I JUST rented my business insurance through the company I talked about in the video and this year it costed me $750. Just for anyone keeping score at home. And I renewed my certification through the NRVTA for the year and that was another $300. Running a business is expensive ya'll.
Queer AFAB here. Super stoked to have found your channel. I love how real you are about your experiences. I’m starting the process now to enter NRVTA. Thank you for working hard and displaying that anyone can work In this trade!
Pretty much binged watch your videos tonight while working to make this dream happen. You're awesome and Thank you so much for all the information. "You've got this" love it!❤
I was just let go at my cushie remote computer job, that I'd been doing from my brand new full time RV lifestyle. I was already thinking of getting an RV tech cert just to be able to do my own repairs, but now I've seriously been weighing the tech-nomad vs female RV repair tech lifestyles. The certification costs is exactly what I've been meaning to research, so this video was AMAZING. Thank you 🙌🚌
Great info! Striking into starting a tech service after retiring from the Coast Guard and my research was leading me down some rabbit holes that were adding up to looking at a small business loan... Still a few things I want that will add some expense, but great bare bones baseline for anyone with the "I-gotta-have-that-before-I-can-even-start" attitude.
This was great to hear from someone who has changed careers and enjoying it. I have been thinking of making the leap and this kinda helps me make the decision. I was let go from my job last Week and to be honest kinda scared but have faith it will work out. Keep the videos coming.
I am currently a 54 yr old mother /grandma. I own my own computer repair business for the past 20 years and I am looking into this as a career change so I can move near my grandkids. I think, after 20 years, I can say I have the business end knowledge and the computer repair end has given me the problem solving thing. I haven't done engine repair but as a divorced woman I have done pretty much all of the repairs on my house from the roof down (I got the tools in the divorce). Just nervous about starting over and work lulls... I have been in a lull in my current business for the last 8 months because the 'one up job thing' is very real (one month you have alot of work and the next there is none). what is the longest you have gone with no work? I realize you are near a very busy area. I will be in South Texas at first then either AR or mid Texas. Also, let me say... running your own business is a pain but you control your income... the time and effort you put in is what dictates your pay.
I found your video and it really made me feel better about becoming a tech. Ex military and it just so happens I'm in between jobs ATM. Your video made me feel really comfortable about going to the NRVTA and getting started. I plan on living in the RV full time, plus knowing how to fix my own stuff, plus the business I am pumped! Thank you for giving me the courage! Very informative video!!
Hey I'm curious how you can use the credit card reader with just a regular cell phone account. Im on a big family plan and want to use my regular phone, just scared if i take payments through that phone itll tip off verizon and theyll say I have to get a business account. Awesome to know it can possibly work though, thats a huge savings! Thank you, loving your videos!!!
In the process of selling everything now and getting the house on the market. I plan on going to the NRVTA this fall. As long as everything goes as planned. I’m ex Military, Gas Turbine Tech and spent last 10 as an industrial maintenance tech. I’m very excited to get into RV repairs and learn more on Solar installs.
Bravo to you! I am an old dude who is going to attend NRVTA in the late summer (I know...super hot and muggy) to earn my Inspector cert, then I'll go back in '25 for my tech cert. Your videos are great (although your generation processes life differently than mine, I still get plenty of good stuff from your videos!) and I look forward to seeing more. Keep on doing your thing because it seems to really suit you. Thank you for crafting this content, and if you ever need a certified inspector in New Mexico, look me up....later this year. Peace.
I just graduated from NRVTA! I’m headed back to Portland, OR where I’ll start my company while working out of my house. And I’ll be using my Kia Soul as my work vehicle! So glad to hear that’s what you started with.
Great video I enjoyed your content I think you are going to be very successful and please keep the videos coming you are a natural . You come across relaxed and confident and I love the background music. After seeing your video I’m motivated to be a RV tech for repairing my own RV. Awesome job
OMG - it’s a bit to set up a business - I’ve done one inspection so far - but haven’t gone out of my way for business -heading home to VT in two weeks where we have very few techs. My business name is RV Tech Adventurers. No website yet - working on it. I went to the NRVTA in Fall of 2023.
I made the first signage on my truck by printing my information on paper and taking it to be laminated for a total cost of under $5. I used water proof painters tape to tape the sign on the side windows of the cap on my truck. I am planning after I earn this years insurance and dues money to get magnetic signs I can put on both my truck and van. Another expense I had first year was business cards. I print and cut my own cards. Cost for cards is us under $10. I get 10 cards per sheet of card stock. I hand out an average of 1,000 cards a year. Before going to school I had printed business shirts. It lets everyone know who I am when I arrive. Being a female in this trade it is important to let people know who you are. Also, you want some way to get your name out for people to find you. My marketing budget is about $100 to $200 a year.
I got shirts printed as well, but I liked the way they looked so much I never end up wearing them to calls cause I don't want to mess them up. XP. I'm working on finding a good way to get my logo or company name on my overalls, because they've become a part of my brand as much as anything. I use google ads to get my business website out there. They aren't absolutely necessary but I've found they are worth it. I liked the idea of the magnets for the side of the car, and almost did them, but my print shop recommended against them. They said they get stolen all the time. (Weird, I know, but I trust them.) but if you are in a place with fewer homeless it may be less of a problem.
Didn't see Propane licensing, here in Florida it's about $400. Can inspect without a propane license but can't even change a regulator or work on a furnace, etc without one.
I had a nissan sentry that wouldn't start in the morning if it rained during the night. Turned out to be the distributor cap was getting moisture inside, got a new cap and put a bead of silicon on the bottom of it before installing.
We are trying the distributor cap this weekend! We're hoping that's it too. The OBD2 scanner was giving us a security code that sent us down a bad path for awhile. Now we think the security code was just coming up because the dang truck wouldn't start. *fingers crossed*
I looked up the info for the insurance website you mention. It says to get their insurance, you have to be a member of NRVIA or RVTAA. To be a member, both say you have to be NRVTA certified through the school in Texas and thats $33,000. Is there a way to get insured without taking that course? I only plan to take the RVTI online course.
I’ve been looking into this for months. Have spoken to a few local individuals that do it for a living and they both have sort of mentioned the classes being a waste. Online would definitely be better for me because I travel a lot for work already. Someone like me that knows nothing about this field will online schooling teach me enough to possible jump out and advertise as a mobile tech? Will I learn enough and be comfortable enough with just online school?
Late to see this video....another, and significant expense is commercial vehicle insurance. Foe some reason my insurance company wants an insane amount of money just because I use it for business.
Do you have written contracts you use or is it all verbal when it comes to expectations for payment or length of time for parts delivery? Just curious thanks in advance!!😊
Great video. I just came across your channel and i subscribed. Its amazing seeing a woman in this field. Have you come across any jobs that you didn't have the experience to do ?
I use square for invoices and payments. For scheduling I just use a paper planner. I just found it really hard to look at my calendar on my phone while also taking calls on it. I know that's a simple thing for most people, but it just didn't work for me.
Great job with your videos. I posted once before, but I find your videos full of useful information that is well laid out. I will be going to nrvta this summer to get training to start my second career. I have been a teacher for 30 years in Washington state, and it is time to do something else. After completing the training, I have been considering working at one of the big RV sales and service locations in my area in order to get more experience. What are your thoughts about that? Did you feel 100 after completing the nrvta training? It just seems like there are so many differing types of RVs out there.
I felt super confident after I left to go start my business on my own. But I do know that some people still want to go work in a shop to get more experience before they go out of their own. I did come in with some electrical knowledge so I think that did contribute to me feeling more confident when I left. I know the people that came in with NO electrical experience AT ALL were still feeling a little shaky at the end, but still very competent. While there are a ton of different RV's out there you'll find there are a really limited number of appliances manufactures. And even from brand to brand they don't differ that much. For instance they teach Coleman and Dometic air conditioners at the NRVTA, but I've ran into Advent and Furrion ones in the field and been able to diagnose them just fine. I'd say the biggest signal for how successful you'll feel by the end is just how comfortable you are with your multimeter going in. If you just play around with it some before you get there you'll be light years ahead of the game.
What an informative video. I'm looking to retire at the end if the year and do repair/inspection business as I travel in my own RV. I'm in Florida. You mentioned a training school here. Do you know where? I have no idea on cost for what I want to do. What is your experience there?
In my personal opinion the RVSA is better. I currently own a check cashing store in the Atlanta area for 14 years and I wanted to do this RV tech business. I travel both places to get a tour. NRVTA two years ago was charging around $12,000 for the course and for the stay at their campground. It's 5 weeks and your a basic certified tech. RVSA it's 10 weeks and it's around $7700. You come out as a Master tech and the school has been around since the 80s. In those 10 weeks you also get certified in generators, body work, suspension, brakes. Literally everything on a RV meanwhile NRVTA it would be extra for generators and they don't offer the other things. I volunteered one day out of the week with three different mobile techs for almost 2 years. The reason why I didn't pursue was not to be snooby but the money I wanted to make wasn't there.
@@Hugo-Hernandez thanks for the advice. I looked at that. 10 weeks is a lot. I'm getting the inspector certification. That is only 3 weeks and I'll offer general services not repairs as I travel from camp to camp. Plus the bonus is if you search RV Inspector, their site is the first to pop up and I'll be registered on that site.
Hi rv repair woman congratulations for your business I want to start my business Mobil repair I live on Oregon I washing your video what you recommend to me
I JUST rented my business insurance through the company I talked about in the video and this year it costed me $750. Just for anyone keeping score at home. And I renewed my certification through the NRVTA for the year and that was another $300. Running a business is expensive ya'll.
I can’t find the insurance you use.
And don't forget CEU costs and other training...
Why would you need to pay them to get "recertified" when being "certified" is not required to do this?
Queer AFAB here. Super stoked to have found your channel. I love how real you are about your experiences. I’m starting the process now to enter NRVTA. Thank you for working hard and displaying that anyone can work In this trade!
Pretty much binged watch your videos tonight while working to make this dream happen. You're awesome and Thank you so much for all the information. "You've got this" love it!❤
Thank you for watching!! Glad you enjoyed it.
I was just let go at my cushie remote computer job, that I'd been doing from my brand new full time RV lifestyle. I was already thinking of getting an RV tech cert just to be able to do my own repairs, but now I've seriously been weighing the tech-nomad vs female RV repair tech lifestyles. The certification costs is exactly what I've been meaning to research, so this video was AMAZING. Thank you 🙌🚌
That is awesome! I'm so glad the video helped. Can't wait to have one more female tech out here fixing RV's!
Morning, in Athens right now. Thanks for the info on getting started, most of the class is working on how to start.
Great info! Striking into starting a tech service after retiring from the Coast Guard and my research was leading me down some rabbit holes that were adding up to looking at a small business loan... Still a few things I want that will add some expense, but great bare bones baseline for anyone with the "I-gotta-have-that-before-I-can-even-start" attitude.
LLLLLLove your Channel! Keep up the great work and thanks so much for sharing your experience.
Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it!
This was great to hear from someone who has changed careers and enjoying it. I have been thinking of making the leap and this kinda helps me make the decision. I was let go from my job last Week and to be honest kinda scared but have faith it will work out. Keep the videos coming.
Just found your channel. I'm gonna take the RVTI course for $600 starting January and go from there. Hoping to start my business in May 2025.
I am currently a 54 yr old mother /grandma. I own my own computer repair business for the past 20 years and I am looking into this as a career change so I can move near my grandkids. I think, after 20 years, I can say I have the business end knowledge and the computer repair end has given me the problem solving thing. I haven't done engine repair but as a divorced woman I have done pretty much all of the repairs on my house from the roof down (I got the tools in the divorce). Just nervous about starting over and work lulls... I have been in a lull in my current business for the last 8 months because the 'one up job thing' is very real (one month you have alot of work and the next there is none). what is the longest you have gone with no work? I realize you are near a very busy area. I will be in South Texas at first then either AR or mid Texas. Also, let me say... running your own business is a pain but you control your income... the time and effort you put in is what dictates your pay.
I found your video and it really made me feel better about becoming a tech. Ex military and it just so happens I'm in between jobs ATM. Your video made me feel really comfortable about going to the NRVTA and getting started. I plan on living in the RV full time, plus knowing how to fix my own stuff, plus the business I am pumped! Thank you for giving me the courage! Very informative video!!
At NRVTA now and getting things set up to start the business.
Hey I'm curious how you can use the credit card reader with just a regular cell phone account. Im on a big family plan and want to use my regular phone, just scared if i take payments through that phone itll tip off verizon and theyll say I have to get a business account. Awesome to know it can possibly work though, thats a huge savings! Thank you, loving your videos!!!
In the process of selling everything now and getting the house on the market. I plan on going to the NRVTA this fall. As long as everything goes as planned. I’m ex Military, Gas Turbine Tech and spent last 10 as an industrial maintenance tech. I’m very excited to get into RV repairs and learn more on Solar installs.
Bravo to you! I am an old dude who is going to attend NRVTA in the late summer (I know...super hot and muggy) to earn my Inspector cert, then I'll go back in '25 for my tech cert. Your videos are great (although your generation processes life differently than mine, I still get plenty of good stuff from your videos!) and I look forward to seeing more. Keep on doing your thing because it seems to really suit you. Thank you for crafting this content, and if you ever need a certified inspector in New Mexico, look me up....later this year. Peace.
I just graduated from NRVTA! I’m headed back to Portland, OR where I’ll start my company while working out of my house. And I’ll be using my Kia Soul as my work vehicle! So glad to hear that’s what you started with.
Oh my god that’s awesome! 😂 welcome to the club.
Great video I enjoyed your content I think you are going to be very successful and please keep the videos coming you are a natural . You come across relaxed and confident and I love the background music. After seeing your video I’m motivated to be a RV tech for repairing my own RV. Awesome job
OMG - it’s a bit to set up a business - I’ve done one inspection so far - but haven’t gone out of my way for business -heading home to VT in two weeks where we have very few techs. My business name is RV Tech Adventurers. No website yet - working on it. I went to the NRVTA in Fall of 2023.
Great job on the break down. Im a LV 1 Tech, working on LV 2. Thanks Don
I made the first signage on my truck by printing my information on paper and taking it to be laminated for a total cost of under $5. I used water proof painters tape to tape the sign on the side windows of the cap on my truck. I am planning after I earn this years insurance and dues money to get magnetic signs I can put on both my truck and van.
Another expense I had first year was business cards. I print and cut my own cards. Cost for cards is us under $10. I get 10 cards per sheet of card stock. I hand out an average of 1,000 cards a year.
Before going to school I had printed business shirts. It lets everyone know who I am when I arrive. Being a female in this trade it is important to let people know who you are.
Also, you want some way to get your name out for people to find you. My marketing budget is about $100 to $200 a year.
I got shirts printed as well, but I liked the way they looked so much I never end up wearing them to calls cause I don't want to mess them up. XP. I'm working on finding a good way to get my logo or company name on my overalls, because they've become a part of my brand as much as anything.
I use google ads to get my business website out there. They aren't absolutely necessary but I've found they are worth it.
I liked the idea of the magnets for the side of the car, and almost did them, but my print shop recommended against them. They said they get stolen all the time. (Weird, I know, but I trust them.) but if you are in a place with fewer homeless it may be less of a problem.
I was looking at getting my logo embroidered on some shirts, it was like 20.00 a shirt. Looks better than a sewed on patch.@@rvrepairwoman
Didn't see Propane licensing, here in Florida it's about $400. Can inspect without a propane license but can't even change a regulator or work on a furnace, etc without one.
I had a nissan sentry that wouldn't start in the morning if it rained during the night. Turned out to be the distributor cap was getting moisture inside, got a new cap and put a bead of silicon on the bottom of it before installing.
We are trying the distributor cap this weekend! We're hoping that's it too. The OBD2 scanner was giving us a security code that sent us down a bad path for awhile. Now we think the security code was just coming up because the dang truck wouldn't start. *fingers crossed*
Thanks for the video. I'll be starting at the NRVTA in April.
I looked up the info for the insurance website you mention. It says to get their insurance, you have to be a member of NRVIA or RVTAA. To be a member, both say you have to be NRVTA certified through the school in Texas and thats $33,000. Is there a way to get insured without taking that course? I only plan to take the RVTI online course.
I’ve been looking into this for months. Have spoken to a few local individuals that do it for a living and they both have sort of mentioned the classes being a waste. Online would definitely be better for me because I travel a lot for work already. Someone like me that knows nothing about this field will online schooling teach me enough to possible jump out and advertise as a mobile tech? Will I learn enough and be comfortable enough with just online school?
I actually just sent you an email that I found on your website. I'm going to the NRVTA in April to start with the Fundamentals Class.
Late to see this video....another, and significant expense is commercial vehicle insurance. Foe some reason my insurance company wants an insane amount of money just because I use it for business.
Do you have written contracts you use or is it all verbal when it comes to expectations for payment or length of time for parts delivery? Just curious thanks in advance!!😊
Can anyone tell me about the RVTI in person school?
Great information. Please consider not playing music when your talking it is so distracting or turn it way down. Thanks
Great video. I just came across your channel and i subscribed. Its amazing seeing a woman in this field. Have you come across any jobs that you didn't have the experience to do ?
I have decided to go to the NRVTA to become a Certified Tech. I will be reaching out to you soon...
What, if any, software do you use for scheduling, involves, payments? Square or House Call Pro?
I use square for invoices and payments. For scheduling I just use a paper planner. I just found it really hard to look at my calendar on my phone while also taking calls on it. I know that's a simple thing for most people, but it just didn't work for me.
Great job with your videos. I posted once before, but I find your videos full of useful information that is well laid out. I will be going to nrvta this summer to get training to start my second career. I have been a teacher for 30 years in Washington state, and it is time to do something else. After completing the training, I have been considering working at one of the big RV sales and service locations in my area in order to get more experience. What are your thoughts about that? Did you feel 100 after completing the nrvta training? It just seems like there are so many differing types of RVs out there.
I felt super confident after I left to go start my business on my own. But I do know that some people still want to go work in a shop to get more experience before they go out of their own. I did come in with some electrical knowledge so I think that did contribute to me feeling more confident when I left. I know the people that came in with NO electrical experience AT ALL were still feeling a little shaky at the end, but still very competent. While there are a ton of different RV's out there you'll find there are a really limited number of appliances manufactures. And even from brand to brand they don't differ that much. For instance they teach Coleman and Dometic air conditioners at the NRVTA, but I've ran into Advent and Furrion ones in the field and been able to diagnose them just fine. I'd say the biggest signal for how successful you'll feel by the end is just how comfortable you are with your multimeter going in. If you just play around with it some before you get there you'll be light years ahead of the game.
How did you do the first year? Profit/loss.
Do you carry commercial vehicle insurance on you truck/Kia? (I am also a NRVTA graduate starting my business in Wisconsin)
What an informative video. I'm looking to retire at the end if the year and do repair/inspection business as I travel in my own RV. I'm in Florida. You mentioned a training school here. Do you know where? I have no idea on cost for what I want to do. What is your experience there?
I think it’s called the RVSA. I haven’t looked into at all I just know it exists.
In my personal opinion the RVSA is better. I currently own a check cashing store in the Atlanta area for 14 years and I wanted to do this RV tech business. I travel both places to get a tour. NRVTA two years ago was charging around $12,000 for the course and for the stay at their campground. It's 5 weeks and your a basic certified tech. RVSA it's 10 weeks and it's around $7700. You come out as a Master tech and the school has been around since the 80s. In those 10 weeks you also get certified in generators, body work, suspension, brakes. Literally everything on a RV meanwhile NRVTA it would be extra for generators and they don't offer the other things. I volunteered one day out of the week with three different mobile techs for almost 2 years. The reason why I didn't pursue was not to be snooby but the money I wanted to make wasn't there.
@@Hugo-Hernandez thanks for the advice. I looked at that. 10 weeks is a lot. I'm getting the inspector certification. That is only 3 weeks and I'll offer general services not repairs as I travel from camp to camp. Plus the bonus is if you search RV Inspector, their site is the first to pop up and I'll be registered on that site.
@@toddkiernan
Makes sense, good luck with retirement and be safe out there.
@@Hugo-Hernandez $100 an hour is not enough?
Hi rv repair woman congratulations for your business I want to start my business Mobil repair I live on Oregon I washing your video what you recommend to me
That’s awesome! Good luck with your business!
do you think a woman could do this in florida?
I think a woman could do this anywhere in the US. There’s not enough of us out there. And being a woman REALLY makes you stand out.
problem with your truck is that you didnt buy a Ford.