How to Be Recreational Vehicle Mechanic - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 10, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Recreational Vehicle Mechanics are responsible for the repair and maintenance of Recreational Vehicles (RVs). They inspect, diagnose, and troubleshoot issues related to RVs, from the engine and electrical system to plumbing and AC systems. This job requires knowledge and experience in a variety of areas, including general automotive repair and maintenance, electrical work, welding, and appliance repair.

With their extensive knowledge and experience, RV Mechanics can identify the cause of a problem quickly and accurately, ensuring that the issue is fixed in an efficient manner. they also provide preventative maintenance services, helping RV owners to avoid costly repairs in the future. As a result, RV Mechanics play an essential role in keeping RVs running safely and reliably.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. A high school education is a prerequisite for entry-level positions as a Recreational Vehicle (RV) mechanic.
Gain experience working on RVs. Many employers prefer to hire mechanics with prior experience working on RVs. Consider getting an internship or volunteer job at a local RV repair shop or dealership to gain experience.
Find an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships provide hands-on instruction and mentoring from experienced RV mechanics. They are available at RV repair shops, dealerships, and even some manufacturers.
Get certified. Certification can help you stand out from the competition and boost your employment prospects. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers certifications in specific areas of RV repair.
Consider additional training. Most employers prefer to hire mechanics who have completed additional training, such as welding or electrical systems courses.
Get licensed. Depending on where you live, you may be required to have a drivers license and/or other licenses to work as an RV mechanic. Check with your local licensing department for more information.

Recreational Vehicle Mechanics must possess a wide range of skills and knowledge in order to be reliable and capable. They must be knowledgeable about the various systems that make up a recreational vehicle, including the electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems. They must also be able to diagnose and repair any problems that arise with these systems.

Furthermore, they must be adept at troubleshooting and problem solving, so that they can accurately and quickly identify the cause of any issue. Finally, they must have excellent customer service skills, so that they can effectively communicate with customers and provide satisfactory solutions to their problems. All of these qualities combine to make a reliable and capable Recreational Vehicle Mechanic.

You may want to check Recreational Vehicle Body Technician, Recreational Vehicle Technician, and Recreational Sports Director for alternative.

Job Description

Diagnose and repair recreational vehicle systems, including engines, drive trains, electrical systems, and other related components.
Inspect components for defects and proper operation.
Perform routine maintenance, such as oil changes, lubrication, and tune-ups.
Troubleshoot and repair recreational vehicle systems with diagnostic equipment and tools.
Replace and adjust parts and components as needed.
Perform quality control checks to ensure repairs are done correctly.
Maintain accurate records of customer service requests and repairs.
Provide technical assistance to customers regarding recreational vehicle maintenance and repairs.
Keep work area clean and organized.
Adhere to safety regulations when working on recreational vehicles.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems on recreational vehicles.
Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical and plumbing issues.
Competency in maintenance, repairs and modifications of recreational vehicle systems.
Proficiency in handling tools and equipment related to RV maintenance and repairs.
Familiarity with parts, materials and supplies necessary for RV service and repair.
Knowledge of safety procedures related to working on recreational vehicles.
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and service bulletins.
Good communication skills in order to effectively communicate with customers.
Attention to detail to ensure quality workmanship.
Ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Having a strong background in recreational vehicle mechanic is key for those who take on jobs in this field. Being able to identify problems quickly and accurately, and then having the mechanical knowledge and skills to fix them, are essential to success. This requires a good understanding of mechanics, electrical systems, and the ability to troubleshoot and install components.

Being able to use specialized tools and diagnostic equipment is also a must-have skill. Knowing how to work with various materials, such as fiberglass and metal, is also important. Finally, having a good sense of customer service is critical to ensuring that customers are satisfied with the work that is done on their recreational vehicles.

With these skills and knowledge, a recreational vehicle mechanic can ensure that customers have a safe and enjoyable experience with their vehicles.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in recreational vehicle maintenance?
What safety protocols do you follow when working on recreational vehicles?
How would you diagnose and repair common recreational vehicle issues?
What tools and equipment do you use to work on recreational vehicles?
What do you do to ensure a high quality of work?
How do you prioritize tasks in a busy environment?
How do you keep up with changes related to recreational vehicle technology?
What customer service skills do you possess to assist clients?
What methods do you use to troubleshoot and diagnose issues?
Are you familiar with the warranty policies related to recreational vehicle repairs?

Common Tools in Industry

Oscilloscope. An electronic measuring instrument used to measure voltage, current, frequency, and other electrical parameters. (eg: Wavetek Oscilloscope)
Multimeter. A device used to measure electrical parameters such as voltage, current, and resistance. (eg: Fluke Multimeter)
Wrench Set. A set of wrenches used for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts. (eg: Craftsman Wrench Set)
Socket Set. A set of sockets used for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts. (eg: Craftsman Socket Set)
Screwdriver Set. A set of screwdrivers used for tightening and loosening screws. (eg: Craftsman Screwdriver Set)
Pliers Set. A set of pliers used for gripping, cutting, and bending wire. (eg: Craftsman Pliers Set)
Wire Strippers. A tool used for cutting and stripping insulation from electrical wires. (eg: Klein Wire Strippers)
Soldering Iron. A tool used for joining two pieces of metal by melting a small amount of solder between them. (eg: Weller Soldering Iron)
Heat Gun. A tool used to heat up an object to soften it or to remove paint or other material from it. (eg: Wagner Heat Gun)
Air Compressor. A device that compresses air to a higher pressure, typically used to power air tools such as drills and grinders. (eg: Bostitch Air Compressor)

Professional Organizations to Know

RVIA Recreation Vehicle Industry Association
RVDA Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association
ARA Automotive Recyclers Association
NTP-STAG National Tire and Parts Service and Training Group
NATM National Auto Technicians Education Foundation
RVDA of Canada
ARVC National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
RVTECH Recreational Vehicle Technical Institute
ASE Automotive Service Excellence

We also have Recreational Therapist Activity Specialist, Recreational Vehicle Detailer/Washer, and Recreational Vehicle Parts Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

RV Parts. A variety of components and materials used to build and maintain recreational vehicles, including engines, brakes, frames, tires, interior furnishings, and more.
Electrical Systems. The wiring, fixtures, and other components used to provide electricity to recreational vehicles.
Plumbing Systems. The pipes, fittings, and other components used to provide water and wastewater treatment systems to recreational vehicles.
Propane Systems. The tanks, regulators, and other components used to provide propane fuel to recreational vehicles.
Air Conditioning Systems. The compressors, condensers, and other components used to provide air conditioning to recreational vehicles.
Chassis Maintenance. The maintenance and repair of recreational vehicles' chassis and frames, including alignment and suspension systems.
Diagnostics. Techniques used by mechanics to identify and diagnose problems with recreational vehicles' systems.
Repair Techniques. Maintenance and repair techniques used by mechanics to fix recreational vehicles' systems.
Safety Procedures. Safety protocols and procedures used by mechanics when working on recreational vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are necessary to become a Recreational Vehicle Mechanic?

To become a recreational vehicle mechanic, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as specialized RV mechanic training and experience working with RV systems.

What type of knowledge do Recreational Vehicle Mechanics need?

Recreational Vehicle Mechanics need to have knowledge of RV systems, including electrical systems, plumbing, heating and cooling, and interior components. They must understand the principles of mechanics and be able to diagnose and repair issues.

What tools are used by Recreational Vehicle Mechanics?

Recreational Vehicle Mechanics use a variety of tools and equipment to diagnose and repair RV systems, such as hand tools, power tools, diagnostic tools, and specialized RV-specific tools.

What safety protocols should Recreational Vehicle Mechanics follow?

Recreational Vehicle Mechanics should always follow safety protocols when working on an RV, such as wearing protective gear, following safe lifting techniques, and following the manufacturer's instructions for operation of tools and equipment.

How much does a Recreational Vehicle Mechanic typically earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for Recreational Vehicle Mechanics in May 2019 was $40,020.

Web Resources

Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Service and Repair tafeqld.edu.au
Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Service and Repair - Kangan www.kangan.edu.au
Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Service and Repair - TAFE www.tafensw.edu.au