California RV Specialists is owned by Dustin & Ashley Simpson in Lodi, CA. Since 2003, our independent RV repair facility has helped RV owners maintain, repair, and upgrade the RV they already own—without dealership sales pressure. With 25+ years in the RV industry, Dustin has inspected thousands of RVs and served as a technician, service manager, educator, content creator, brand ambassador, and RV Expert Witness. We share real repairs from inside the shop, tech tips, failure analysis, maintenance education, product testing, recall information, suspension upgrades, water intrusion findings, roof care, and diagnostic walkthroughs. We also offer RV consulting and technical case evaluations for warranty disputes, manufacturer support, engineers, and attorneys. Our mission is simple—help RV owners learn, prevent costly failures, and stay safe on the road. Join the community and learn how to take care of your RV like a pro.
Your RV Specialists
What to Expect After RV Brake Service & Bearing Pack
By California RV Specialists - Dustin Simpson
At California RV Specialists, your safety on the road is our top priority. After performing a wheel bearing service that includes removing, cleaning, and adjusting your trailer brake assemblies, it’s completely normal to notice a slight change in braking performance at first.
This is part of a normal and expected break-in (re-seating) period.
Why Your RV Brakes May Feel Different at First
During a typical brake and bearing service, our technicians:
- Remove and clean the brake drums
- Inspect brake shoes and hardware
- Repack wheel bearings
- Reset brake adjustments to proper specifications
- Remove built-up dust, debris, and glazing
Even when everything is adjusted correctly, the brake shoes and drums must re-seat to each other after being disturbed during service.
Normal Break-In Period
After service, your RV’s electric drum brakes may need:
- 50–200 miles of normal driving to fully re-seat
- Gradual improvement in braking performance
- Time for surfaces to evenly mate and transfer friction
During this period, it is normal to experience slightly reduced braking effectiveness.
Self-Adjusting Brakes: What to Know
If your RV is equipped with self-adjusting electric brakes, they will continue to fine-tune themselves as you drive.
- Adjustments occur during normal braking events
- Proper clearance is achieved gradually over multiple stops
- Full optimization may take several trips
This is why braking performance improves over time after service.
What You May Notice
During the initial break-in period, customers may notice:
- Slightly softer or less aggressive braking
- Increased stopping distance (temporarily)
- Smoother braking feel as components settle in
- Need for minor brake controller adjustment
These are all normal and expected.
Brake Controller (Gain) Adjustment
After service, your brake controller may need slight adjustment to match the freshly serviced brakes.
We recommend:
- Start with your previous gain setting
- Test braking at low speeds (20–25 mph in a safe area)
- Adjust gradually:
- Increase gain if braking feels weak
- Decrease gain if braking feels too aggressive
Pro Tip:
You may need to fine-tune your settings again after the break-in period as braking performance improves.
Best Practices After Service
To help your brakes break in properly:
- Allow extra following distance
- Avoid aggressive or hard braking when possible
- Perform smooth, steady stops
- Drive normally to allow self-adjusters to function
- Recheck brake controller settings after your first few trips
When to Contact California RV Specialists
While a short adjustment period is normal, please reach out to us if you experience:
- No improvement after approximately 200 miles
- Uneven braking or pulling to one side
- Unusual noises (grinding, clunking, or squealing)
- Excessive heat or burning smell
- Inability to properly adjust your brake controller
Our Commitment to Your Safety
At California RV Specialists, we take pride in performing thorough, professional brake and bearing services to ensure your RV is road-ready and safe.
A brief break-in period is simply part of the process—and a sign that your system has been properly serviced and reset for optimal performance.
Schedule an RV Suspension Inspection
If you’re unsure about the condition of your suspension system, it’s worth having it checked before your next trip.
California RV Specialists offers professional suspension inspections and repairs to help keep your RV safe and road-ready.
California RV Specialists
200 S Cherokee Lane
Lodi, CA 95240
Phone: (209) 263-7040
Email: service@calrvspecialists.com
Contact us today for expert RV suspension service and repairs.
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 11
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Your RV Specialists
Headed out on your next RV adventure? Make sure your slide-outs are road-ready.
Come visit California RV Specialists for a FREE slide-out inspection and let our experts keep your RV running smoothly and safely. Don’t wait until small issues turn into costly repairs—stop by today.
California RV Specialists
200 S. Cherokee Ln.
Lodi, CA 95240
Phone: 209-263-7040
www.calrvspecialists.com
#RVLife #RVRepair #RVService #CaliforniaRV #RVTravel #RVInspection #SlideOutRepair #RVLiving #RoadTripReady #RVExperts #RVing #TravelTrailer #MotorhomeLife
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 7
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Your RV Specialists
🇺🇸 Happy Presidents’ Day from California RV Specialists! 🇺🇸
Today we honor the leaders who helped shape our great nation and celebrate the freedom to explore the open road. There’s nothing more American than packing up the RV, hitting the highway, and making memories with the people you love.
Whether you’re planning your next adventure or getting ready for spring travel, our team at California RV Specialists is here to keep you road-ready and worry-free.
Wishing you a safe, relaxing, and adventure-filled Presidents’ Day!
Freedom to roam. Confidence to travel.
California RV Specialists
200 S. Cherokee Lane
Lodi, Ca. 95240
209-263-7040
Monday - Friday 8am-4pm
www.calrvspecialists.com
#PresidentsDay2026
#CaliforniaRVSpecialists
#RVLife
#RVRepair
#RVService
#RoadTripReady
#FreedomToExplore
#RVAdventure
#FamilyTravel
#HitTheRoad
#ExploreCalifornia
#RVCommunity
#yourrvspecialists
1 month ago | [YT] | 3
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Your RV Specialists
🚨 NOW HIRING RV TECHNICIANS & APPRENTICES! 🚨
California RV Specialists – Lodi, CA
📍 Independent RV Repair Facility | Since 2003
Are you an RV dealership technician ready for a change of pace? Or maybe you’re new to the trade but love hands-on work and learning something different every day?
At California RV Specialists, we’re not a dealership—we don’t sell RVs or push warranties. Our focus is on customer pay, insurance, and extended warranty repairs, helping our customers maintain and enjoy the RVs they already own.
We’re growing fast and looking for motivated individuals from entry-level apprentices to experienced RV technicians to join our team and learn a trade skill.
🔧 Why Work With Us
✅ Independent facility — no dealership politics
✅ Consistent work all year (no seasonal layoffs)
✅ In-house and virtual vendor training provided
✅ Tools not required to start — we’ll help you get set up
✅ Technician pay: $28–$34/hr + monthly bonuses ($500–$1,500)
✅ Entry level pay: $16.50–$24/hr + monthly bonuses ($250–$750)
✅ 401(k) plan + 2 weeks paid time off after qualifying period
✅ Closed for all major holidays
✅ Supportive, family-oriented atmosphere
🧰 What You’ll Work On
You’ll learn to diagnose, inspect, repair, and maintain all types of RVs:
Motorhomes, Fifth Wheels, Travel Trailers, Toy Haulers, Horse & Utility Trailers, Tow Vehicles, and more.
We work on every major brand — Alliance, Brinkley, Coachmen, Dutchmen, Fleetwood, Forest River, Grand Design, Jayco, Keystone, Newmar, Outdoors RV, Winnebago, and many more. (We no longer accept RVs built before 2005 without a pre-inspection.)
Typical Systems You’ll Service:
- LP Gas Systems
- 12V DC & 110V AC Electrical
- Hydraulics & Leveling Systems
- HVAC (Air Conditioner and Furnace)
- Plumbing Systems
- Slide-Outs
- Cabinetry & Flooring
- Interior Repairs
- Flat Towing & Hitches
- Towable Maintenance
- Suspension Upgrades
- Frame Repairs
- Solar, Inverters & Batteries
- WiFi & Connectivity
- Awnings & Toppers
- Roofing & Sealants Maintenance
- Minor Paint & Body Work
If you love variety and want to master multiple trades — this is the place to grow.
🕒 Schedule
Monday–Friday | 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Full-time | 40 hours per week
🧩 Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent (students still in school welcome!)
Valid driver’s license
Pride in workmanship & positive attitude
Desire for long-term growth and teamwork
🚫 Please note: medical, dental, and life insurance are not currently offered.
#rvtech #rvjob #rvjobs #rvrepair #rvrepairshop #RVTechJob #RVTechnician #HiringRVTechs #RVMechanicJobs #NowHiringRVTechs #RVServiceJobs #RVRepairJobs #RVTechLife #rvjobs
💬 Ready to Learn More?
Visit our Employment Opportunities page:
🔗 calrvspecialists.com/rv-employment-opportunities
https://youtu.be/ZC7tbgp2XYU
1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 14
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Your RV Specialists
Grand Design RV – Inspections, Repairs & Maintenance.
Come take a look at what’s happening in the RV shop and see what we’re working on today.
www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
4 months ago | [YT] | 6
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Your RV Specialists
Looking for a caulking gun? Come see us at California RV Specialists in Lodi Ca.
1 year ago | [YT] | 6
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Your RV Specialists
Branding Update!
We have updated our YouTube channel name from "California RV Specialists" to "Your RV Specialists." While we still own and operate our repair facility (California RV Specialists) in Lodi, CA, this channel is dedicated to the RV industry nationwide - not just the golden state.
We believe updating the channel name will help our channel to continue to grow. Don't worry, we'll still be bringing you our same great content!
2 years ago | [YT] | 21
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