It’s helpful to understand the in-depth training required for RV technician certification, whether you aspire to a career in the field, seek an RV service facility that employs qualified techs, or would like to know more about the workings of your own RV.
By Steve Froese, F276276
February 2021
I received an email from a gentleman who has been an avid RVer for most of his life. He started out camping as a Boy Scout, then graduated to a pop-up trailer, followed by a series of motorhomes. His current coach is a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star. The writer considers himself to be mechanically adept and does all the repair work on his RV. He started pursuing RV inspection courses from the National Recreational Vehicle Inspectors Association (NRVIA) and is looking into RV technical training. He wrote to seek my advice on “RV technologies,” including whether he should pursue his interest in being a mobile mechanic.
Many dealerships hire RV service technicians on a regular basis; however, there are various things to consider. RVs incorporate diverse systems, so a technician must be skilled in many areas. These include, but are not limited to, electrical, electronics, plumbing, propane, carpentry, body work, chassis mechanical, hydraulics, and sometimes even welding. This is a significant undertaking, especially when you consider that other tradespeople have to be skilled in “only” one of the above-listed trades.
In the United States, four levels of certification exist for RV technicians, as mandated and administered by the RV Industry Association (learn more here: www.rvia.org/rv-technical-institute/technician-path-and-curriculum), but bear in mind not all dealerships employ certified technicians. As an aside, RV owners should look for RV service providers that employ at least some certified technicians.
Level 1 of the certification process is the PDI technician. Just like when you purchase a car, RV dealerships perform a predelivery inspection (PDI) to ensure that defects do not get passed on to the customer. Whether the unit is new or used, the PDI technician examines each aspect of the vehicle to look for significant quality or safety issues. The Level 1 technician learns the skills required to inspect all facets of an RV and to perform basic repairs. Most technicians start their careers as PDI technicians. Some choose to remain in the PDI group, and others return to PDIs after a career at a higher level. It is a logical starting point for the new RV technician. This is where you gain a solid understanding of the basics of RV systems, partly through sheer repetition.
PDI technicians thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of the RV and test the various systems, such as plumbing, electrical, and propane. Any defects are repaired or noted for more senior technicians to address. New technicians should work alongside an experienced tech for as long as it takes to methodically learn the processes. After that, they should have direct access to more senior personnel in case they have questions or need direction related to a particular troubleshooting or repair procedure. In fact, in order to continue the lifelong learning process, all RV technicians should have the ability to consult with more senior staff. Not having this is one of the drawbacks of being a mobile RV technician, but more on that later.
Becoming a Level 1 RV technician requires both a written and a practical (skills-based) exam.
Level 2 technicians attain a stronger theoretical knowledge of RV systems and components. They also possess a solid skill set to be able to apply diagnostic and troubleshooting methodologies in order to implement effective and appropriate repairs to basic RV systems. Level 2 certification requires Level 1 and Level 2 written and practical exams. As with PDI certification, many technicians spend their careers at Level 2.
Level 3 requires the completion of manufacturer training on specific types of components, as well as the skills needed to perform advanced diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repairs on those components. This level requires successful completion of Level 1 and Level 2 written and practical exams, as well as attendance and passing at least 24 hours of approved hands-on vendor training within five years of certification. This training must cover, at a minimum, the topics listed for each specialty. The five available specialties are electrical, chassis, electronics, appliances, and slideouts.
Level 4 is the “Master Technician” level. To attain this, the technician must complete training in all five specialties; be fully proficient in the troubleshooting and repair of all major systems and components found in an RV; and complete at least 120 hours of training within five years of certification.
All four levels of certification require yearly employment verification, and all but Level 1 require recertification every five years.
In Canada, an RV technician is a licensed trade in many provinces. In these provinces, technicians are placed in one of two levels: Apprentice or Interprovincial Red Seal Journeyman. In the case of the latter, the certification is valid across all provinces that adopt Red Seal trade certification.
For those considering hanging out a shingle as a mobile RV service technician, I would recommend having experience equivalent to Level 4 or Journeyman certification before undertaking such a venture. When working remotely, it’s rare to have access to peer support, which includes both knowledge and physical assistance. Therefore, extensive knowledge and experience are required in order to be successful in this role. The technician should have at least one other person (preferably two) who can be called upon to assist with procedures such as awning replacement and heavy lifting.
While some readers may be interested in pursuing careers as RV technicians, I expect most are owners who simply want to learn more about their RVs so they can perform some maintenance and repair themselves. In this case, I recommend the FMCA University (www.fmca.com/index.php/about-fmca-university.html). This is a new initiative by FMCA. The University offers members access to an extensive list of published technical articles. After reading each article, members are given a quiz to test their knowledge; virtual badges are awarded based on participants’ scores and the number of tests they complete. In the future, FMCA plans to expand the FMCA University to take an even deeper dive into RV maintenance and service. So, if you want to know more about the technical workings of your RV, FMCA has you covered.
Send your troubleshooting questions to Steve Froese at techtalk@fmca.com. The volume of correspondence may preclude personal replies. Not all responses will apply in every instance. Some situations may require a visual inspection and hands-on testing. If you choose to follow any procedures outlined in this column, first satisfy yourself that neither personal nor product safety will be jeopardized. If you feel uncomfortable about a procedure, stop and make an appointment with an RV service facility.