Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians
Recreational vehicle service technicians inspect, adjust, diagnose, overhaul and repair recreational vehicles including travel trailers. Some RV technicians may specialize in maintaining electrical, plumbing, gas, hydraulic or chassis/towing systems. They may also specialize in repairing appliances, generators and interior components. The profession includes workers that perform customized van conversions.
Some of the common job titles are recreational vehicle technician, recreational vehicle repairer, master certified RV technician, master certified recreational vehicle technician, RVDA master certified RV technician, recreational vehicle dealer association master certified recreational vehicle technician and mobile service recreational vehicle technician.
Responsibilities
- Inspect recreational vehicles and diagnose problems
- Evaluate and test systems and parts to make sure repairs were completed
- Determine the nature and extent of damage
- Estimate costs
- Remove damaged exterior panels and replace and repair structural frame members
- Test and repair electrical and plumbing systems
- Record details of repair work
- Replace or repair defective parts
Job Characteristics
RV mechanics should have mechanical aptitude. They need to follow safety practices. RV mechanics usually work a standard 40 hour week.
Employment Outlook
The employment growth from 2006 to 2016 for recreational vehicle service technicians is projected to be faster than the average for all occupations. In 2008 the median hourly wage for recreational vehicle service technicians was $15.14.
Education, Certification, and Licensing
Recreational vehicle service technicians can become certified by passing the RVDA-RVIA RV Service Technician Certification Test. The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association offers RVIA Trouble Shooter Clinics which provide hands-on training and offer a lot of the core knowledge evaluated by the test.
The RV Service Technician Certification Program is designed to help the RV industry and the public in identifying technicians that have demonstrated the knowledge and the ability to meet the standards in RV diagnostic and repair procedures as adopted by the Governing board. Certification demonstrates the technicians experience and competence in the field. Certification can improve the chances of getting a job in the field.
Resources
Major Employers
The top job providing sectors are recreational vehicle dealers, motor vehicle dealers, automotive repair and maintenance; motor vehicle body and trailer manufacturing; and automotive parts, accessories and tire stores.
Schools for Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians are listed in the Browse Schools Section.