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

Dec 13, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The recreational vehicle parts specialist is an important job in the RV industry. With the increasing popularity of RVing, the demand for parts and services is also on the rise. This job involves locating and ordering parts, ensuring that parts are correctly installed and repaired, and providing customer service.

A recreational vehicle parts specialist is responsible for making sure that any needed repairs are completed in a timely manner and to the customer's satisfaction. They also must be knowledgeable about the different types of vehicles and their components, as well as be knowledgeable about the RV industry in general. they must be able to troubleshoot when necessary and be familiar with the latest updates and trends in the industry.

The work of a recreational vehicle parts specialist is essential for the RV industry, as it ensures that customers receive a quality product and service.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Employers may require applicants to have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
Take classes in automotive technology, recreational vehicles, and customer service. These classes are usually offered by community colleges and technical schools, and can provide a good foundation of knowledge for working in the recreational vehicle parts industry.
Pursue an associate degree in automotive technology or a related field. Many employers prefer applicants who have an associate degree in automotive technology, recreational vehicles, or a related field.
Gain experience by volunteering or working in the industry. Volunteering or working as an intern in a recreational vehicle parts store or dealership can provide valuable hands-on experience and can also help build industry contacts.
Become certified in recreational vehicle parts. This is not a requirement for becoming a recreational vehicle parts specialist, but it can help demonstrate knowledge and experience in the field. The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) offers a certification program for recreational vehicle technicians.
Seek employment as a recreational vehicle parts specialist. After gaining experience and education, applicants can look for jobs in the recreational vehicle parts industry. Job postings can be found on employment websites and in classifieds.

Having the right parts for your recreational vehicle is essential for its proper functioning. As a Recreational Vehicle Parts Specialist, it is important to have the ideal knowledge and competence in order to effectively select and provide the correct parts for each customers needs. Having an understanding of the different makes and models, as well as an understanding of the maintenance requirements of each individual recreational vehicle, is absolutely necessary for providing the best service possible.

staying up-to-date on the newest technologies and products available for recreational vehicle parts is essential in order to give customers the best options. Possessing a wealth of knowledge in this field, as well as excellent customer service skills, will help Recreational Vehicle Parts Specialists give the highest quality service to their customers and keep their vehicles running at peak performance.

You may want to check Recreational Vehicle Painters Helper, Recreation Coordinator, and Recreation Specialist for alternative.

Job Description

Receive orders for parts, supplies, and accessories for recreational vehicles (RV).
Research and identify parts that meet customer specifications.
Research and identify compatible parts for RV application.
Verify accuracy of orders, check stock, and maintain inventory levels.
Answer customer inquiries regarding parts, supplies, and accessories.
Display knowledge of RV makes, models and years.
Install or repair parts and accessories on recreational vehicles.
Maintain an organized, neat, and clean work area.
Build relationships with suppliers, vendors, and customers to ensure customer satisfaction.
Assist in troubleshooting and diagnosing RV problems.
Assist in training new staff on parts and accessories.
Transport and deliver items to customers as required.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Thorough knowledge of RV parts and accessories.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical issues with RV components.
Expertise in installation, repair, and maintenance processes for RV parts and accessories.
Ability to read and interpret technical diagrams, instructions, and manuals.
Skilled in using standard hand tools and specialty RV tools.
Superior customer service skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to upsell related merchandise.

An important skill for a Recreational Vehicle (RV) Parts Specialist to have is an in-depth knowledge of the various parts that make up an RV. Knowing the exact parts and what they do, as well as the correct way to assemble them, is essential in order to properly fix and maintain RVs. When an RV owner has a problem or needs to replace a part, a Recreational Vehicle Parts Specialist can quickly identify it and get it fixed or replaced.

Having a clear understanding of the different types of parts and their functions can also help the RV Parts Specialist to recommend the best parts for an RV, which will help improve its performance, reliability, and safety. Without the knowledge of these parts, it can be difficult for an RV Parts Specialist to provide the best service and advice to customers.

Recreational Programmer/Analyst, Recreation Program Specialist, and Recreation Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with recreational vehicle parts?
How would you handle a customer service issue involving a recreational vehicle part?
Are you familiar with the safety regulations associated with the installation of recreational vehicle parts?
How have you kept up to date on the latest developments in recreational vehicle parts?
What challenges have you faced when ordering and stocking recreational vehicle parts?
How do you ensure accuracy when providing information about recreational vehicle parts?
What methods do you use to troubleshoot problems related to recreational vehicle parts?
Have you ever had to work with difficult customers when dealing with recreational vehicle parts?
What strategies do you use to inform customers of important safety information related to recreational vehicle parts?
How do you stay organized when managing a large inventory of recreational vehicle parts?

Common Tools in Industry

Circuit Tester. Used to test electrical circuits and wiring in recreational vehicles (eg: to detect faulty wiring in a RV's electrical system).
Soldering Iron. Used to melt and join together two metals (eg: to repair broken electrical connections in a RV's wiring system).
Multimeter. Used to measure electrical current, voltage and resistance (eg: to check the level of current running through a RV's batteries).
Drill. Used to create holes (eg: to mount a new component in a RV wall).
Wrench Set. Used to turn nuts and bolts (eg: to loosen and tighten screws on a RV's frame).
Pliers. Used to grip and hold objects (eg: to remove a broken light fixture from a RV wall).
Impact Driver. Used to drive in screws, bolts, and other fasteners (eg: to secure an awning to the side of a RV).
Screwdriver Set. Used to turn screws (eg: to open up a RV's storage compartment).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (RV-Parks. org)
RVIA - RV Industry Association (RVIA. org)
Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA. org)
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO. org)
Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA. org)
Good Sam Club (GoodSamClub. com)
National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA. org)
RV Aftermarket Association (RVAaftermarket. org)
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORRTA. org)
National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA. org)

We also have Recreation Teacher, Recreation Manager, and Recreational Vehicle Body Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

RV Chassis. The frame and axles of a recreational vehicle, which are used to support and transport the RV.
RV Appliances. Any type of appliance, such as a refrigerator, range, or microwave, that is installed in a recreational vehicle.
RV Awning. A shade structure, typically made from canvas or vinyl, that is mounted on the exterior of a recreational vehicle and can be extended to provide protection from the sun and rain.
RV Electrical Systems. All the components used to power electrical devices in an RV, such as batteries, generators, inverters, and wiring.
RV Plumbing Systems. The pipes, hoses and fittings used to provide water to an RVs interior and exterior plumbing fixtures.
RV Interior Accessories. Any type of accessory designed to enhance the interior of an RV, such as flooring, window coverings, furniture, and storage solutions.
RV Exterior Accessories. Any type of accessory designed to enhance the exterior of an RV, such as ladders, racks, covers, and lighting.
RV Maintenance. The regular care and maintenance of the various components of an RV in order to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of parts do Recreational Vehicle Parts Specialists typically sell?

Recreational Vehicle Parts Specialists typically sell parts for RV appliances, plumbing, electrical systems, interior and exterior accessories, hitches and towing products, and maintenance items.

How much experience do Recreational Vehicle Parts Specialists usually have?

Recreational Vehicle Parts Specialists usually have at least 5 years of experience in the RV industry.

What are some common job duties of a Recreational Vehicle Parts Specialist?

Recreational Vehicle Parts Specialists commonly provide customer service, answer customer questions, locate and order specific parts, assemble parts to customer's specifications, and install parts.

What type of environment do Recreational Vehicle Parts Specialists usually work in?

Recreational Vehicle Parts Specialists typically work in an auto parts store, RV dealership, automotive repair shop, or other similar environment.

What type of certification may be required for Recreational Vehicle Parts Specialists?

Depending on the employer, Recreational Vehicle Parts Specialists may need to be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or have earned Automotive Service Adviser Certification.

Web Resources

Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Service and Repair tafeqld.edu.au
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians - Minnesota State careerwise.minnstate.edu
Auto Parts Specialist - Des Moines Area Community College www.dmacc.edu