LTRVD0375 RV Service Academy

RV Service Academy

The RV Service Academy is the focus of this week’s show with an interview with Mike Tibbs, Operations manager and head instructor at this school for budding RV service technicians. We had driven by their building for years and we finally got to do an interview.

Business History

This business has been around since 1986 and this is their 30th year of continuous operation. They are located at 1012 10th St East in Palmetto, FL. The web address is http://www.rvsa.net

The classes at the RV Service Academy are quite thorough and cover almost every aspect of servicing RVs of all types. There is not, however, any training on engines or chassis. The 10 week course covers pretty much everything else in an RV.

Topics covered

Classes are 8 hours a day 5 days a week and cover basic electricity in 12 hours as well as 40 more hours on advanced RV electrical systems with a very heavy emphasis on Safety. That same safety focus is carried forward in the 12 hours of training in LP gas. Other course modules cover the entire range of RV appliances including water heaters, gas furnaces, absorption refrigerators, LP ranges and ovens, air conditioners, and generators. Many other topics are covered including hydraulics, fresh and waste water systems and toilets, Trailer hitches and hitch systems, as well as awnings and other accessories.

Students take a comprehensive final exam to become RVSA Certified Technicians after 400 hours of training. We all know about the severe shortage of qualified service technicians in the RV industry. The RV Service Academy graduates many techs that go on to work at dealerships as well as starting their own RV service businesses. These new graduates can get starting salaries ranging from $15/hr. up to over $40/hr.

The RV Service Academy holds 4 classes per year. Class size is limited to 18. They are approved for Veterans’ training for those who qualify through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. There is no room or board available and students must find local housing. There are several RV parks and many motels in the area.

For more information, call (941) 722-5256.

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