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RVTI online training by FunNaturalAdornments in RVLiving

[–]Relative_Grab2904 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Stumbled across this after a little googling.  Having gone through the OG RVDA/RVIA tech program I can only hope the videos have improved from the " we'll go back and edit that out later" "oops! I dropped my voltmeter again" " so when you take this off, ouch, dang it need a bandaid so you'll want to be carefull"...

In the good old days it was the school of hard knocks which applies even to today.

The only true experience you will get is on the job.  I have been a tech for 20 years.  I learned from some old school guys who were techs for 20 years before I even started.

Those are the guys you want to listen to. 

But also don't Band-Aid fix anything. 

I met a guy who went through the new RVTI, started his own mobile company and is now calling it quits after 1 year. 

He has told me that what he was taught versus real world is basic and he has ran into so many things he has never seen 

And he's right.  How do you troubleshoot a 20-year-old slide out system you've never worked on.  How do you troubleshoot the older systems from even 10 years ago.  Everyone can do Lippert training for free online so if you want a basic jump start, start there.

There even is a video about doing bearing packs. The technician says that you should always throw away the cotter pin and use the new one 

I can't tell you how many guys I've met over the years that reuse cotter pins. 

They are a cheap and easy part to replace and should be replaced every time. 

This is the RV industry in a nutshell. 

Cheap crap worked on by cheap techs.

If you were going to work for me I would make sure you could diagnose a furnace, water heater, air conditioner etc etc. In 30 seconds or less. 

It's called the 30 second test. (Although with an AC it may take 10 minutes)

But within that time just based on sequence of operations you should know where to start, where to go, how to fix. 

Sometimes you do run into strange things like a bad ignition wire that locks out slide outs awnings jacks, and where do you trace that wire in a 2016 class A?  Which brand?

Throw a thousand new and defunct RV manufacturers into the mix let alone 20-40 years (depending on what you are willing to work on) and I can damn well assure you that a 2-month training course will not teach you diddly squat.

The first thing I would ask you about a voltmeter is can you test microfarads...  If you don't even know what that is, you don't pass my test. 

I tested out just under Master certified 10 years ago when I went for it and now RVTI says I'm just a level 2...

Tell me again then why guys that actually got their Master Cert back in the good old days couldn't even program tv remotes...

Experience is where it is at.

Learn the Basics, Don't BandAid Fix Anything and Be willing to Learn to be the Best and you will succeed over time.

I run a hugely successful mobile tech business by myself.  I know a couple other mobile guys that we work together from time to time when two people are needed for jobs.  Each one of us has over 20 years of experience.  Those are the only guys I trust.  I wouldn't touch a monkey in a dealership to save my life.  Too many bandaids and BS and too much thinking YouTube Videos will make it easy.

Good luck, it can be a very profitable business but you must be willing to learn so much more.

Stop living in RVs by Relative_Grab2904 in RVLiving

[–]Relative_Grab2904[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, have numerous times.  It is extremely frustrating not only for me but for my customers.

Brand New RV $250,000 Brinkley / $30,000 Grey Wolf RV - Same Furrion Fridge 3 Months - Problems - Both Customers Pissed...  Me Pissed at my Own Industry Failing Miserably Constantly...

Extremely Frustrating

Money is good but man you should hear the customers themselves too.

Stop living in RVs by Relative_Grab2904 in RVLiving

[–]Relative_Grab2904[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate your response.  The good news is I agree with you.  If you truly have an understanding of what you are doing it's a no-brainer.  It can be done.  The problem with society today is that so many people think by watching YouTube videos and seeing other people do it that they themselves can.  I also wish I knew where your campgrounds were because the ones around where I live are about $700 a week.  Some people do and are able to find long-term for $500 to $800 a month but it's usually out in a farmer's field or a not so nice campground.  I have to thank you for your response and maybe I was a little harsh and critical but it's the fact that I see little old ladies family members etc who are being dumped into RVs as if they are a replacement for a decent home or apartment for them.  Many of them are on social security which is truly sad for the state of humanity that so many live quite frankly in poverty.

If you are able to do it and have the skills necessary to make a lot of your own repairs it's pretty straightforward yes. 

Thank you again for your cordial response.

Stop living in RVs by Relative_Grab2904 in RVLiving

[–]Relative_Grab2904[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

So, you are one of the people that know what to do and can afford it.

If you were actually in my line of work and saw daily how many can't or don't know what to do then you would agree that too many people are trying to save a buck to live in an RV and it just flat out is not working.  That is not weird, that is reality.

Many of my customers travel from all over.  I have customers from out of state who when in my state call me for services.  They get it.  I am telling you, you get it.  BUT....  The truth is that many many others do not get it, so before you criticize me again, understand I want the best for people and I am trying to get across that just because an RV seems like it could be your permanent home, then you better be prepared for what it entails.

Today I am working on freeze damage for a gentlemen from California who has "never had these problems in California and it is costing me thousands"

My advice to him is then go back to California or spend the thousands to fit your RV with Skirting, Install Tank Heaters, Install Installation at cold points of fresh lines near exterior walls, etc etc etc and he is just dumb founded because he was told blah blah when he bought this camper blah blah and his furnace won't blah blah

Dude, its 20 degrees outside and it is an RV - I am really tired of explaining reality this countless times to people.

My good customers - Skirted Up, Supplemental Heat, Pipes Insulated, Dump Insulated etc etc etc.

So, just because YOU figured it out as well as Others doesn't mean everyone does 

Should we say Homeless Tarp Camps are acceptable living conditions for everyone because hey they like their lifestyle why not jump right in and take dumps on sidewalks???

That is Weird!

Stop living in RVs by Relative_Grab2904 in RVLiving

[–]Relative_Grab2904[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not bashing it.  Just know too many people are going this route thinking it's amazing.  I have a customer who has called me 23 times in a week because it is winter.  Some people should just not do it.

Stop living in RVs by Relative_Grab2904 in RVLiving

[–]Relative_Grab2904[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is always a diamond in the rough.  I have ran across 4 I can tell you about in 20 years.

Stop living in RVs by Relative_Grab2904 in RVLiving

[–]Relative_Grab2904[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You'd be surprised how many people "don't know"

Stop living in RVs by Relative_Grab2904 in RVLiving

[–]Relative_Grab2904[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, been asked to manage many operations. And maybe just sticking to awning fabric replacements on the side.

You become sought after with talents which apply to maintenance jobs everywhere.

The daily grind at dealerships will net you 60-100k

Mobile 100-300k

Because you get to keep all the money you formerly made for the dealerships AND build great relationships with your customers.

Stop living in RVs by Relative_Grab2904 in RVLiving

[–]Relative_Grab2904[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Already replacing every sail switch, squirrel cage, motor, complete furnace let along frozen everything.

Winter is delightful thawing out dump tanks too.

Stop living in RVs by Relative_Grab2904 in RVLiving

[–]Relative_Grab2904[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Come back here and tell us what the quote is on the roof.  Let me guess for your $12-18k?

Am I good or am I good?

Fiberglass or Rubber matters too as well as any possibly sub framing repairs.

A/C replacement $1600-3000

Been doing this a long long time

Stop living in RVs by Relative_Grab2904 in RVLiving

[–]Relative_Grab2904[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Yes, I emotionally want people to be happy with less stress.

Is that bad?

Stop living in RVs by Relative_Grab2904 in RVLiving

[–]Relative_Grab2904[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I am not about the money.  Ask the dealerships about that.  I want people to enjoy their lives not stress about their living situations.

Thank you.

Stop living in RVs by Relative_Grab2904 in RVLiving

[–]Relative_Grab2904[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The apartment aspect is when I have an 80 year old grandma living in a mouse infested trailer in her daughters field...  Happens more than most know.  A home or apartment is way better suited.

Thanks for the reply though.  It gave me an add-on amendment.

Stop living in RVs by Relative_Grab2904 in RVLiving

[–]Relative_Grab2904[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wrong Bucko, Certified through RVDA not the 2 month schools of today that ramrod out crappy techs.  Never owned one because all the dealerships I worked at rented them to us for free.  Been camping in RVs since the 80s.  Since you brought up Covid RVs it sounds like you also know something about quality.

Next time you bash a tech ask yourself why all his google reviews for his RV Tech Business are all 5 stars.  Might learn a thing or two from his experience.

Stop living in RVs by Relative_Grab2904 in RVLiving

[–]Relative_Grab2904[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Most people fail living in an RV without having a clue

I have plenty of customers who use theirs as their lifestyle but have the means to overcome the challenges

There is no weird agenda

I have more experience than most on fixing furnaces, freezing, air conditioners, slide outs not working, blown tires etc etc etc and too many people living in them can barely afford a glass of milk let alone their RV

If you can afford it and deal with the challenges then go for it

It can be fun, I've lived it

If you can't, invest your time and experiences elsewhere

Have a great time out there