The RV Training Course Every Owner Needs (And I Wish I Took Sooner)

Product Review

This Online RV Training School Could Save You Thousands in Repairs

No matter how prepared you think you are, RV ownership comes with its quirks—and sometimes, downright chaos. Whether you’re a full-timer like us or a weekend adventurer, breakdowns are practically a rite of passage. After 10 years on the road, I can confidently say we’ve had our fair share.

Life would be so much easier if the right RV training came with the keys to your rig. While my husband has always had a knack for tinkering, I realized I was relying too heavily on his instincts and my ability to nod along convincingly. I’d smile and pretend to understand what he meant when he talked about the mechanics, but honestly? My mind was usually on our next destination, not the inner workings of our water heater.

It was high time I got with the program. I decided to stop coasting through RV ownership and finally learn how to truly understand the systems behind our rolling home. That decision led me to the RV Owners Home Study Course PRO, developed by the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) and distributed by rvtechcourse.com. Full disclosure: the course was provided to me for review, but all insights and opinions expressed here are my own.

I wasn’t looking for quick fixes. I wanted RV training that would give me real understanding and confidence——and maybe even help me impress others with my newfound technical vocabulary. Because here’s the thing: the more you know about your RV, the smoother your adventures unfold—and the less you have to fake knowing what a capacitor does.

Getting to Know the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA)

The National RV Training Academy (NRVTA), situated in Athens, Texas, is a Certified Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Career College. It specializes in programs spanning basic knowledge for RV owners to advanced technical skills for aspiring RV technicians and inspectors. The academy is well-regarded for its comprehensive approach to RV training, which includes both classroom learning and practical, hands-on experiences.

RV Fundamentals Training: Course Content

At NRVTA, every student begins with the RV Fundamentals Training. This course equips students with a solid foundation in RV maintenance and operation, laying the groundwork for all subsequent learning. The RV training course covers:

• Basic RV Electricity: Rudiments of electricity, including voltage, amperage, wattage, and ohms.
• DC and AC Electrical Systems: Understanding both direct and alternating currents, including safety protocols and component functions.
• RV Propane Systems: Operating procedures, safety checks, and leak detection.
• RV Water Systems: Managing fresh, gray, and black water systems, winterizing procedures, and maintenance best practices.
• Climate Control Systems: Maintenance and troubleshooting of air conditioners, furnaces, and refrigerators.
• Exterior and Mechanical Systems: Inspecting and maintaining slide-outs, seals, roof components, exterior panels, and wheel bearings.
• Hands-On Labs: Practical application exercises to reinforce learning and skills development.

The RV Fundamentals Training is offered as a one-week certified program on-site. But for those of us who can’t make it to the Big Red School House in person, they bring the classroom to you.

Online/At-Home RV Training Courses

RVTechCourse.com offers two versions of the RV Fundamentals Training in two flexible, home-study formats: online and USB drive with printed materials.

Online Home Study Course:

With this option, you get access to all videos and booklets in PDF format via RVTechCourse.com’s online student portal. After purchase, you’ll receive an email with login information so you can start learning immediately from anywhere with an internet connection.

USB Home Study Course:

Prefer offline access, as well? This version includes all course videos conveniently stored on a USB drive and printed workbooks shipped right to your doorstep. Plus, you still get access to the online version, offering you the best of both worlds.

These online courses are offered in two versions:

Home Study Course: Covers essential RV maintenance topics, perfect for beginners.

Home Study Course PRO: Includes all the content from the Home Study Course plus hands-on labs for a more comprehensive learning experience. This version mirrors the classroom lessons taught in the NRVTA RV Fundamentals course. When purchased at full price, the PRO Version comes with a $300 credit toward the in-person RV Fundamentals course in Athens, Texas.

Both options provide the ultimate flexibility for busy RV owners. You can learn at your own pace, revisit materials whenever needed, and save on travel and lodging costs. Whether you’re accessing the student portal from a laptop or flipping through the workbooks from your RV’s dinette, this course is designed to meet you where you are—literally.

My Journey Through the RV Owners Home Study Course PRO

When I started the RV Owners Home Study Course PRO, I didn’t realize just how much I’d been glossing over when it came to truly understanding our RV. While I had a general idea of how things worked, this course quickly showed me just how deep the rabbit hole went—especially with the RV electrical system, which turned out to be the most extensive and enlightening portion.

Breaking Down Every RV System

The RV training course starts with the basic principles, breaking down electricity to the level of electrons. It then builds on that foundation, moving into units of measurement and how these are manipulated in both DC and AC currents. Each section builds on the last, so by the time you’re dealing with more intricate topics like load balancing or troubleshooting electrical faults, you have a solid foundation to rely on.

The RV training home study program delves into every major RV system, breaking them down into their components, operation, typical issues, and proper troubleshooting steps.

The best part? I could go at my own pace. If I didn’t fully grasp something the first time, I’d just hit replay—or pause to think about a question posed. Trust me, I hit replay a lot, but the ability to revisit sections as often as needed made all the difference in mastering the material.

A Customizable Learning Experience

I also printed out the PowerPoint presentations, maintenance guides, and troubleshooting handouts, sticking them all in a binder along with my own notes and diagrams. That binder and accompanying videos have since become indispensable, something I pull out anytime something seems off. It’s like having my own RV owner’s manual—but one that actually makes sense.

The hands-on labs were another highlight. Each task was clearly explained and demonstrated in the videos, and then I got to perform it on my RV. It was practical and engaging and gave me a real sense of accomplishment every time I completed a lab successfully.

Todd Henson, the main instructor, was a big part of what made this course so effective. He has this great way of breaking down complex topics, tying them to hilarious stories and real-world scenarios—from Ohm’s Law to propane systems. It felt like he was talking with me, not at me, which made the learning process not only easier but more enjoyable.

The Sights and Sounds of Understanding

I didn’t rush through the course. Instead, I spent a couple of months pacing myself, working through the labs, testing the functionality of our RV’s systems, and truly getting to know how everything operates.

• –>I’ve started paying closer attention to the sequence of sounds when our propane system kicks on: the click of the solenoid opening, the tick-tick-tick of the igniter sparking, and finally, the satisfying boom of combustion as the burner ignites. But the learning didn’t stop there.
• –>I climbed onto the roof to test the capacitance of our “Herm” capacitor and learned how to check the health of our A/C compressor. 
• –>After screwing on a freshly-filled portable propane tank to our motorhome’s Extend-a-Stay kit, I primed the GasStop attachment to get everything flowing for the first time.
• –>I also got hands-on with testing polarity at our shore power connections and adapters. On top of that, I became more aware of how our circuits are divided within the unit, learning to balance which appliances I run simultaneously to avoid overloading.

What used to feel like random noises, frustratingly tripped breakers, or tasks I thought only a professional could handle now makes sense. I understand what’s happening in those moments and why—and having that knowledge has given me a confidence I didn’t realize I was missing.

A New Dynamic on the Road

What really surprised me was how this online RV training course changed the way I approach nomadic life with my husband. Before, I’d leave most of the troubleshooting to him, chiming in here and there but not really contributing much. 

Now, I’m jumping in with my own ideas and suggestions, and we’re working through problems together. It’s been such a great bonding experience, something I didn’t expect from learning about RV systems. These days, we’ll sit and debate things like slide lubrication schedules or appliance maintenance, and it makes me feel like we’ve leveled up as a team.

Why Every RVer Needs This Course

Whether you’re new to RV ownership or have spent years navigating the open road, the RV Owners Home Study Course PRO offers something invaluable: knowledge and confidence. For beginners, it provides a foundation to understand the systems that keep an RV running smoothly, turning overwhelming jargon into clear, actionable concepts. For seasoned travelers, it deepens your expertise and empowers you to tackle issues that might otherwise require costly service calls.

What sets this course apart is its flexibility. You don’t need to commit to attending in person or completing it on a set timeline. Instead, you can learn at your own pace, revisit sections as needed, and adapt the lessons to your specific RV. The PRO version’s hands-on labs take this further by allowing you to practice skills and concepts directly on your vehicle, ensuring what you learn sticks.

By understanding the fundamentals, you’ll be better equipped to troubleshoot common problems, communicate clearly with service professionals, and make informed decisions about your RV’s care. Whether you’re trying to prevent issues or just want to know what’s happening behind the scenes, this course gives you the tools to approach RV ownership with greater ease and independence.

Final Thoughts: Becoming a More Capable RV Owner

RVTechCourse.com’s RV Owners Home Study Course PRO has been a game-changer for me. It’s given me a deeper understanding of the systems that power our RV and a proactive approach to maintenance and troubleshooting. The course materials have become a trusted resource, making RV ownership more manageable and less intimidating.

This spring, I’ll be building on what I’ve learned by attending the one-week RV Fundamentals course in person at NRVTA’s Big Red School House. I’m eager to see how this on-site, hands-on experience complements the home study program and to share what new insights I gain.

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