Welcome to my mini “Behind the Scenes” series on choosing a mobile RV repair technician! As a practicing RV tech myself, I hope this series educates and empowers you. Feel free to leave a comment sharing what you’ve learned with other RV owners. And on behalf of all independent techs, thank you for supporting us! To read other articles in this series, click here.

First, let’s deal with the elephant in the room.

The RV industry has a reputation for shady service, whether from a shop or a mobile technician. There are entire media columns dedicated to RV service center “horror stories.” If you’ve dealt with an RV ‘stealership” before, you know the pain. 

There are two sides to every story, of course. Many of the industry’s problems are due to cascading failures beyond any single party’s control. However, as a customer, you want to avoid any kind of hassle, don’t you?

A good RV tech is worth their weight in gold. A bad tech is about as helpful as the bubonic plague. So if you’re hiring a reputable mobile RV service technician, then here’s my advice for choosing the good and weeding out the bad. This is how to choose a good mobile RV service tech.

Are They Good Communicators? 

This is the No. 1 clue to a good mobile RV repairman (or woman). Do they answer the phone, especially if you leave a voicemail or text message? Do they arrive on time and update you with an ETA? Do they explain their findings and their proposed solutions? Are they transparent about pricing and payment policies?

A good RV tech is a business owner first and an RV technician second. Customer service is just as critical as diagnostic skills. A technician doesn’t need to be as charismatic as Timothee Chalamet, but they should be transparent, honest, and upfront. If you can’t get a straight answer from someone, run the other direction. 

Be willing to use their preferred method of communication. Some may call; others will text. It takes a lot to juggle a full schedule of mobile service work.

Use a Tech Locator

Traveling out of your home area? There are several websites and services that can help you find a reputable RV service provider near you.  

• RVTAA Tech Locator. This is a nationwide map of all RVTAA-certified technicians, most of whom are independent mobile service providers.
• RV Repair Direct. This popular website helps RV owners find a trustworthy RV repair shop or service near you.
• My RV Resource. This directory includes thousands of RV companies, service providers and more.
• Social media. Many popular RVing locations have their own “RV Technician” Facebook page where techs and clients can reach out to each other on short notice.
• Google Maps. Many technicians have Google Business pages, which will show up on Google maps with an “RV repair near me” search. You can search on Bing Places as well.

Do You Need a Technician or a Mechanic?

It’s very rare that a mobile RV service technician is qualified to repair any and everything on an RV. Most have focus areas: the appliances, interior remodeling, chassis and suspension, powertrain, bodywork, roofing, etc. 

In particular, don’t hire a technician when you need a mechanic, or vice versa. Engine making a knocking sound? You need an ASE-certified mechanic, not an RV tech. You should look for a mobile tractor trailer repair service instead. Lights flickering and the fridge doesn’t work? You need an RV tech with electrical diagnostics experience, not a garage gearhead. 

Oh, and bodywork repair is its own world. For substantial bodywork repairs, you’ll need to find a collision center that works on RV and campers. These are tough to find in rural areas, as smaller shops can’t accommodate large RVs in their service bays.  

What’s Their Level of Experience?

As a customer, you are completely within your rights to ask a mobile RV service technician if they are experienced and capable of performing the work requested. You may receive several answers, ranging from, “I’m a 20-year technician that’s fixed just about everything on an RV” to “It’s my first year, but I’m willing to give it a go and charge you a fair price if I can fix it.” Either answer is valid; the decision is up to you.

Unfortunately, too many people have started RV tech “side gigs” to supplement their full-time jobs as contractors, aviation mechanics, insurance adjusters, you name it. The simple truth is that RVs are their own industry, and much of the knowledge doesn’t cross-apply. I’ve fixed many an electrical issue that a residential electrician couldn’t figure out. Your average Sparky doesn’t work on a CAN bus network, now do they? 

Browse the Website

Perhaps my Millennial is showing, but I inherently distrust service providers with zero online presence. If you’re hiring a mobile RV service, check the web. Do they have a website or social media profile page? If so, is it professionally designed, easy to find, and updated with their current contact information? Or was the last post from 3 years ago?

Inquire About Certification and Licensing

Fun fact: There is no governing body for RV service certification. Instead, the industry is self-certifying through several independent groups. The largest one is the RV Technical Institute (RVTI), a partner with the RV Industry Association (RVIA). There are other RV technician training schools in the country as well, such as the National RV Training Academy (NRTVA), which issues certification under the RV Technician Association of America (RVTAA).

>>> READ MORE: What’s Up With That RVIA Sticker and Should You Care?

All these certifications are valid. None are a guarantee of competency. Inquire whether the technician is Level 1 (Registered), Level 2 (Certified), or Level 3 and above (Advanced). Level 1 Registered technicians are only trained in preventative maintenance and basic repairs. 

In most locations, there is no licensing requirement for mobile RV service techs other than a sales tax license. If you are traveling through a state or municipality that requires a special permit or license for mobile mechanic work, then inquire ahead. 

How Large Is the Service Area?

If you’re looking for a mobile RV service tech, you need to know how they handle mileage charges. Some charge a flat rate; some charge per mile; some charge based on driving time. If you live more than 30 miles away from their headquarters, you may be charged additional fees for the time and distance. If you are further than one hour away, I would consider trying to find someone closer. 

Ask the Mob

Any mobile RV service technician that has been in business for more than 6 months should have at least 5 public reviews. Some technicians will direct customers to a platform of their choice, such as Google Business, Facebook, Yelp, the BBB, etc. Read the reviews! Size is no indicator of quality (for that matter, nor is brand or franchise).

Use your BS filter. Are the positive reviews too generic or obviously paid for? Are the negative ones reeking of personal revenge? Have any customers left recurring reviews? What are the ages of the recent reviews? 

Even better, talk to your campground friends, and see who they recommend. 

Call Your Local Campground

If you’re traveling, call a local campground and ask for their recommendation for a local mobile service technician. They get and give referrals all the time! Often, your local campground manager is one of the most knowledgeable sources for reliable local RV technicians and RV handymen.

Rubberneck Their Gear

Most mobile RV service technicians will travel with a service vehicle, be it a pickup truck, box truck, cargo van, mini van, trailer, etc. While you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, pay attention to the details. Does the technician have a well-equipped tool bag? What’s the size of their parts inventory? If your repair requires special equipment, does the technician have the mandatory tools, or are they MacGyvering a solution? If a technician shows up missing common diagnostic tools like a thermometer, gas pressure tester, digital multimeter, etc., that’s a yellow flag worth investigating.

What’s the Warranty?

Any reputable business should warranty their workmanship for a minimum period, at least 30 days. RV service centers and technicians eligible to work with extended warranty services are usually required to offer a 90-day parts and labor warranty. However, you may be required to return the RV to within a certain distance of their home base in order to exercise this warranty.

Do They Accept Extended Warranties?

Speaking of warranties, if you have work to be performed under warranty, you must discuss the situation with the mobile service provider! The RV warranty landscape is a complicated place.

• Many mobile technicians will not accept warranty work of any kind.
• Some will provide you with an invoice and expect you to seek reimbursement.
• Some will accept any kind of warranty, but you’ll be on the hook for any costs not covered by your policy – and that could be 80% of the total bill!
• Some will accept aftermarket warranties and extended service contracts, but not OEM or manufacturer warranties.

You need to have this conversation ahead of time, and don’t make any assumptions!

Trust the Niggle

This is also known as “trusting your gut” and “listening to your heart.” If you feel your guardian angel tapping you on the shoulder, whispering in your ear, or tying a knot in your stomach, listen! Keep calling until you find someone you trust. That’s the best way to choose a good mobile RV service technician.