RV Repair FAQ — Everything You're Wondering

Family-owned RV body shop in St. Charles, MO since 1975. Below are the questions our customers ask most often. If yours isn't here, call (636) 724-2232 or text us 24/7 at (314) 575-8577.

Location, Hours & General

Where is Complete RV Service & Body Shop located?

Complete RV Service & Body Shop is located at 3309 New Town Blvd, St. Charles, MO 63301. We serve St. Louis, St. Charles County, Warren County, and Franklin County. Our facility has 15 service bays and two oversized paint booths. Call (636) 724-2232 to schedule.

What are your hours?

We're open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. We're closed Saturday and Sunday. For after-hours emergencies, including roadside breakdowns and collision tow-ins, text or call our 24/7 emergency line at (314) 575-8577.

How long has Complete RV Service & Body Shop been in business?

We've been a family-owned RV body shop in St. Charles, Missouri since 1975 — over 50 years. Founded by Bob Barks, we now operate under the same family ownership with 15 service bays and two oversized paint booths, trusted by St. Louis-area RV owners for generations.

What RV brands do you service?

We service every major RV brand including Jayco, Forest River, Winnebago, Keystone, Heartland, Tiffin, Newmar, Thor, Grand Design, Coachmen, Fleetwood, Entegra, and Airstream. Class A, Class B, Class C, travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and pop-up campers — we work on all of them.

Collision & Insurance Claims

Do you work with all insurance carriers?

Yes. We work directly with every major RV insurance carrier including Progressive, Allstate, State Farm, GEICO, USAA, National General, Foremost, Good Sam, and Roamly. We document the damage, write the estimate, and coordinate with your adjuster. You handle one phone call instead of ten.

How much does RV collision repair cost?

RV collision repair typically runs $4,000 to $20,000+ depending on the damage. Labor at specialty RV shops is $90 to $150 per hour. Insurance covers most of the cost after your deductible. We provide written estimates before any work begins. Call (636) 724-2232 for an inspection.

How long does RV body repair take?

Minor cosmetic repairs usually take 3 to 7 business days. Moderate collision work runs 2 to 4 weeks. Major collision rebuilds with paint take 4 to 8 weeks depending on parts availability and insurance approvals. We provide a written timeline before work begins and update you weekly.

Can a regular auto body shop fix an RV?

Most can't. RVs use fiberglass and aluminum construction (not steel), have oversized dimensions that won't fit standard paint booths, and have systems — slide-outs, awnings, jacks, plumbing, and electrical — that auto shops aren't trained on. A specialty RV body shop has the right paint booths, materials, and training.

Do you offer 24-hour RV towing?

Yes. Our after-hours emergency line is (314) 575-8577. We coordinate RV towing across St. Charles, St. Louis, Warren County, and Franklin County, 24 hours a day, and we tow directly to our shop for repair. Most RV insurance policies cover the tow.

How do I file an RV insurance claim after an accident?

Step one: photograph the scene. Step two: call your insurance carrier and open a claim — get a claim number. Step three: call us at (636) 724-2232 with that claim number. We handle the rest, including the estimate, additional photos, and adjuster coordination.

Do I have to use my insurance company's recommended shop?

No. In Missouri, you have the legal right to choose your own RV body shop, regardless of what your insurance carrier recommends. We work directly with every major carrier on direct repair. Choosing a specialty RV shop ensures the work is done right by people trained on RVs.

Will I have to pay anything out of pocket?

You pay your deductible — that's typically all. We bill the carrier directly for everything else covered by your policy. If we find supplemental damage during repair, we negotiate that with your adjuster, not you. Tow charges are usually billed directly to insurance as well.

Body & Paint

Can you repaint my entire motorhome?

Yes. Our two oversized paint booths fit motorhomes up to 45 feet, including Class A diesel pushers. A full repaint includes strip, prep, prime, basecoat, clear coat, and polish — typically 3 to 5 weeks. Pricing starts around $8,000 for a Class C and runs to $25,000+ for a Class A.

How big is your paint booth?

We have two oversized RV paint booths on site, both large enough to fit motorhomes up to 45 feet — including Class A diesel pushers, fifth wheels, and large travel trailers. Most auto body shops in the St. Louis area can't accommodate full-size RVs. We can.

Can you fix hail damage on an RV?

Yes. We repair RV hail damage on roofs, sidewalls, and slide-outs. Most hail damage is covered by comprehensive insurance — bring us the claim and we handle the rest. Severe hail may require panel replacement; light hail can sometimes be paintless dent repaired.

How much does it cost to replace RV decals?

RV decal replacement typically runs $1,500 to $3,500 depending on RV size and graphic complexity. We can match factory decals for most major brands or create custom graphics. Decal replacement is significantly cheaper than a full repaint when only the graphics are faded or peeling.

Maintenance & Service

How often should my RV be serviced?

Most RVs need an annual service inspection covering brakes, bearings, seals, slide-outs, awnings, and the roof. Mileage-based maintenance — oil, filters, fluids — follows the chassis manufacturer's recommendations: typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles for gas and 10,000 to 15,000 miles for diesel.

Do you do RV warranty work?

Yes. We perform warranty repairs for most major RV brands. Bring your warranty paperwork and we coordinate directly with the manufacturer for approval and payment. Warranty work is processed on the manufacturer's timeline, which can sometimes be slow — we'll keep you updated weekly.

Can you winterize my RV?

Yes. We winterize and de-winterize RVs every season. Winterization protects plumbing from freeze damage and typically takes 1 to 2 hours. Book by mid-October to avoid the late-fall rush. Spring de-winterization should be scheduled in March or April before your first trip.

Storage & Onsite Amenities

How much does RV storage cost?

RV storage in St. Charles ranges from about $75 per month for outdoor uncovered to $250+ per month for indoor climate-controlled. Our rates depend on RV length and storage type. Spots are limited — call (636) 724-2232 for current availability and pricing.

Do you have a dump station?

Yes. Our St. Charles facility has an onsite RV dump station available to storage and service customers. We also offer onsite propane fill, water fill, and a dog park — making us a full-service stop for RV owners passing through or wrapping up a trip.

Mobile, Towing & Roof

Do you do mobile RV repair?

Yes. We provide mobile RV repair across St. Charles, St. Louis, Warren County, and Franklin County. Most maintenance, electrical, plumbing, A/C, and slide-out adjustments can be done at your campground, storage lot, or driveway. Collision and paint work has to come to our shop.

How much does mobile RV repair cost?

Mobile RV repair typically runs $150 to $200 for a service call plus $90 to $150 per hour for labor. We give you a flat-rate quote before dispatching when possible. Travel beyond our standard service area may have an additional mileage fee. Call (636) 724-2232 to schedule.

How much does RV roof replacement cost?

RV roof replacement typically runs $5,000 to $12,000 depending on length and roof type. Membrane replacement (TPO or EPDM) is on the lower end; fiberglass roofs cost more. Hail damage replacement is usually covered by comprehensive insurance after deductible. Annual roof reseals start at $400.

Sales & Consignment

Do you sell or consign RVs?

Yes. We offer RV consignment services — we list your RV, market it, and handle the transaction. We also have a handpicked selection of pre-owned RVs available for purchase. Whether you're upgrading or selling, call (636) 724-2232 to discuss consignment terms.