RV Maintenance - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Waggin Tails · RV-Dreams Family Member

RV Maintenance

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

There are mobile technicians in many towns and they are allowed in most RV parks. Many RV'ers look to use these techs as they are often less expensive than RV dealers or Camping World.

A potential problem I see is competing with the local techs who are known to campground owners and have listed phone number. You could just walk around and introduce yourself in whatever campground you're staying at though.

Waggin Tails · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Fred. I appreciate your response.

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

I think it's a great idea, I thought of taking the coarse in Florida myself. Not only would being formally trained help bring in some cash on the road, but to have the knowledge for your own Rig is priceless. As Fred suggested let people in the campground know, and as long as the jobs are minor quick repairs, I don't think you will have a problem. G

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

One year I saw a flyer for an RV Driving Seminar posted on the RV Resort bulletin board. The seminar was being held in the large conference room, so I decided to attend.

It turned out to be a sales pitch for a device you connect to a MH or tow vehicle brake system to make the vehicle stop quicker. He showed a video comparison. Several people bought it on the spot.

I do remember hearing a couple of people ask him if he could work on RVs, because they had some sort of problem. He offered to take a look.

I've been approached when working on my RV by others in the park asking for suggestions on how they could fix a problem. I'm sure if I had offered to fix it for a fee, half of the folks would have hired me.

I liked how the seminar helped generate business for his product but also provided the opportunity to fix other issues.

If you held a care & maintenance or helpful hints seminar perhaps it would generate some paying repair customers.

Caution- you may want to consider getting a liability insurance policy to protect yourself from financial loss. That's the biggest problem with charging to repair, then you are liable for any injury or damage if your repair fails.

-- Edited by The Bear II on Friday 15th of October 2010 08:49:53 AM

-- Edited by The Bear II on Friday 15th of October 2010 08:53:21 AM

Ckerr · RV-Dreams Family Member

I second Gene's thought -- The cost of the course/certification would probably be more than paid for by the knowledge you gain about your own rig.

We have used mobile rv repair guys on a few occassions. We prefer them to taking the rig to the shop. GENERALLY they are less expensive and the convenience more than makes up for the cost for us.

We are most willing to pay to have things fixed that involve getting up on the roof or on a tall ladder. I confess that we paid Camping World an outrageous sum to take care of 2 repairs while we were at the July Nascar race in Daytona. I think they charged us $135 to have the guy come down to our site and seal a small water leak around our tv antenna and reattach the hydraulic arm to our entry door -- it had vibrated loose on the trip over to Daytona. Took him all of about 30 minutes. On the upside, our vacation wasn't interrupted by a trip to the repair shop and we didn't have to get on the roof!

Good luck. I think it's a great idea. If I felt comfortable on the roof I would probably do it myself!

janni · RV-Dreams Family Member

Super idea! If we were parked and heard word of mouth or saw a sign up in laundry area, library, etc I would definately call.

Gary · RV-Dreams Family Member

Wouldn't this type of service, if charging for it, require some sort of business license along with the insurance?

Just curious on that.

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Legally any business requires the proper permits/license to operate in most cities or county boundaries.

Howard · Host

If you drive through an RV park or Campground with an "RV Repair" sign on your vehicle, invariably you will get stopped by someone. And once you are at one rig, then the neighbors come to talk to you.

Lots of people need minor things done, but they don't want to go to a shop or call someone. But when a repair guy shows up in the "neighborhood" it becomes a lot more convenient. smile

And yes, we have opted for and paid a tech just because he/she was in the same park or drove through.

Is there a need? Absolutely!

Many RV Parks/Campgrounds have someone locally that they refer, but many don't OR they don't want to take the liability responsibility of a referral. Dang attorneys. Many places won't even refer you to a place to eat anymore because of liability and insurance. smile

But, as others have mentioned, business licenses and liability insurance do become issues. The liability insurance isn't that big a deal, but if you get into places where a business license is always required, then it could be more hassle than it is worth.

Now, I have seen "on-site" RV techs in quite a few snowbird parks. They are going to be there for a season anyway so why not? And they get calls to go to other nearby parks. Since it would require one business license for one location for several months, it's probably worth it.

Hope that helps a little. smile

RickandJanice · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm glad to hear all of the positive responses on this idea. I too have been thinking about doing the same thing when we go full time in a couple of years, late 2012 or early 2013. You do need to be aware that there is an apprenticeship required to become certified so you will probably need to work in one place for maybe up to a year to get this. But, I think it would be worth it to become certified. If you really enjoy working on RV's like I do, investing some time into getting certified is not really an issue. I agree that this is a great idea!!

I would also like to hear from those of you who are already either doing mobile service or possibly work camping for a RV network like Camping World?

Waggin Tails · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for all the cool comments. This simple tells me it is worth investigating. At my day job, I am known as Dr. PhyxIt. I can just keep that moniker. So if you see Dr. PhyxIt roll through your neighborhood in the future - give me a call.

Penny and Paul · RV-Dreams Family Member

RickandJanice wrote:

I'm glad to hear all of the positive responses on this idea. I too have been thinking about doing the same thing when we go full time in a couple of years, late 2012 or early 2013. You do need to be aware that there is an apprenticeship required to become certified so you will probably need to work in one place for maybe up to a year to get this. But, I think it would be worth it to become certified. If you really enjoy working on RV's like I do, investing some time into getting certified is not really an issue. I agree that this is a great idea!!

I would also like to hear from those of you who are already either doing mobile service or possibly work camping for a RV network like Camping World?

My brother Mike (Doc) did that. Worked at CW now has a business. His web site is http://www.docsmobilerv.com/. I'm sure he'd be happy to answer your questions.

ahoweth · RV-Dreams Family Member

Being able to repair many small problems with your own RV can save BIG BUCKS.

I have been RVing for many years and I am a "fix it" kind of guy myself. I have assisted many friends and acquaintances with problems they had. Of course I never charged for my work but that would be nice. I have found that many problems are easily repaired even with no parts and lots of fellows have no idea of even how to change a light bulb. Now I don't mean to criticize, just stating a fact. Some folks are fixers and some aren't and that is okay. I am just saying that being able to fix these minor things yourself would, in my humble opinion, be well worth the price of the training.

Viva La Differance!!!

mcw50 · RV-Dreams Family Member

We never would have survived having an RV if not for friends and neighbors in the RV parks we stopped at when we first began RVing. Minor repair needs were often solved quickly and simply with the help of these great people. As we now have an "older" rig we have found the need for more technical and professional help and have usually gotten it from "mobile techs." The snowbird park we stay in requires proof of insurance, license, and bonding to enter the park and there are several who are on the "approved list." Several of these techs actually have homes and families "up north" and come south in winter, following the snowbirds, and stay in their own RV. They are certified with the various manufacturers such as Dometic, Suburban, Norcold, Carefree of Colorado, etc. to warranty work. In an area with several RV parks, they are always busy!

Mary

-- Edited by mcw50 on Wednesday 27th of October 2010 12:01:02 PM

Waggin Tails · RV-Dreams Family Member

More great positive comments. Alan, I am a fix it guy also. I am known at work as Dr. PhyxIt. DW has challenged me with many projects around the house. So far she has not stumped me. I agree that some people are a natural at fixing stuff.
I'm not interested in turning the fixing stuff into a j-o-b. I'ver also thought about moble sharpening service (knives, scisors, grooming blades, etc.).
Maybe the question to ask is what do you look for in a park that is difficult to find?

tworootless · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi

This is going to be a negative post, so I'll apologize in advance. yawn

Been an RV'er since the 60's, as well as building and working on vehicles and hot rods just as long, I decided to get involved in a lifestyle I love.

Two years ago I had a couple of magnet signs made up showing I did RV repairs. I also pick & choose the type of repair. I'm not certified and I confess this when asked.

The parks don't have a problem with me hanging out a shingle after I ask permission but, I don't display one when we're traveling. Both magnet signs cost $60.00 in Quartzite. To date; here is what I've earned.

The first potential customer told me his problem, then expected a FREE diagnoses in a cafe' parking lot. I explained my hourly rate ($35.00) and gave him my card. I knew from the look in his eye that this guy wanted FREE advise only. Apparently he could live with cold water showers in his RV.

The second customer asked to "borrow'' a 9/16"socket to do a quick fix on his BOAT! I'm not in the habit of lending tools, but money talks. The guy gave me $15.00 and 4 bottles of beer. I returned $10.00, but kept the beer and the five.

The third job was an electrical short. After a 2 hour check, I figured the problem was coming from the customers tow vehicle. He was adamant it was coming from his fifth wheel. The truck was under warranty so I wouldn't mess with it. I also didn't charge him for 2 hours of my time, but I did charge $25.00 for lubing all the Zerk fittings on the fifth wheel suspension.

I also checked out a MH Generator. The problem was in the transfer switch but, once again it was under warranty so I couldn't repair it. I earned $20.00 for my time.

Rebuilt a stuck Black Water valve on a fellow Workampers RV once. 1 1/2 hours. (Won't do that type of work again, even though I earned a bottle of red wine for my efforts.)

In between these money making jobs, I'v had dozens of folks that want to "pick your brain" expecting a FREE diagnoses.

IMO and it is strictly mine. I would think carefully before shelling out a hunk of change to be able to hang an RV certified shingle out.

On a positive note; certification MIGHT get you on the Norcold tech. list. Then you will be able to repair all the recalls. The drawback is waiting to get paid.

azrving · RV-Dreams Family Member

tworootless wrote:

Hi
This is going to be a negative post, so I'll apologize in advance.
Been an RV'er since the 60's, as well as building and working on vehicles and hot rods just as long, I decided to get involved in a lifestyle I love.
Two years ago I had a couple of magnet signs made up showing I did RV repairs. I also pick & choose the type of repair. I'm not certified and I confess this when asked.
The parks don't have a problem with me hanging out a shingle after I ask permission but, I don't display one when we're traveling. Both magnet signs cost $60.00 in Quartzite. To date; here is what I've earned.

The first potential customer told me his problem, then expected a FREE diagnoses in a cafe' parking lot. I explained my hourly rate ($35.00) and gave him my card. I knew from the look in his eye that this guy wanted FREE advise only. Apparently he could live with cold water showers in his RV.
The second customer asked to "borrow'' a 9/16"socket to do a quick fix on his BOAT! I'm not in the habit of lending tools, but money talks. The guy gave me $15.00 and 4 bottles of beer. I returned $10.00, but kept the beer and the five.
The third job was an electrical short. After a 2 hour check, I figured the problem was coming from the customers tow vehicle. He was adamant it was coming from his fifth wheel. The truck was under warranty so I wouldn't mess with it. I also didn't charge him for 2 hours of my time, but I did charge $25.00 for lubing all the Zerk fittings on the fifth wheel suspension.
I also checked out a MH Generator. The problem was in the transfer switch but, once again it was under warranty so I couldn't repair it. I earned $20.00 for my time.
Rebuilt a stuck Black Water valve on a fellow Workampers RV once. 1 1/2 hours. (Won't do that type of work again, even though I earned a bottle of red wine for my efforts.)
In between these money making jobs, I'v had dozens of folks that want to "pick your brain" expecting a FREE diagnoses.
IMO and it is strictly mine. I would think carefully before shelling out a hunk of change to be able to hang an RV certified shingle out.
On a positive note; certification MIGHT get you on the Norcold tech. list. Then you will be able to repair all the recalls. The drawback is waiting to get paid.

I feel your pain! I was a line tech/shop supervisor for Ford Motor Company for 10+years and later opened my own shop and ran it for 10+ years. Many of the customers expected me to diagnose their problem free, I guess the fact I had over $250,000 invested in tools and shop equipment and years of training and experience wasn't worth a few bucks. I gave up after 22 years of turning wrenches and it wasn't because I didn't like what I did, it was because of the deadbeats and the price shoppers.
We have been in AZ for 4 years now and nobody (including close friends) knows what I did for a living in my previous life. Sad that so many people think you should give your experience/work away free! I used to tell my customers that my labor rate is $52.00 per hour, $100.00 per hour if you watch, $150.00 per hour if you want to help, and $200.00 per hour if you want advice (pick my brain) and tools to do the job.
Good Luck! I hope you run across some people that are willing to pay a fair wage for your work.

sand38 · RV-Dreams Family Member

AZRVING --I knew I had seen you in the NO_TELL boat, been there, done that. Learned to zip the lip. :)