Post-COVID Supply Chains and New Tariffs – What It Means for Truck and RV Repairs

At Southwest Truck and RV, we believe in keeping our customers informed about what’s going on behind the scenes. While the COVID-19 pandemic may feel like a thing of the past, its aftershocks are still being felt in the automotive industry. And now, a new wave of tariffs may be adding fresh pressure to an already fragile supply chain.

So, how might it affect you as a vehicle owner in Prescott Valley and the greater Northern Arizona region?

The Long Tail of COVID-Era Disruptions

The pandemic brought the global supply chain to its knees in ways we’d never seen before. Manufacturing hubs overseas shut down. U.S. ports backed up. Critical parts for trucks, RVs, and heavy-duty equipment simply weren’t getting to where they needed to go.

Now, several years later, the system has recovered in some areas, but not all.

Many manufacturers shifted suppliers, changed product lines, or permanently shuttered operations during COVID. In the truck and RV world, that means some parts are simply no longer being produced or are only available from limited sources – often overseas.

Even today, we sometimes see delivery times stretching weeks or even months for some parts and components. When a repair hinges on one of these components, delays are inevitable, and that’s frustrating for everyone involved.

New Tariffs, New Challenges

Just as things were starting to smooth out, the U.S. government announced a new round of tariffs on imported goods, including many items related to automotive and heavy-duty vehicle components. While the full impact of these tariffs is still unfolding, here’s what we already know:

• Increased Prices on Imported Parts: Many truck and RV parts, especially aftermarket or specialty items are manufactured overseas. With tariffs driving up the cost of those imports, repair shops may soon be paying more just to get the parts they need. That means higher repair costs may be on the horizon for customers, too.
• Parts Availability May Tighten: When tariffs hit, some suppliers choose to slow or stop imports of certain items altogether, rather than raise prices. That could make already-hard-to-find parts even more scarce.
• Longer Lead Times on Specialty Items: We expect to see longer wait times on parts that require re-routing through non-tariffed supply chains or those being transitioned back to domestic manufacturing – both of which take time.

How Southwest Truck and RV Is Responding

At Southwest Truck and RV, we’re working to stay ahead of the curve:

• Diversifying Our Suppliers: We’ve expanded our vendor relationships to ensure we can source parts from multiple locations, not just one region or country. That helps reduce delays when one supply chain hits a snag.
• Stocking High-Demand Items: For commonly used parts and consumables, we’ve increased our on-hand inventory wherever possible. That helps us keep your downtime to a minimum.
• Proactive Communication: When we know a part might be delayed due to availability or tariff-related issues, we’ll tell you upfront – no surprises, no runaround. We believe transparency builds trust.
• Repair Strategy Adjustments: In some cases, we may recommend high-quality aftermarket alternatives or refurbished OEM parts if they can get you back on the road faster – always with your safety and performance in mind.

What You Can Do as a Car, Truck or RV Owner

There are a few things you can do to help minimize your own headaches:

• Don’t Delay Routine Maintenance: Small problems become big ones quickly if left unchecked. The sooner we catch a worn part or potential failure, the more options we’ll have for resolving it before it turns into a parts-ordering nightmare.
• Plan Ahead for Seasonal Travel: If you’re taking your RV out this summer or hauling heavy loads during busy work seasons, get your service appointments booked early. Lead times can fluctuate rapidly, so it’s best to stay ahead.
• Ask Questions: If you’re concerned about part availability or pricing, talk to us. We’re happy to explain your options, expected timelines, and what’s causing any delays.

In It for the Long Haul

At Southwest Truck and RV, we’ve weathered tough seasons before. We believe that adaptability, honesty, and customer care are the keys to getting through this one, too.

We don’t control global tariffs or shipping lanes, but we do control how we respond by staying informed, planning smart, and putting your needs first.

If you’ve got questions about how current events might affect your vehicle, give us a call or stop by. We’re always happy to help.