What Is a RV Service Technician and How to Become One
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If you want to become an RV service technician there are certain steps that you need to follow. The first question you need to ask yourself is, what is a service technician, and what do they do exactly?
The RV technician’s job is to diagnose, inspect, adjust, repair and completely overhaul RV’s and travel trailers. This includes any repairs, and maintaining gas, electrical, plumbing and hydraulics. Anything and everything to do with an RV trailer.
Other duties include testing and replacing parts when necessary. In this article, we are going to look at the role and responsibilities of an RV field service technician, and how you can become one.
Role and Responsibilities
The first step for becoming an RV line service technician is to obtain your high school diploma or secondary certificate. Studying for a degree in auto repair, electrical engineering, or carpentry will be beneficial to your goal.
Look for a company that offers apprenticeships or on-the-job training. Consider applying to a vocational school, they offer specific programs that teach you technical skills such as plumbing installation, vehicle heating, air conditioning repairs and other important aspects of the job.
You will learn how to identify and diagnose problems and become familiar with the mechanical and automotive systems in RVs. this will allow you to become a diesel service technician or a tire service technician, you could also specialise in becoming a customer service technician.
Becoming an RV Service Technician
You will require the following:
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Hands-on experience with car mechanics, electrical work and plumbing
- Knowledge of the specific tools and industrial equipment that is used
- A clean driving record
- A flexible work schedule
Your duties will include:
- Inspecting the RV for wear and tear
- Inspecting the RV for damage or any repair needs
- Diagnosing repair problems with plumbing, internal, or electrical components
- Perform all routine maintenance
- Diagnose and repair engine applications
- Check for interior issues such as woodwork damage, leaking roof or upgrades that may be necessary
- Any other issues that the RV may experience
Training, Certification and Career Path
There are four levels of certification required to become an RV technician. These levels cover theory and application, specialities training, and troubleshooting. Each level builds on the foundation of the previous one. This allows you to gain confidence in the skills you are learning while taking into consideration how to apply them practically.
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- Level 1: Inspection: You will learn about propane, plumbing, electrical, appliances, body, generator and chassis systems. Once you pass this level you will have the skills required to prepare an RV for customer delivery and you will be able to verify the operation of all the relevant components. The program includes 7 courses, 11 modules, 39 learning outcomes and 32 labs and activities. You will need to complete 1 week of in-person training (32 hours) the rest of the program can be completed at your own pace. You have 1 year to complete levels 1
- Level 2: Diagnostics and repair: This level will give you the theoretical knowledge of all the systems and components within an RV. this includes propane, electrical, applications, body, generator, chassis and plumbing. Once you have completed this level you will be able to perform basic diagnostics, repairs and troubleshooting on those systems and components. The program includes 7 courses, 28 modules, 184 learning outcomes and 111 labs and activities. You will need to attend 3 weeks of in-person training (120 hours) the rest is completed at your own pace. You have 1 year to finish the course.
- Level 3: Speciality: on completion of this course you will be able to perform advanced diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repairs on all previous levels of systems and components. In level 3 there are 5 areas of specialty training you can pursue.
- Electrical
- Chassis
- Electronics
- Appliance
- Slideout
Once you have completed this level your certification will be valid for 5 years. You will also need to acquire 24 hours of education credits.
- Level 4: Master technician: Once you have completed all previous levels you can apply to be a master technician.
How we can assist you?
At Kirkland RV Sales we have been in the RV business for over 35 years. Our technicians are all highly skilled and trained to give you the best service and advice possible when it comes to all your RV needs.
Our technicians can:
- Carry out a full inspection and troubleshoot any problems
- Prepare an RV in perfect working order to the client’s specifications
- Identify and repair any problems on components or applications
- Diagnose and repair any issues that may arise
- They have in-depth knowledge of electrical, chassis, electronics, appliance and slideouts.
No matter what you require, we are there to assist you. So don’t delay find out how we can assist you today.
