Episode 007 — RV inspectors and technicians Dick & Melissa Karnes

Dick and Melissa Karnes owned a business doing property maintenance for several years, but they wanted to travel with their 10-year-old daughter, Madison.

They were looking for something they could do on the road from anywhere they might be. Because Dick is a handyman, a friend recommended that he go through training to become a mobile RV technician.

They took the first week of training and found work as RV inspectors. But then they returned to complete the advanced training courses to become certified technicians.

In fact, the Karnes became the first husband and wife couple to complete courses together at the National RV Training Academy, and Melissa became the first woman to pass the certification test at the academy.

They describe some of the things they learned in class, especially in the area of propane and electricity. It helped them diagnose and prevent a potentially dangerous hot skin problem that severely shocked their daughter.

Melissa explains why women should look at the training as well, not just as an income opportunity, but to help them maintain their own RVs while traveling.

Just having the basic training helps them maintain their own RVs but, more importantly, ensures that they won’t be taken advantage of when seeking repairs on the road.

Melissa continues to work as a mortgage underwriter and explains how she manages that career from the RV, too.

The Karnes have found a way to market their repair services to alert people that they are in the local area.

They also describe the importance of continuing their education to stay abreast of rapidly changing products on the market that are either being installed at the factory, or by consumers who are purchasing them on their own.

In addition to fixing RVs, Dick and Melissa have also developed a team approach to RV inspections.

The National RV Training Academy’s one-week live training or home study course that will teach you everything you need to know to fix about 80 percent of the problems people experience with their RVs.

You can also sign up for additional training to become an RV inspector, campground technician or provide mobile RV service. For more information, visit www.nrvta.com.