To guarantee service technicians are knowledgeable in their field, RV manufacturers provide tech training for dealers. Jayco and KZ RV are two examples of manufacturers hosting service tech training.
KZ RV hosts Dealer Service Schools year-round to keep up with technology changes and new products. KZ’s classes equip service technicians with an understanding of how an RV is constructed and best practices for troubleshooting and repair.
The manufacturer hosted two classes in January and will have two classes in November. Each class is 32 hours, broken into four days. Twenty to 30 techs attend per class, and the classes are RVDA-certified. Training sessions are led by suppliers including Airxcel, Coleman, Lippert and Xantrex, among others.
Jayco will offer six Dealer Technical Service Schools this year. One school will be held in Buda, Texas; two in Twin Falls, Idaho; two in Middlebury, Indiana; and one on the East Coast at a location to be determined.
Jayco technicians will drive a travel trailer to each site for students to gain hands-on learning experiences. The training courses take place at hotels and last about 35 hours, broken into five days.
The schools are designed for all skill levels. Jayco technicians provide technical training, as do suppliers including Lippert, Dexter Axle, Dometic and Norcold, among others.
Forty techs can attend each course, and classes are free to attendees. Attendees are responsible for hotels, transportation and some meals.
Jayco Technical Service Specialist Shaun Kline said a new feature this year is a Q&A session, hosted by Jayco, after Wednesday classes. Kline said the sessions will encourage feedback from attendees, so Jayco knows how to better assist dealers.
“Just because Jayco does one thing one way, does not mean every dealership that sells our products does things the same way,” Kline said. “We want to provide the best practices for them.”
Jayco’s classes are RVTI Level 3 certified. School hours go towards technicians’ Level 3 certification. Kline said suppliers’ certified trainers are a bonus of Jayco’s training classes.
“If you are having an issue with a Dometic water heater, you actually have that trainer there for you,” Kline said. “You are not getting any third-party information.”
Jayco’s Buda, Texas, class will be conducted the week of April 7.
The Twin Falls, Idaho, classes will be the week of March 24 and the week of Sept. 22.
The Middlebury, Indiana, classes will be the week of Nov. 3 and the week of Nov. 10. Jayco sends its customer service staff and service techs to the Middlebury classes.
The East Coast class will be the week of Dec. 8.
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