Finding Discontinued RV Replacement Parts

[dufferDave]

To the moderators:
Which forum would be the appropriate place to ask qstns about finding repair and replacement parts? (Thanks ahead of time for your help)
-Dave

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

General RV Discussion is appropriate if you are not asking about a specific part and just want to learn sources for future needs. Also if the part in question is commonly used in multiple types of makes of RV. But if what you need is specific to an RV type (motorhome, fifth wheel, etc) it's probably better to ask in the forum dedicated to that type.

Some other advice:

• Be as specific as you can about what you need
• Mention the area where you will be and whether or not receiving package delivery will be a problem
• Identify your RV year/make/model, even if you think it won't make a difference
• State if you just want the part(s) or if you need a repair service too.

 

[nbaran]

I would like suggestions on sites, locations to get RV replacement parts. For example, I have a 2020 Foretravel Realm. The TV lift in the front has had issues. The company that supplied the lift used a 4 and half inch motor but stopped selling the lift in 2018 and they claim the company they used for the motor previously no longer makes that particular motor. This motor is supposedly much smaller than those used in other lift systems. The manufacturer of the RV said I would need a whole new lift system, costing $3000-$4000. I actually have been able myself to get the lift to work just by manipulating a large turn-screw designed to disengage the motor so the system can be operated manually. I'm not convinced I even need a new motor but in the event that I did, I would rather procure a used motor from a junkyard than spend 4000 for a whole new lift system. I'd like some suggestions for websites, companies, and any insight on where Foretravels go to die.

 

[WILDEBILL308]

So, what is the part number/ manufacture on the motor?
Bill

 

[Kirk]

What is so special about the TV lift that you have? Would it be possible to use one of the ones that are available from Amazon or some similar source?

 

[WILDEBILL308]

The big difference is the RV co wouldn't make the $4,000 profit.
Bill

 

[klook]

Unless that motor is a unicorn, they can usually be bought from lots of sources. Grainger, Amazon, google electric motors.

 

[klook]

Get the motor out and test it, then get the numbers off it.

 

[8Muddypaws]

Good advice so far.

A last ditch option is to have the motor rewound and rebuilt.

 

[nbaran]

So, what is the part number/ manufacture on the motor?
Bill

I asked the technical person but they stopped making the lifts in 2018 so he was advising me in general terms from memory. The company was Lift-It but he no longer had specifics about the motor they used. At this time, the RV is 200 miles away at the manufacturer so I can't check it either. I was told the company was in China and they no longer make this motor. I guess I wasn't very clear in my question, but I was more interested at this point in getting names/websites in case I ever need to pick up any used part that is no longer manufactured. I was just using the lift motor as one example of a situation in which you might need to track down a part from an RV that is no longer in service.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

There is no single answer to that. Commodity parts like motors or switches are nearly always available from other manufacturers IF you can identify the part by it's technical specs. In your example, the company that built the Lift would have bought the motor from a motor manufacturer and it very likely was NOT a custom motor design. And even if the original motor supplier is defunct, odds are another motor-maker has a similar or even identical part available. You would need to figure out the spec (often on the original part) and then Google for possible suppliers, e.g. search for something like "small 12v motors". After that, it's a matter or perusing their online catalogs or calling for Tech Support. Sites like Grainger Supply, Amazon & Ebay can be a source too.

Some mechanical or electrical parts may be unique, but that is actually rather rare in RVs, simply because Rv component sales volumes are relatively low so they strive to use commodity parts wherever possible.

 

[RayIN]

My first actions would be to remove, clean and reattach every wiring connection.
This type motor turns on with a switch, but turns off by sensing increased amperage draw. It is most always "hot" and has a controller/regulator that opens/closes ground, and switches ground to control motor direction.
It's main use is auto door window motors, but is used for many other applications.
The next step is to obtain the numbers from the motor sticker or stamped into the motor housing. Without those numbers, locating a replacement motor is almost impossible.
Relatively few component parts are special-made, so locating a new part can turn into an Easter-egg hunt.

 

[darsben]

Colaws RV mand Visione handle used parts whether they will have what you need when you need it is anyone's guess

 

[nbaran]

There is no single answer to that. Commodity parts like motors or switches are nearly always available from other manufacturers IF you can identify the part by it's technical specs. In your example, the company that built the Lift would have bought the motor from a motor manufacturer and it very likely was NOT a custom motor design. And even if the original motor supplier is defunct, odds are another motor-maker has a similar or even identical part available. You would need to figure out the spec (often on the original part) and then Google for possible suppliers, e.g. search for something like "small 12v motors". After that, it's a matter or perusing their online catalogs or calling for Tech Support. Sites like Grainger Supply, Amazon & Ebay can be a source too.

Some mechanical or electrical parts may be unique, but that is actually rather rare in RVs, simply because Rv component sales volumes are relatively low so they strive to use commodity parts wherever possible.

Thanks. That's very helpful. At this point, I don't think I even need to replace the motor. Like I said, I made an adjustment with that large screw that engages, disengages the motor, and was able to get the unit working. It just made me start thinking about what if situations, to think proactively so I wouldn't have to reinvent the wheel or unnecessarily spend a lot of money should the need arise. Thanks again.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

If you have a part and you can't find a source for it, try using Google Lens to identify the part. That suggestion was passed on to me on another forum. Even though it didn't properly identify the part I needed at the time, the next time I tried it was spot on with the part identity.

 

[nbaran]

If you have a part and you can't find a source for it, try using Google Lens to identify the part. That suggestion was passed on to me on another forum. Even though it didn't properly identify the part I needed at the time, the next time I tried it was spot on with the part identity.

Thanks.

 

[CharlesinGA]

As far as spares go, if you are a buy and hold type person, you should carefully watch the companies that made components for your RV, truck, whatever, and evaluate what components are ripe for failure in the future an if those products will still be available in the future. Large companies such as Dometic, Lippert, Airxcel, and Horizon Global are constantly buying up smaller companies and in many cases shutting them down, often introducing an inferior product as a replacement.

I have Bargman LED taillights. Eventually those will fail in whole or at least a few LEDs will fail. Well, Bargman has been shut down in favor of other, cheaper Horizon Global brands of lighting. Needless to say, I have bought a couple of spare tailight assemblies and put them away.

I have identified a number of relatively low cost items that will fail and having a spare on hand is better than hunting for a discontinued part, for my trailer, truck, or car.

Charles