Great video. As a certified level 3 Technician from RVTI, it is true what you say. I run as an independent business and will be honest it's challenging. My goal and objective is to provide honest and high quality service. As a new certified technician, experience is crucial and I have turn down jobs where if I cannot provide a better out come for the customer I will try to refer them which usually is a problem to to the lack of service from service departments dealerships or the lack of technicians in general. The only way to provide high quality competent service is for new RV Technicians is to continue to seek education and build their skill set. I am fortunate to have connected to a two senior Service Response Team (SRT) and to follow certain of web sites such as this one who offer real information to consumers and reminders of what going on in the industry. Thanks

I am a reasonably handy guy with tools/repairs, having grown up on a farm, owned a couple of over-the-road tractor trailer rigs, etc., not a stranger to tools/fixing things. After six months as an RV technician, I can say unequivocally that what this guy says is true. I have been about 85% on-my-own to try and learn how to repair many things. Throwing parts at the problem always wins vs actually diagnosing what the problem really is. There IS no standard in the RV repair industry. ☹

I used a RV dealer for service precisely once, and it was all the motivation I needed to learn how to do most stuff myself.

Considering they make those things out of cardboard, plastic, sheet aluminum, it’s a wonder they all don’t fly apart going down the road.

Took my MH to Discount Tire in Charlotte, NC. RV dealership & Ford dealership had a 3 month wait!! Discount Tire got me in & out in 1 hr.

I know exactly what you're talking about. I took my RV to Camping World in Idaho Falls and they were going to consign it for me well after 2 months I get a phone call from the service manager and he says hey you have about 2500.00 worth of leaks and repairs on your motorhome that need to be repaired before you can get it sold. I almost blew a gasket when I dropped it off I had been living in it for 6 months full time and it was just fine. So I go to see what was the list and I find out that the idiots had put compressed air to the system in the parking lot in the middle of the winter. I told them give me my RV back and canceled the contract. It ended up costing me only 295.00 to fix all the broken pipes and faucets they broke and to change out an expired fire extinguisher. I found out later that they fired the guy that did the damage because he was costing them more than he was producing. Stay away from Camping World.

Thank you for your honesty!

I have this dont break your rv course and it's an amazing help to newbies and experts alike !!! My dealer was bish rv, on my PDI I found the drawer under the fridge was needed alignment to work right. They said the fixed it and I went on my way, the drawer was 10 times worse after the repair then it was when I reported it. I know I should have checked it before I left the dealership, but I was like its a simple drawer adjustment, any flunky can do that. I was wrong, lesson learned.

I learn and do almost all repairs and maintenance.

I think that manufacturers need to start creating and leveraging a network of mobile techs to do warranty work. For the reasons you mentioned, dealers don't want to do it and do a terrible job at it and it is driving the RVs today are trash. This would allow dealerships to focus on what they do want to do and that is sell RVs and then maybe they could focus more on PDIs. It would also give consumers more direct control on the repairs being done. This would also probably result in a more informed consumer which is also a good thing.

In Canada, RV Technician is a certified trade with government body oversight. So you need to do a four-year apprenticeship and three years of college, then you can write your Red Seal exam. Then, on top of that, each province has its own RV gas certification processes. The above doesn’t necessarily mean we have better technicians, but there’s more oversight for training compared to the RVIA in the US. What we still lack is trained technicians since there are only two colleges that teach it and a nearly two-year wait to get in. Parts are our most significant issue being on the West Coast. Do you need a part for your RV specific to it or even just manufactured in Elkhart? That’ll be a 2-3 month wait because the warehouse is slow. Then, they probably shipped the wrong part, which will get held up at the border. Service work, I believe, is an industry issue, starting from the top. Technicians are, for the most part, thrown into an environment where they have little chance of success, from seasoned ones to newbies, which is why most good techs leave shops to go out on their own when shops need to retain those techs to train the new incoming generation of technicians. Keep up the great work! I enjoy your videos and perspectives. 🎉

I've owned 2 RV's in the last 12 years one MH and now a TT. I've never had any major issues with either one. But like you said I've done the basic maintenance and I have taken care of them. When I sold the MH to a dealer ship the guy they sent to pick it up said it was probably the best maintained RV he had seen in quite a while. One big problem I see are people getting into RVing with no clue what their getting into with that rolling earthquake.

Ford is another issue. Motorhomes that are not vans are almost all For F-53 chassis, and these are having a LOT of safety recalls, most of them quite serious. In my case, dry differential, sway bar falls off (two recalls for the same issue), vehicle shipped without front end alignment (new 2 year old tire), misrouted and pinched cables (new harness and three month delay for a harness locally available for $18). Add to this safety issues caused by the coach builder. In my case fire in the CPAP cabinet (I was right there, and damage was negligible because I was there - and conscious. Investigation showed 12 AWG wire filed down and forced into stab connection for 14 AWG wire - manufacturer actually tried to glue it back together!) I replaced all outlets because 12 AWG wire used by filing down the wire and forcing it into the stab connection. Then the overhead fold-down bed fell on my head while driving. It fell slowly and gently, but - terrible design! Black tank arrived from dealer with poop pyramid included. Radio disappeared into the dash while driving - investigation showed zero supports, held in place by a 1/16" plastic dash panel. I repaired with four inches of 1x1 from a local hardware store. Then there's the things that are just crazy. I had to repair a dashboard panel because it drooped and got damaged by setting the parking brake. It needed a zip tie. For lack of a zip tie I had no headlights, turn signals, brake lights, wipers, etc. All of these are potentially quite serious. Frankly, I'm appalled. (Former manufacturing engineer and electrician.)

I work at an rv dealership and this is all so totally correct. But another problem we have is some people are just so afraid to do their own maintenance on anything and something so simple they have to bring it in. And they dont realize how much movement it makes going down the road at 60-75 mph. Then they blame things that are wrong all on our store when we dont actually build the campers. I wish more people would watch people like you to learn how to fix things themselves before making a big deal about things. I want to ask what would you do if it was your house?

Not in an RV yet but planning to be. Your videos are EXTREMELY helpful in prep for that experience. Thank you!

Some things I can't do myself, like replace a water heater, fix a generator, replace a refrigerator. What the RV industry needs is for all the manufacturers to for an RV technician certification standards including apprenticeship programs, seed fund technician training schools, encourage high school kids to pursue an RV tech career, and require their dealers hire certified techs. Yeah, probably never happen.

The best Rv techs work in the collision side of the industry. They have the most experience.

I bought my TT two years ago. I did all the warranty myself: trim work, fix doors, plumbing, DC as will as AC. Enjoyed doing the work!!

Great tips. Every new rv customer should watch this video. I have been full time for 6 years and your tips are right on. I use mobile techs when required but most of the time I do the work myself. When I was brand new I took my RV back to where I bought it and it was a nightmare. Kept my RV for 3 months, didn’t fix it and I called my manufacturer who said they had shipped the parts weeks ago. The dealership had lost the parts. We found the parts in an attic. The dealership tried to blame the manufacturer. I am going to watch all your videos.

This is so interesting 😊😊 I use to work in public water supply. We had to get a ( backflow certification) that means you look and TEST the ( RPs double check valve) these are devices that Prevent Backflow into water system. There MUST be a yearly test of all backflow systems in your water District. In the class there were plumbers that Failed the final Testing. The problem was the test you do at the time that U did it, you must memorize the testing process, and do it un front of a certificate instructor. Because so many plumbers where failing test. Thay changwd it so you can look at test process on paper, then do test in front of instructor. I thought this was a good xhange, because following along by the sheet of paper, gets the test done RIGHT.

I ended up dealing with my father's RF warranty repairs a few years ago. The core problem is that the manufacturer's reimbursement rate to the dealers (back in 2016) was $35 an hour paid to the shop under warranty. So no dealer could make any money at it, naturally they did not invest in adequate tools, space, and staff, and they tried to avoid doing warranty work unless it was an RV that they had sold. Wait times for warranty work in San Diego in the summertime were in the range of 3 months.

Love your videos. Thank you

It's sad dealers have to sell 'junk', or should I say, poorly engineered products. Also pity repair techs having to deal with the problems. Good Luck.....

As a fellow tech this was a great vid!!! Thanks

I know this all too well. After inspecting our brand new travel trailer we noticed the door did not close properly. They had their tech come over to adjust it while we went inside. We came out to a bowed door that was not bowed when we went inside. Thanks Camping World for making us go through warranty rather than doing it in house and taking responsibility for your tech.

Great video. I found a good repair shop through a bad experience at a dealer from my insurance agent processing claim for catalytic converter theft.

In Canada, it’s a minimum three year apprenticeship four years if you’d like a red seal certificate enabling you to work any anywhere in the country

Wow an amazing and scary video. I do 95% of my own repairs but I’ve had good luck with shop repairs and mobile techs though it was before Covid.

Thank you, sir I very much look forward to becoming a qualified certified experienced precision RV tech. This video has given me even more confidence than I already had. Thank you thank you.

Mobile Techs we have dealt with are just as bad as a dealer. 80 to a hundred show up fee when they are to spaces down from you. Not knowing what they are doing charging 150 an hour …. The entire industry seems to be a ripoff.

So far for me, Fretz RV in PA and Maple Shade, NJ Mercedes Vans center has been fantastic for me. Great video. Thanks.

Unfortunately, some of the manufacturers require inspections at regular intervals by a “certified” RV maintenance facility in order to not void the warranty. The big boys like Camping World/Gander have a months long backlog of appointments. I had a serious electrical problem right at the opening of camping season, and ended up educating myself online and doing my own repair. Called a mobile RV tech just to come inspect my work, but saved myself loads of time and money.

Here in central Texas, I use lonestar RV repair services in Harker Heights, Texas. They have worked on my TT before I moved up to a class C. Usually out within a few days. Very knowledgeable mechanics.

Anyone here have any recommendations for honest folks in the midwest? Specifically NE IL/SE WI? Camping World is a JOKE. I'd love to shop at an independent shop but they seem to be the next Amazon, sucking up all the mom and pops and then employing McDs rejects

Would you please review this travel trailer: Keystone Bullet 253RDS. It has a fantastic rear dinette layout, and is relatively light weight. I believe that this is the mid-level model of three similar models, including the Cougar 25RD (higher level), and the Passport 252RD (base level). Really enjoy all of your reviews! Thanks.

Took my camper in to have a pleated shade replaced under warranty. Picked it up and the shade worked fine. Left, went home and parked it. Took it out a few months later to go camping. Set the camper up an went open a different shade.... Yup they moved the bad one there. Now I'm out of warranty...

We use Road Trip Camping in Orange Va. They have great service

I use to work on RVs but it was just the housing. I have a question if i got a HVAC ep 608 can that be useful in the RV trade??

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five star review for this video.

Yes, learn to do it yourself or have a tech come to you and learn from him.

They take advantage of senior citizens on fixed incomes and who have no other choices. The rv repair system needs regulation.

Hi Jacob, I love the coffee cup, can't find any on line, help.

Looking at thinking about a Host Truck Camper, Cascade w/2 slides. Do you have any info about this Manufacturer. Thank you.

Great video, but it just isn't that simple. Seniors just don't have the ability to do certain repairs.

So If you want to become an RV tech, how would you go about it? Go to a school of some sort or start out at a dealer get some experience then go on your own?

1 for 3 on rv dealer service. Getting good at fixing things myself.

Have you attending the NRVTA?

Thanks, that is helpful. That is the highest compliment I have for anyone who is not my wife.

Banger vid

Don’t go to Mike Thompson RV in Fountain Valley California. Your RV will be there 6 weeks and it will come back the same or worse.

I have a 2021 3100rg grand design I would like to re place the stove with an apartment size stove for a larger oven can this be done safely.

I must have been one of the lucky ones. I brought my RV to the local dealer because my awning and siding was separating from the body. I was explained what they would do to fix it and given an estimate for the repair. I received a call 3 days later that it was ready. When I came to pick it up the service person told me "good news." The repair took less time than we thought and my bill was 1/2 of the original estimate. Because of that I have told others about the experience and they might consider the same shop when they need repairs.

"Warranties" have become a scam. Companies just ignore you now and there are no re-percussions. People still buy their crap. I go into purchasing something like a new RV as a "project" with zero warranty.

If you need work on the AC, call an HVAC vendor. If you need electrical, call an electrician; plumbing>plumber; auto service>mechanic; etc.................. Taking it to an RV shop is more expensive, more time consuming, and drastically MORE INCOMPETENT. The only reason to go to an RV shop is if it has a 5 star rating on google, with hundreds of satisfied customers. Do you honestly think that exists?

All his complaints can be fixed by having a great shop foreman to watch over and inspect every job during and after the repair.

What's a "Al-lect-trician"?

How do you feel about NRVIA? We are new to RVing and trying to locate a qualified tech for a pre-purchase inspection in the Phoenix area.

Simply ask about service before you buy. Is tech Redseal certified or a twit. I meet every Customer. We don't work by job anymore as parts are a nightmare holdup.

The reason they suck is they pay low wages and attract people that have no mechanical, electrical, or plumbing knowledge. People with any real skills will work somewhere where they make more. RV techs are very low skilled workers.

What about using mobile techs instead of waiting for the dealer?

I disagree with the one-star review advice, at least until you get the RV back. I've had a dealership harass me to remove the review before releasing the vehicle.

Sad, sad state of affairs! On one hand, you have manufacturers turning out total junk quality. On the other hand, the dealerships can employ completely UN-qualified hack employees to make the situation worse. They take months and months to actually get around to working on your unit. i guess they hope you will just get tired and go away? God Bless America!

Wow, the RV industry is a flipping train wreck. Wonder if the automotive service industry is any better? Seriously doubt it 😢

Good advice! I made an appointment for a “under warranty replacement of driver side mirror “ on my 2021 gulfstream class C service boss set the date and I brought it in that morning and gave home the keys. I asked him what time today to pick it up. He looks at me and says about 5 days and I told him you will have it done today or I’ll put my foot on your neck and slap a law suit on you personally. You set the day for the job and it’ll take you 20 minutes at best to swap mirror assembly’s out. Yep he followed through and the mechanic still did it wrong. I had to correct his mistake and do it right. I also let the tyrant shop Forman know of the screw up as well. Yep I might use them again but that guy knows I’m not gonna take no crap and have worked on semi’s for 39 years. Just sayin.

If you own a RV learn how to fix it .

Makes me want to out and buy a new RV, hmmmm.

The future of dealerships is specializing many aspects. They are extremely complicated.

Do me favor and work on your audio. I have my laptop's volume turned up to 10 and still have a hard time hearing you.

The fallacy of your presentation is that "certification" is not synonymous with capability. This holds true for any trade in every state. And unfortunately, there is no "certification" for honesty and integrity. Rule of thumb these days, if you can't fix it, you probably shouldn't buy it...unless you just have deep pockets and like spending time in repair shops.

do not buy an rv!

A1 Mobile RV services in Mission TX knows his stuff when it comes to appliances like ACs, heaters etc. Otherwise I just fix everything myself.