Everything You Need to Know About the RV Technical Institute (RVTI)
Whether you’re a seasoned RVer looking for reliable repairs or someone interested in launching a career in the RV industry, the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) is playing an increasingly vital role in ensuring that RVers can hit the road with confidence. In this week’s episode of The RV Atlas podcast, Curtis Hemmeler, Executive Director of RVTI, joined us for an in-depth conversation about the organization’s mission, training programs, and career opportunities.
From the importance of working with certified technicians to how you can become one, here’s everything you need to know about RVTI and the impact it’s making across the RV community.
What Is the RVTI?
RVTI is a nonprofit organization created about five years ago by the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and RV Dealers Association (RVDA). The organization was established to address a persistent and growing issue in the RV world: the shortage of qualified service technicians.
As Curtis explained, “We were set up basically to train, certify, and recruit technicians into the career field—but with the mission of making sure that the RV consumer has a better experience.”
The goal is simple: to reduce the amount of time RV owners wait for repairs and to improve the quality and safety of those repairs by making sure they’re performed by highly trained and certified professionals.
Why It Matters to RV Owners
Photo by Bill Sferrazza
For RV owners, long wait times for repairs are a common and frustrating problem. That’s why RVTI certification is more than just a piece of paper—it’s a marker of credibility, safety, and reliability.
“When you have somebody that has that credential,” Curtis emphasized, “you can basically sleep comfortably at night because that person has been trained and has passed a certification.”
Certified technicians not only understand complex modern RV systems—from electrical to propane and plumbing—but also meet professional safety standards, which is crucial when dealing with increasingly sophisticated RV components.
RVTI has trained over 21,000 individuals, with more than 7,000 having completed certification, and demand is growing. Their mission is supported by the broader RV industry and is designed with consumers in mind.
How to Find an RVTI Certified Technician
RVTI has launched an online “Find a Tech” map tool, which allows RV owners to locate certified technicians in their area. Many of these professionals work at dealerships, while others are part of independent mobile repair services or small businesses.
The certification is especially valuable for mobile RV techs, a growing part of the industry. If you’ve ever had a breakdown at a campground, you know the relief of finding someone on-site who can help. The RVTI directory is a great first step in locating a trustworthy expert.
Becoming an RVTI Certified Technician
For those considering a career change, RVTI offers an exciting and accessible path. Whether you’re just entering the workforce, looking to start a new business, or want a flexible job you can take on the road, becoming a certified tech may be for you.
Curtis outlined four levels of certification:
- Level 1 (Inspection Level): 40 hours of instruction that provides a broad understanding of RV systems.
- Level 2: Adds 80 hours of training focused on diagnostics and troubleshooting.
- Level 3: Specialization tracks (like solar, slide-outs, electrical).
- Level 4 (Master Tech): Achieved by completing all Level 3 specialties.
The cost? Just $630 for both Level 1 and Level 2 training, which includes a one-year subscription to complete the coursework. That’s a bargain when compared to other trade certifications—and even better, scholarships are available through the Kevin Phillips Memorial Fund.
“If you take both Level 1 and 2,” Curtis said, “you can repair a lot of your stuff on your own, and even if not, you’ll be more educated as a consumer.”
Training Options for Every Lifestyle
RVTI offers five different ways to complete the training:
- Online courses for self-paced learning.
- In-person instruction at the RVTI headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana.
- Hybrid programs that combine online and onsite components.
- Learning through dealerships that are authorized partners.
- Printed materials with testing options for those who prefer offline study.
RVTI has even partnered with correctional facilities and women’s organizations to make training accessible and inclusive. The message is clear: RVTI is for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.
Career Paths and Earning Potential
A certified technician can pursue several career tracks:
- Working at a dealership
- Launching a mobile RV repair service
- Offering specialty installations (like awnings or solar systems)
- Seasonal or location-independent repair work while traveling
Salaries vary based on role and effort. According to Curtis, entry-level dealership technicians can expect to earn $40,000–$50,000, while master techs often make $60,000–$80,000. Mobile techs, on the other hand, can charge $100–$150 per hour plus travel fees, creating significant earning potential.
Some technicians choose to work seasonally at campgrounds or full-time while traveling the country. As Curtis put it, “There’s no ceiling with what you can do in this career.”
A Mission That Matters
At the heart of RVTI is a strong sense of purpose. For Curtis, the work is deeply personal: “I was put on this Earth to serve people. The greatest joy is knowing I had some little way of making them have a great life.”
That service-oriented mindset runs through every part of RVTI’s mission—to train skilled technicians, improve RV owner experiences, and raise the bar for safety and professionalism across the industry.
And with the rapid growth in RV ownership and the increasing complexity of RVs themselves, this work has never been more important.
Learn More and Get Involved
If you’re an RV owner looking for qualified service or someone ready to explore a new career path, RVTI offers tools, training, and support to help you succeed.
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Whether you’re looking to protect your RV investment or take the next step in a rewarding career, the RV Technical Institute is ready to help you hit the road with confidence.
Want More RV Know-How?
Listen to this week’s episode of The RV Atlas podcast to hear Curtis Hemmeler share even more insights and stories from inside RVTI. And don’t forget to join the conversation in our RV Atlas Facebook group, where RVers help each other every day.
We’ll see you at the campground—with working rigs and worry-free adventures ahead!
