Hobbes RV

Hobbes RV is an RV repair shop based in New Bern, North Carolina, at 220 Kale Road. The work is done at the shop, not at your campground or driveway. Tony Hobbes has been in the RV industry since the late 70s, and his son James works alongside him.

It services "every make and model motorhome, 5th wheel, or travel trailer," and it names no brands. It calls itself "an authorized warranty service center for a wide range of manufacturers." Its listed work includes slide-out system repair, roof replacement and repair, water intrusion, climate control, appliances, propane and plumbing. The exception it gives is "most engine or drive-train issues related to a motorhome," so a motorhome engine problem may need a different shop.

No hourly labor rate or job prices are published, so ask for a price on your repair when you call. The one price it does publish is for a roof check: "there's no charge for a basic inspection," and it suggests having the roof looked at at least once a year. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30am to 5pm, and Friday, 8:30am to 3pm. No weekend hours are shown. Its contact page says "We will do our best to contact you within 2 business days," so call 252-638-6433 if you need an answer soon.

A pre-purchase inspection is worth the time before you buy a used rig, because a test drive will not show a soft floor, a slow leak or a failing roof. Hobbes lists pre-purchase inspections among its services. It says it is "affiliated with a majority of RV insurance providers" and that it "can process your insurance claims and conduct repairs in coordination with your insurance provider," which matters after storm, collision or fire damage. Google rates it 4.8 stars from 69 reviews. No certifications and no licensing or insurance statement are named, so ask for those when you call.

This is a good fit for an RV owner who can get a motorhome, 5th wheel or travel trailer to 220 Kale Road on a weekday, or who wants a pre-purchase inspection before buying a rig.