What does a recreational vehicle service technician do?

What is a Recreational Vehicle Service Technician?

A recreational vehicle service technician is someone who inspects, services, and repairs motorized power equipment for recreational vehicles. They generally work in well-ventilated and noisy repair shops. They sometimes make onsite repair calls, which may require working in poor weather conditions.

What does a Recreational Vehicle Service Technician do?

Recreational vehicle service technicians typically do the following:

• Discuss equipment issues, maintenance plans, and work performed with customers
• Perform routine engine maintenance, such as lubricating parts and replacing spark plugs
• Test and inspect engines for malfunctioning parts
• Repair or replace worn, defective, or broken parts
• Reassemble and reinstall components and engines following repairs
• Keep records of inspections, test results, work performed, and parts used

Recreational vehicle service technicians regularly work on power equipment ranging from snowmobiles to motorhomes. When equipment breaks down, mechanics use many strategies to diagnose the source and the extent of the problem. Small engine mechanics determine mechanical, electrical, and fuel problems and make necessary repairs.

Recreational vehicle service technicians’ tasks vary in complexity and difficulty. Many jobs, such as maintenance inspections and repairs, involve minor adjustments or the replacement of a single part. Others, including piston calibration and spark plug replacement, may require taking an engine apart completely. Some highly skilled mechanics use computerized equipment for tasks, such as customizing and tuning racing motorcycles and motorboats.

Recreational vehicle service technicians use a variety of hand tools, including screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers, for many common tasks. Some mechanics also may regularly use compression gauges, ammeters, and voltmeters to test engine performance. For more complicated procedures, they commonly use pneumatic power tools, computerized engine analyzers, and other diagnostic equipment. Although employers usually provide the more expensive tools and testing equipment, mechanics are often expected to buy their own hand tools. Some mechanics have thousands of dollars invested in their tool collections.

What is the workplace of a Recreational Vehicle Service Technician like?

Recreational vehicle service technicians generally work in well-ventilated but noisy repair shops. They sometimes make onsite repair calls, which may require working in poor weather conditions. When repairing onboard engines, motorboat mechanics may work in cramped and uncomfortable positions.