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When the Road Teaches You to Get Creative
Ask any RVer and they’ll tell you things will break when you least expect it. And usually, it’s right when you’re 50 miles from the nearest repair shop.
Last fall, I was camping in the rolling hills of Utah, miles from town, when I noticed something strange. Every time I turned on the water pump, I’d hear an annoying “click-click-click” that wouldn’t stop. Even when the faucets were off, the pump kept cycling like it was losing pressure.
Anyone who’s owned an RV knows that sound. It usually means one thing: a leak or a pressure problem.
The Problem: A Water Pump That Wouldn’t Stop Running
At first, I thought maybe a valve was loose or a hose clamp had slipped. I opened the under-sink cabinet and saw water dripping from the small plastic pressure switch attached to the pump.
A crack. Right in the housing.
I immediately thought, “Well, there goes my weekend and probably a $300 repair bill.”
Replacing the pump wasn’t an option right then. I didn’t have a spare, and the nearest RV parts store was over an hour away.
So, I did what every RVer eventually learns to do: I improvised.
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The $0.05 Solution That Saved the Day
After shutting off the pump and cleaning up the mess, I realized the crack wasn’t that bad; it was just enough to make the switch lose pressure and trigger the pump continuously.
Then I spotted it: a rubber band sitting on my workbench, the kind that comes wrapped around a bundle of mail.
“Could it actually work?” I thought.
I wrapped the rubber band tightly around the cracked part of the pressure switch, making sure it sealed the area snugly. Then, for good measure, I used a bit of electrical tape to keep it in place.
Turned the pump back on...
Silence.
The pump pressurized, clicked off, and stayed off.
No leaks. No drips. No problem.
That one simple rubber band sealed the crack just enough to maintain pressure and keep the system running smoothly at least until I could replace the part properly.
The Takeaway: Sometimes, Simple Fixes Work
I eventually replaced the switch the following week ($15 part, 5-minute job), but that rubber band saved me from:
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A $300 emergency repair at a shop
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A ruined camping trip
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And a whole lot of stress
RVing teaches you that not every solution has to be fancy or expensive. Sometimes, it’s about working with what you have and using creativity over cash.
It’s not just about fixing things, it's about staying calm and resourceful when things go sideways.
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RVers’ Golden Rule: Always Carry the Little Things
That tiny rubber band taught me to never underestimate small tools. Since then, I’ve added a few items to my “emergency fix” kit that have saved me countless times:
Quick RV Fix Essentials:
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Rubber bands
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Duct tape
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Zip ties
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Super glue
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Electrical tape
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Extra fuses
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Silicone sealant
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Spare screws & hose clamps
Each one costs less than a cup of coffee but can save your day (and your wallet) on the road.
Lessons From the Road
If you’re new to RV life, here’s the truth: it’s not if something breaks, it's when.
You’ll learn to adapt, problem-solve, and occasionally surprise yourself with how resourceful you can be.
That’s part of the magic of RV living; it turns ordinary people into part-time engineers, plumbers, and electricians all at once.
And sometimes, it turns a rubber band into your best travel buddy. 😉
Bonus Tip: Prevent Future Water Pump Leaks
If you’ve had similar issues, here’s how to prevent them:
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Don’t overtighten fittings the plastic can crack easily.
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Use Teflon tape or plumber’s sealant around threaded joints.
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Check for vibrations after long drives pumps can shake loose.
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Drain the system properly before winter to avoid freeze damage.
A little maintenance before each trip can prevent those panic moments on the road.
Final Thoughts
That $0.05 rubber band reminded me why I love the RV lifestyle it’s not just about travel, it’s about learning, adapting, and appreciating the simple wins.
Next time something breaks on the road, take a breath, look around, and get creative.
You might just find your own $300 rubber band moment.
Disclaimer
This story is based on personal experience. Always ensure safety before performing RV repairs and consult a professional for major maintenance issues.
Author
Jake Thompson
Full-time RVer, DIY tinkerer, and adventure storyteller.
Jake’s been rolling across the U.S. for over six years, sharing honest road lessons, clever RV hacks, and the occasional “oops” moment that turned into a laugh. When he’s not fixing something with duct tape, he’s chasing sunsets with his dog, Milo.
