When I became a certified RV tech, I was shocked by how many fly-by-night operations existed in this industry. Nearly every day, I hear horror stories from customers who’ve been taken advantage of by unqualified or unethical techs. Thankfully, they’ve found someone they can trust now. To help you avoid falling into the same trap, here are some major red flags to watch for and tips for finding a skilled, reliable RV tech near you.
Red Flag #1: No Questions Asked
If a tech doesn’t ask you detailed questions about your RV issue before scheduling, that’s a red flag.
For example, if your lights are flickering or you’re having random electrical issues, a skilled tech will dig deeper. They’ll ask whether other appliances are working, what changed between when it last worked and when it stopped, and if any work was recently done. By narrowing down possible causes, they can show up with the right parts to fix the problem.
Prepared techs save you time and money by avoiding extra trips for parts, cutting down on mileage fees, and reducing labor hours. If a tech isn’t asking the right questions upfront, they may not have the experience to properly diagnose the issue.
Red Flag #2: Estimates Without Diagnosis
Beware of techs who give you an estimate before they’ve even thoroughly looked at your RV.
Early in my career, a customer called about a broken A/C unit. After testing the system, I identified the broken part, explained their options, and provided three repair choices. The customer then shared that the previous tech didn’t even look at the AC—they just pulled up and quoted a price to replace the entire A/C unit. All it needed was a $200 part, and an hour to diagnose and replace it, not $2,500 for an entirely new A/C Unit.
While it’s reasonable to ask for a ballpark estimate over the phone, a reputable tech will request key details about your RV, such as photos, model numbers, or its make and year, to provide you with an informed estimate. During the service call, a skilled tech will thoroughly diagnose the issue to identify the root cause, ensure the correct parts are installed, and confirm the problem is resolved. For example, if you call about a refrigerator that is not working and they immediately quote a replacement cost without inspecting or diagnosing the issue, that is a red flag.
Red Flag #3: “Let’s Try Replacing This Part”
If you hear a tech say, “We’ll try replacing this and see if it works,” run! This is a clear sign of a parts-changer, not a trained professional.
Proper diagnostics are essential to fixing RV issues efficiently. Anyone can claim to be a tech, but there’s a big difference between guessing and having the training to pinpoint the problem. Don’t waste money on unnecessary parts and labor, hire someone who knows what they’re doing and can fix it the first time.
Red Flag #4: No Online Presence
A tech without an online presence isn’t necessarily untrustworthy, especially if they’re from an older generation. However, many fly-by-night operations avoid leaving a digital footprint so they can dodge bad reviews while taking your money and disappearing.
I’ve heard too many stories from customers who hired someone with no website, no logo, and no business card, just a magnet on their vehicle. These techs often disappear, leaving customers with unfinished repairs and no way to contact them.
If you can’t find any reviews or information about a tech online, ask for references before scheduling an appointment. Do your due diligence and call those references. If something doesn’t feel right, walk away.
Tips for Hiring a High-Quality RV Tech
Now that we’ve covered the red flags to watch for, here’s how to vet a quality RV tech before spending your hard-earned money.
When you call, ask questions like these to gauge their professionalism:
“Based on what I told you, what do you think the issue might be?"
”How long will it take to diagnose the problem?”
“What parts do you think you’ll need to bring?”
“What can I expect on the day of my service call?”
A skilled tech will also ask you detailed questions to help diagnose the problem ahead of time. For example, if you mention electrical issues, they’ll consider possible causes like bad batteries, a dead converter, or a faulty power cord—each requiring different parts and tools.
During my service calls, I aim to diagnose issues within 15 minutes and provide an accurate repair estimate. If I run into custom-built features or unexpected complications, I keep my customers informed every step of the way, so they know exactly what to expect and have a clear idea of their total bill before I finish.
Tips to Get Your RV Fixed Faster
If your RV breaks down while traveling, document the issue before leaving it behind, especially if it’s not parked in your yard.
For example, if your slide-out won’t retract or you discover a water leak, take photos and videos of the problem. Know your RV’s make, model, and year, and take pictures of stickers on key parts. When you call a tech later, you’ll have all the details ready to get them, even if you’re no longer near your RV. This simple step can save weeks of back-and-forth communication and help you get your RV fixed much faster.
By recognizing these red flags and following these tips, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure your RV receives the expert service it needs—and that you deserve! This advice applies anytime you’re hiring a business for a job. Do your due diligence, as not all businesses offer the same level of service or operate with the same ethics. I highly recommend starting your search for a qualified RV tech near you at http://www.rvhelp.com.
For more tips, step-by-step guides, and videos, check out the resources on the RV Education page on our website.
About Us
Mobile RV Tech Services specializes in onsite RV repair, maintenance, and inspections. We service your RV at your home, campground, or storage unit in Iosco county in Michigan from April 15 - December 15, and Houston, Texas, from January 1 - April 1.
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