What’s The Best Way To Find Discontinued RV Parts?
Repairing and maintaining an RV is no easy feat. You need plenty of RV parts to keep everything running at full capacity, but sometimes certain items will break or wear out. When this happens, it’s important to find a good set of replacement parts. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done!
Many RVs require specific parts that are only made by a few manufacturers. If you have an older model, it will be even more difficult to find the right equipment and replacements for your vehicle. It can be challenging to find discounted RV parts, but it’s not impossible! If you use the right resources and check a variety of sources, you can usually find just about everything you need.
There are a few different places you can look when you’re in the market for some cheap RV parts. In many cases, the inventory will change over time, so it’s important to check back periodically to see if they’ve restocked something that you need. In the sections below, we’ll show you some of the best places to begin your search!
Go straight to the manufacturer
If something in your RV has broken or worn out, try calling the manufacturer who created it. In some cases, they might cover the cost of new parts/repairs if you have a good warranty. Some road service plans will also provide you with replacement parts, such as tires.
This approach doesn’t always work, but it doesn’t hurt to call and ask. If nothing else, they can generally direct you toward good resources or vendors who will be able to service your particular make/model.
Mechanics/RV service centers
One place you can look is in the repair sector of the RV industry. Lots of people need to have their vehicles fixed and upgraded, and they turn to the professionals for help. In some cases, this results in perfectly usable parts being replaced by upgraded features.
Sometimes mechanics and RV service centers will hold onto these old parts and resell them to anyone who is interested. You may still have to pay a decent price if you go through these commercial channels, but you can usually get a discount for the parts because they have already been used. As long as the parts are not brand new, you’ll be able to knock down the price quite a bit!
Salvage yards
If your RV is fairly old, you might have better luck looking for replacement parts in salvage yards. When a vehicle is too old or broken down to drive/resell, it often ends up in a salvage yard. Here, they can be stripped for parts, which are then resold at a discounted price.
There are generally at least a few salvage yards in every state, although their stock of cars and RVs will change throughout the year. Give them a call/visit to see if they have the RV parts that you need, and check back periodically to see if anything new has come in.
The parts that come from salvage yards may not always be in the best condition, but this is a handy option for those with vintage RVs or people who need to find elements that are especially rare or specific. If you want to find RV salvage yards in your state, check out this resource.
Online retailers
If you can’t find something locally, you can always check online! Anything and everything is for sale on the internet, and there are tons of places for RVers to look.
The biggest drawback here is the risk of the unknown. With so many sellers, it’s hard to maintain any level of quality control. Some sources may be trustworthy, but their products will usually come with higher price tags. Look out for deals that seem too good to be true! If something seems suspiciously perfect, there may be something sketchy going on behind the scenes. Always check reviews before you make a purchase.
You’ll need to be careful when shopping online, but some of the resources below will help you on your search for discounted RV parts.
eTrailer
eTrailer is a good place to start your online search. It has a huge selection of products, and the search function will help you find products that are compatible with your vehicle. There’s also a special section for deals, so you have the option to get discounted prices on some select products.
RecPro
RecPro is a great resource for those who want to refurbish/remodel their RVs. It has lots of products that range from mechanical to cosmetic. You can outfit your RV from top to bottom with offerings from this service. Their catalog is already reasonably priced, but there’s an additional place that showcases products with reduced prices.
The RV Parts House
The RV Parts House is another wonderful place to find RV parts of all shapes and sizes. Their store covers every part of an RV, from the electrical wiring to the slideouts and the water systems. You can browse products by category or by brand in order to find the best fit for your needs. There’s also a clearance section for those who are looking out for the best deals!
eBay
eBay is a classic go-to when you need to buy something rare or specific on the internet. There’s a thriving segment that deals with automotive and RV parts, so you can search from a wide catalog of options. You’ll need to be extra careful when you go through this channel because it can be difficult to get refunds, and you may end up paying more than you need to.
Final thoughts
In order to increase your chances of success, try searching for parts that are pre-owned. You’ll often end up with better quality parts this way!
It can be tricky to locate specific RV parts, but there are lots of resources available. Try checking out your local mechanics and RV dealers for gently used parts, or visit a salvage yard if you want to find steeply discounted items. There are also lots of online shops that can help you out, but make sure you’re visiting places that are safe and reliable.
Between all of these options, you should be able to find just about any RV part you’re looking for!
Get tips from other RVers
One of the best parts about RVing is engaging with the community of traveling enthusiasts. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and more.
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Great article. Very helpful.
I have a NEW 2004T HILO upper door for sale. In 2010, I purchased the upper door from the manufacturer for replacement, stored it in my basement but never used it. In 2020 I sold my 2004 T HiLO. Does anyone want/need my new (unused) upper door