prevent or solve them effectively.

1. Roof Leaks

The Problem:
 Older RVs often arrive with compromised roof seals. Add a thunderstorm, and you’ve got dripping ceilings, soaked beds, and angry guests.

Smart Solutions:

  • Email guests a pre-arrival checklist that reminds them to check roof seals and caulking.

  • Offer a covered service bay or shaded area where emergency patching can be done.

  • Build a relationship with a local mobile RV technician who can respond quickly to on-site issues.

2. Electrical Failures

The Problem:
 Power surges, incorrect hookups, and damaged pedestals lead to tripped breakers or even fried appliances.

Smart Solutions:

  • Regularly inspect and maintain pedestals, making sure amperages are labeled and wiring is up to code.

  • Provide a quick guide or QR code at hookups explaining the difference between 30-amp and 50-amp service.

  • Use digital pre-arrival messages via RoverPass to educate guests on safe electrical practices.

3. Plumbing Leaks

The Problem:
 Hoses split, fittings break, or guests leave water lines pressurized in cold weather — flooding your gravel pads or utility boxes.

Smart Solutions:

  • Insulate water spigots and exposed plumbing throughout your park.

  • Mark and test emergency shutoff valves for each site.

  • In cold seasons, include tips on winterizing RV hoses and using antifreeze in guest welcome packets.

4. Tire Blowouts

The Problem:
 Worn-out, underinflated, or over-aged RV tires often blow during arrival, sometimes causing property damage or blocking access roads.

Smart Solutions:

  • Install a tire air station near check-in with PSI guidelines posted.

  • Share tire safety reminders in reservation confirmations, especially for summer heat.

  • Host an annual “RV Safety Weekend” with mobile mechanics checking tires, brakes, and hitches.

5. Slide-Out Malfunctions

The Problem:
 Misaligned or jammed slide-outs can damage nearby hookups, trees, or other RVs — and put a guest’s stay on hold.

Smart Solutions:

  • Design generously spaced campsites with ample clearance zones.

  • Train staff on basic troubleshooting for common slide-out issues.

  • Offer printed or digital setup best practices that cover stabilizing and extending slides.

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6. Poor Route Planning

The Problem:
 Guests blindly follow GPS, leading them to tight turns, low-clearance bridges, or even the wrong entrance.

Smart Solutions:

  • Provide RV-safe driving directions with every confirmation (avoid generic Google Maps links).

  • Create a short arrival video showing turns, landmarks, and check-in procedures.

  • With RoverPass, automate a check-in email with embedded maps and route alerts.

7. Ignoring Campsite Rules

The Problem:
 Guests unintentionally violate noise limits, bring glass to the pool, or dump gray water in the wrong spot, creating compliance risks and neighbor complaints.

Smart Solutions:

  • Use well-designed signage throughout the park that reinforces key rules clearly and positively.

  • Train your team to enforce regulations respectfully but consistently.

  • Include rule acknowledgments in eWaivers or digital check-ins to ensure guests are informed in advance.

8. Food Storage Mistakes

The Problem:
 Unattended coolers or trash bags left outside attract wildlife, from raccoons to bear, risking both safety and health inspections.

Smart Solutions:

  • Provide bear-resistant lockers or sealed bins in wildlife-prone areas.

  • Post reminders at picnic tables and fire pits about storing food safely.

  • Offer food-safe bins for rent or purchase at the camp store to encourage compliance.

9. Arriving Too Late to Set Up Properly

The Problem:
 Guests who arrive after dark often struggle to locate their site, level their rig, or hook up safely. This leads to noise, safety hazards, or unhappy neighbors.

Smart Solutions:

  • Install motion-activated path lighting at key intersections and entrances.

  • Set up a clearly marked night drop zone with instructions, maps, and basic tools.

  • Automate late check-in SMS messages using your reservation system to guide guests even if no staff is on site.

10. Not Testing or Maintaining Gear

The Problem:
 Water pumps, jacks, awnings, or water heaters that haven’t been tested fail right when guests need them, and they expect help from you.

Smart Solutions:

  • Distribute gear readiness checklists a week before arrival.

  • Partner with mobile RV techs to offer on-site pre-trip inspections.

  • Host spring or fall “RV Tune-Up Events” with vendors and pros offering basic maintenance sessions.

Take the first step today, explore tools like RoverPass to streamline operations, join industry forums to learn from peers, and implement the maintenance protocols outlined here. Your guests and your bottom line will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The best way is through proactive guest education—sending pre-arrival checklists, providing on-site guides or videos, clear signage, and training staff to assist guests promptly. Leveraging technology like automated SMS and digital check-ins also helps prevent common errors.

Key updates include the NFPA 1194 electrical code revisions requiring safer pedestals and hookups, stricter ADA compliance for amenities, and local zoning laws restricting park expansions or imposing new health protocols.

Technology tools enable streamlined check-ins, real-time communication, automated reminders for tire pressure or arrival instructions, emergency alerts, and efficient maintenance tracking. reducing staff burden and improving guest satisfaction.

Are there resources available for ongoing staff training and industry updates?

Yes. Joining campground associations, participating in RV industry workshops, subscribing to newsletters, and engaging in peer-owner forums can keep staff informed on best practices, compliance changes, and emerging trends.