Who Certifies RV Technicians?

Thank you for the seminars you present.  I found them interesting and informative, especially your advice on getting a PDI by a certified inspector. My questions for you are:

1)  Who certifies these inspectors?
2)  What is the difference between a Certified and a Master Certified inspector?
3)  My wife and I are planning on going full time RVing starting next year sometime. We are looking at purchasing a used fifth-wheel toy hauler. My tow vehicle will be an F-450. What brands of fifth-wheel would you recommend? Bob M. 

Bob, any Certified or Master Certified professional RV service technician will be equipped with the knowledge and diagnostic tools required for performing a quality PDI. It does take specific procedures and the use of specialty test equipment to professional perform a PDI so a common RV “inspector” will not likely qualify. 

"Certification" itself, is a joint effort, following a certain protocol created and adopted by RVIA and RVDA (RV Industry Association and RV Dealer’s Association). There are other “schools” out there who might issue they’re own “certificates,” but the only official industry certification for professional service technicians is ordained by RVIA/RVDA. Don’t be fooled by someone with a piece of paper that states they've completed a program and now they are experts in RV troubleshooting and repair. It takes a lot of study, a lot of hands-on experience and the successful passing of a very energetic, timed exam. Currently, the difference between Certified and Master Certified is the actual score on the exam and the amount of time the pro technician has been working. Personally, I'd like to see a separate exam used for candidates seeking Master Certification.

As for brands of RVs, though I review them for magazine publication, I do not "recommend" any brand over others. It's my contention that all RVs require periodic preventive maintenance and since most every manufacturer produces a number of RVs at varying price points, I can’t see how someone could effectively choose which are "better" than others. There are so many variables, one of which is your personal use of it, it would be a very difficult task. It would only be one man's subjective opinion. If you ever have the chance to attend my “Technically Choosing Your Next RV” seminar, that would be my recommended starting point in learning how to become a knowledgeable, discerning buyer since all RVs are not created equal. I can say this however; with your tow vehicle, you should experience very little difficulty in towing the majority of the fifth-wheels out there! 

##RVT781 (Cert.)