When something breaks on an RV in the middle of a trip, getting it repaired quickly can make the difference between continuing a vacation and spending the rest of the trip dealing with a problem.
For Patrick J. Meyer of Mobile RV Doctors LLC, helping RV owners get back to enjoying their RV is a major part of the job.
Based in Foley, Alabama, Mobile RV Doctors LLC provides mobile RV repair and service throughout Baldwin County and the surrounding Gulf Coast area, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, the Eastern Shore, Western Shore and into the Pensacola area.
Bringing RV Repair Directly to the Customer
Mobile RV Doctors LLC is a small, family-operated business. Patrick works as a certified RV technician, his son assists with RV repairs and service, and his wife manages much of the back-office operation.
Rather than requiring RV owners to bring their RV to a traditional repair facility, Mobile RV Doctors comes to the customer.
That can be particularly valuable for travelers staying at one of the many RV parks and campgrounds throughout the Gulf Coast region.
Patrick says one of the most rewarding parts of his work is being able to help save someone’s vacation when an unexpected RV problem occurs.
He recalls helping travelers whose water heater stopped working shortly after arriving at a state park. By repairing the water heater, the family was able to continue their trip with hot water rather than spending their vacation working around the problem.
He’s encountered similar situations involving refrigerators, awnings and RV slide systems.
What Does Mobile RV Doctors Repair?
Mobile RV Doctors works on a wide range of RV systems.
Some of the services Patrick discusses include:
- RV air conditioner repair and maintenance
- RV refrigerator repair and replacement
- Water heater repair and replacement
- RV slide repair and adjustment
- Schwintek slide repairs
- Cable slide repairs
- RV roof maintenance, resealing and reconditioning
- Awning repair
- Generator work
- Solar installation and service
The company also works with extended warranties and manufacturer warranties.
Patrick emphasizes communication throughout the repair process, including keeping customers informed about arrival times and what is happening with their RV.
Common RV Repairs Along the Gulf Coast
The types of service calls Mobile RV Doctors receives often change with the seasons.
During the hot Alabama summers, air conditioners and refrigerators are among the common problems Patrick encounters.
When temperatures cool, furnaces and water heaters become more frequent service calls. Slide problems can occur throughout the year.
Whether it’s diagnosing a blown fuse, repairing a refrigerator, replacing a water heater or tackling a difficult slide problem, Patrick’s goal remains the same: find the problem and help the RV owner get back to enjoying their trip.
From a Career in IT to Certified RV Technician
Patrick didn’t begin his career working on RVs.
Before becoming an RV technician, he spent approximately 30 years working in IT.
However, Patrick also had a mechanical background. His father worked in construction, and Patrick had experience with carpentry and had once considered becoming a mechanic.
After purchasing his first RV, he began to recognize how RV systems differ from those found in a traditional house.
When he decided to pursue RV repair as a new career, becoming certified was important to him.
Through his training and certification, Patrick says he developed the skill base he needed to move into the industry and build Mobile RV Doctors LLC.
For Patrick, though, the work ultimately comes back to helping people.
He enjoys fixing things, solving problems and knowing that his work can make someone’s RV experience better.
Building an RV Service Business
Today, Mobile RV Doctors LLC has been operating for approximately three years and serves RV owners throughout the lower Alabama Gulf Coast region.
Patrick’s experience demonstrates one of the career paths available to trained RV technicians: operating a mobile service business that brings RV repair directly to the customer.
For RV owners, organizations such as the RV Technician Association of America (RVTAA) can also help connect them with trained RV technicians when service is needed.
And for people considering RV repair as a career, Patrick’s story shows how existing mechanical skills, professional training and a desire to help people can come together in a new career and business.
Looking for a qualified RV technician? Visit RVTAA.org to learn more and find an RV technician in your area.