Would you like to save this article?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later to read!

You’re planning that perfect RV adventure when suddenly your water heater stops working or your slide-out gets stuck. Your next decision could make or break your entire trip. Finding a mobile RV technician might seem easy, but finding one who’s actually qualified is a whole different story.

According to industry expert Rodney Simmons from Blue Moon Mobile RV, the RV service industry has some serious problems that most RVers don’t know about. The shortage of skilled technicians is getting worse every year, with nearly half a million new RVs sold annually but not enough qualified people to fix them when things go wrong.

Truth #1: Your “Certified” Technician Might Not Know What They’re Doing

Here’s the scary reality: Just because someone has a certification doesn’t mean they have any real experience. Many RV technicians today get certified after just a few weeks of training, but Rodney’s apprenticeship program takes three and a half years to complete.

The RV Technical Institute reports that 5,000 newly certified technicians joined the workforce in 2023, but the industry still faces a critical shortage. The problem isn’t the number of technicians—it’s the quality of their training.

You might think all certified techs are created equal, but that’s like saying all drivers with licenses are equally good at parallel parking. Some barely passed the test, while others have been perfecting their skills for decades.

Training TypeDurationReal-World ExperienceSuccess Rate
Quick Certification2-6 weeksMinimalLow
Apprenticeship Program3.5 yearsExtensive mentoringHigh
Trade School6 months – 2 yearsModerateMedium

Truth #2: Many New RVs Are Essentially Expensive Jigsaw Puzzles

RV manufacturers aren’t really manufacturers—they’re assemblers. Your RV contains parts from hundreds of different companies, and sometimes these pieces don’t play nicely together. Rodney explains that modern RVs are incredibly complex machines trying to pack all your home amenities into a mobile package.

Recent investigations show that some major RV manufacturers issued more recalls than major automakers between 2015 and 2024. Quality control is inconsistent across the industry, with 42% of service orders at dealerships waiting for warranty issue resolution.

You’d expect buying a $100,000 RV to come with the same quality control as a luxury car, but apparently, that’s asking too much. It’s like ordering a gourmet meal and getting a TV dinner instead.

Truth #3: The “Read the Manual” Secret That Most Techs Ignore

Rodney’s biggest secret to success? He actually reads the instructions. While this sounds laughably simple, many younger technicians skip this crucial step and jump straight into fixing things. This leads to improper installations, like air conditioners that aren’t even plugged in or have no ventilation.

The industry reports that rushed repairs and lack of attention to detail cause many callbacks and additional problems. Rodney uses the “Socratic method” with his apprentices, asking questions that force them to really look at what they’re working on.

You know that friend who insists they can assemble IKEA furniture without looking at the instructions? Now imagine that friend is working on your $50,000 RV. Suddenly, reading the manual doesn’t seem so boring, does it?

Truth #4: You Need to Ask Three Critical Questions Before Hiring Any Mobile Tech

Before letting anyone touch your RV, demand to see these three documents:

  1. Liability Insurance – Protects you if something goes wrong
  2. LP (Propane) Management License – Required by law to work on propane systems
  3. Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Shows they’re a legitimate business

According to industry sources, many mobile RV techs operate without proper licensing and insurance. Without an LP management license, they legally cannot work on your furnace, water heater, or any propane appliance.

You wouldn’t let an unlicensed contractor work on your house, so why would you trust your rolling home to someone who can’t produce proper paperwork? It’s like hiring a babysitter who won’t show you their ID.

Truth #5: The Industry’s Apprenticeship Crisis Is Hurting Your Wallet

The traditional apprenticeship model is disappearing, but it’s the most effective way to train skilled technicians. While quick certification programs pump out new techs fast, they lack the mentorship and hands-on experience that prevent costly mistakes.

Dealership service departments often view technicians as “throwaways” rather than investing in proper training. This mindset leads to higher costs for you through repeated visits, warranty issues, and poor-quality repairs.

The industry treats skilled craftsmen like disposable workers, then wonders why quality is declining. It’s like replacing master chefs with people who’ve only watched cooking shows—the results speak for themselves.

IssueImpact on RV OwnersCost Increase
Inadequate TrainingMultiple repair visits25-40%
Rushed WorkNew problems created30-50%
No MentorshipLonger repair times20-35%

Take Action Before You Need It

Don’t wait until you’re stranded to find a qualified mobile RV technician. Research and contact reputable services in your area now. Ask for their credentials, read reviews from other RVers, and keep their contact information with your insurance and roadside assistance details.

Remember Rodney’s advice: A good technician will gladly show you their licensing, insurance, and certifications. If they hesitate or make excuses, keep looking.

SOURCES