Frequently Asked Questions
-
We’re a family-owned repair business with experience servicing both boats and RVs. We focus on quality workmanship, clear communication, and honest recommendations to help you make informed decisions about your boat or RV.
-
Our shop is located at Canyon Lake Marina & Campground in Apache Junction, Arizona. Our address is 16802 AZ-88, Apache Junction, AZ 85119. We also offer limited mobile service throughout the East Valley.
-
Yes, we offer limited mobile service throughout the East Valley. Please call or text 480-442-4809 to see if your location is within our service area.
-
This is decided on a case-by-case basis. We evaluate older boats and RVs individually because their age, condition, previous repairs, and parts availability can vary significantly. Since additional issues may not become apparent until repairs begin, the full scope of work cannot always be determined during the initial inspection. If additional repairs are needed, we'll explain our findings, discuss your options, provide an updated estimate, and obtain your approval before proceeding.
-
Possibly. We consider customer-supplied parts on a case-by-case basis. We recommend contacting us before purchasing parts so we can help ensure you order the correct part and that it is compatible with your boat or RV.
Please note that Scanlan RV Marine does not warranty customer-supplied parts or any repairs, damage, or failures resulting from those parts. For the best fit, reliability, and warranty coverage, we recommend using parts we source and verify.
-
Yes. We offer pre-purchase inspections for boats and RVs. A pre-purchase inspection can help identify existing issues and give you a better understanding of the condition before you make your purchase.
-
Yes. We’ll give you our honest assessment of the condition of your boat or RV and let you know when a repair may not be practical or cost-effective. We’ll explain what we find, discuss your options, and help you make an informed decision before moving forward with major repairs.
-
Yes. We can assist with warranty and insurance claims on a case-by-case basis. We can document the needed repairs, provide estimates and supporting information, and communicate with the warranty company or insurance provider as needed. A Warranty/Insurance Claim Fee may apply for processing and administering the claim.
About Our Services
-
First, check that the thermostat is set to cool and that the temperature is set below the current room temperature. Make sure the breaker and power supply are on, and check that the air filter and exterior condenser coil are clean and unobstructed. If the unit is running but still isn't cooling properly, it may require professional diagnosis.
-
Proper maintenance is essential to keeping your RV in excellent condition and preventing expensive repairs. Below best practices for maintaining your RV.
Check for cracks or leaks in the roof, windows, and doors. Reseal or repair them to prevent water damage.
Ensure the tires are properly inflated and well-maintained to reduce the risk of blowouts.
Regularly inspect and service your RV’s brakes and suspension to ensure they are functioning properly.
Clean or replace the air filters.
Periodically flush the water heater to prevent mineral buildup, which can cause corrosion.
Check the battery’s charge, water levels, and connections to extend its life and prevent electrical issues.
Regularly clean and service the fridge, stove, furnace, and other appliances to keep them running efficiently.
Check the propane tanks, hoses, and connections for leaks or corrosion, and ensure everything is functioning properly.
Change the oil, air filters, and spark plugs, and run the generator regularly to keep it in good working order.
Wash and wax your RV regularly to protect the paint and prevent rust or other damage from the elements.
-
Start by checking the battery condition, battery connections, and fuel level. If the engine cranks but won't start—or doesn't crank at all—we can diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate repair.
-
RV tires should be replaced when they show significant cracking, bulges, uneven wear, or other visible damage. Tire age is also important—even tires with good tread can deteriorate over time. Check the tire’s date code and follow the manufacturer’s recommended replacement interval. If you’re unsure about their condition, have them professionally inspected before traveling.
-
Verify that the refrigerator has the correct power source (shore power, generator, or propane, depending on your model), the circuit breaker hasn't tripped, and the refrigerator has adequate ventilation. Allow enough time for it to cool after turning it on. If it's still not cooling properly, we can inspect and diagnose the problem.
-
A generator that won't start can have several causes. First, check the fuel level, battery condition, and that the generator's circuit breakers are on. If it cranks but won't start, it may need fuel-system service, a spark plug, or other diagnosis. If it doesn't crank at all, the battery, connections, or starting system may be the issue. If these basic checks don't resolve the problem, we recommend having the generator professionally diagnosed.
-
Water damage is one of the most expensive RV problems, so regular inspections are important. Check the roof, seals, windows, doors, vents, and exterior seams for cracks or deterioration, and address leaks promptly. Keep roof and sealant maintenance up to date, and watch for soft spots, staining, or musty odors inside the RV. Regular inspections can help catch small leaks before they become major repairs.
-
Before a trip, check your tires, brakes, lights, batteries, fluid levels, and hitch or towing equipment. Inspect the roof and exterior for signs of leaks or damage, and make sure appliances, safety equipment, and other essential systems are working properly. A pre-trip inspection can help identify potential problems before they leave you stranded or turn into costly repairs.
-
Signs that your RV battery may need replacement include difficulty holding a charge, dimming lights, slow appliance or slide-out operation, or a battery that repeatedly loses power after being charged. Battery age and condition are also important factors. If you're unsure, we can test the battery and charging system to determine whether the battery needs to be replaced or another issue is causing the problem.
RV FAQs
-
To help avoid costly repairs on your boat, one of the most important things you can do is is get an annual service. Below are other steps you can take. By following these maintenance practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of costly repairs and ensure your boat remains in top condition.
Follow a regular maintenance schedule based on the manufacturer’s guidelines and your boat’s usage to catch and address issues early.
Inspect your boat before and after each trip for wear, damage, and potential issues.
Clean the hull regularly to prevent marine growth and corrosion.
Change the oil and filters regularly.
Inspect and replace belts, hoses, and spark plugs as needed.
Use fuel stabilizers to prevent fuel degradation and replace fuel filters regularly.
Inspect fuel lines and connections for leaks or wear.
Check sacrificial anodes (zincs) regularly and replace them when worn to prevent corrosion of metal components.
Inspect batteries, terminals, and wiring for corrosion or wear.
Keep batteries charged and clean to extend their life.
Check, top off, and change engine oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluids as recommended to prevent system failures.
Routinely inspect and replace the water pump impeller to ensure proper engine cooling and avoid overheating.
Lubricate steering systems, throttle cables, and other moving parts to prevent wear and corrosion on a regular basis.
Clean and dry the bilge area regularly to prevent damage to bilge pumps and sensors.
Inspect the propeller for damage, such as dents or cracks.
Run your boat at least once a month and allow the engine to reach normal operating temperature for 15–20 minutes.
-
Check that there's enough fuel in the tank, the battery switch is on, the battery has sufficient charge, the engine is in neutral, and the safety lanyard is properly attached. If everything appears normal and your engine still won't start, give us a call. We'll help determine the cause and recommend the best next step.
-
If your boat is running rough or losing power, avoid operating it any more than necessary. Continuing to run an engine that's not operating properly can sometimes lead to additional damage. Contact us, and we'll help determine the cause and recommend the best course of action.
-
If your boat is taking on water, turn on the bilge pump and check for an obvious source of the leak, such as a drain plug, hose, fitting, or through-hull connection. If the water continues to rise, get the boat to shore or a safe location as quickly as possible. Avoid operating the boat if the situation is unsafe. Once the boat is secure, have it inspected to determine the source of the leak and make any necessary repairs.
-
Regular boat service helps prevent unexpected problems and costly repairs. We recommend following your engine manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, with at least an annual service for most boats. Boats that are used frequently may require more frequent service, while seasonal or lightly used boats should still be inspected and serviced before and after extended periods of storage.
-
First, make sure the system has power and the thermostat is set correctly. Boat air conditioning systems typically use raw water for cooling, so check that the seacock is open, the raw-water strainer is clean, and water is flowing overboard while the system is running. If there is no water flow or the system still isn't cooling, it should be professionally diagnosed.
-
Yes. Engine oil, gear lube, impellers, filters, batteries, and other components can deteriorate over time, even with limited use. Regular maintenance helps improve reliability and can prevent more costly repairs later.
-
Anodes help protect your boat’s underwater metal components from corrosion and should be inspected regularly. They should generally be replaced when they are significantly worn, typically when about 50% of the anode material has been depleted. The rate of wear depends on the boat, water conditions, and how the boat is stored, so regular inspection is important.