RV Service Technician Study Guide

Year 1 Exam Study Guide — the foundational knowledge every apprentice needs before advancing.

Yr 1Yr 2Yr 3Yr 4Red Seal →
12Topic Sections
66Key Concepts
0Flashcard Terms
Year 1Apprentice Level

Year 1 Fundamentals

Study each topic below — these are the core knowledge areas tested in Year 1. Build a solid foundation here before advancing to Year 2 material.

📖RV Types & Construction
  • Class A motorhome: bus-style, gasoline or diesel pusher
  • Class B: van conversion, smallest
  • Class C: truck cab cutaway
  • Travel trailer: towed, no engine
  • Fifth wheel: king pin hitch in truck bed
  • Park model: semi-permanent; wood or aluminum frame, fiberglass or aluminum skin
📖12V DC Systems
  • House battery bank: deep cycle batteries (AGM, flooded, lithium)
  • State of charge: 12.7V = 100%, 12.0V = ~25%
  • Converter/charger: converts 120V AC to 12V DC to charge batteries
  • Loads: lights, water pump, slides, awning motor, furnace fan
  • Fusing: each circuit protected
📖120V AC Systems
  • Shore power: 30A (120V) or 50A (120/240V) service
  • Generator: onboard or portable
  • Inverter: converts 12V DC to 120V AC for offgrid
  • GFCI outlets required in wet areas
  • Transfer switch: selects shore power or generator
  • Power management system prevents overload
📖Plumbing Systems
  • Fresh water: potable hose, tank, pump, pressure regulator
  • Grey water: sinks and shower drain
  • Black water: toilet
  • Winterizing: blow out or antifreeze (RV-safe pink antifreeze)
  • Water heater: propane + electric, 6 or 10 gallon
  • Sharkbite and PEX common for repair
📖Propane Systems (LP)
  • TSSA/CSA B149.1: governs LP systems in recreational vehicles
  • Two-stage regulator: high pressure from tank (414 kPa) reduced to 2.75 kPa at appliances
  • Leak test: soap bubbles or electronic detector
  • Propane appliances: furnace, stove, water heater, fridge
  • Carbon monoxide detector required
🦺Safety & Inspection
  • CO alarm: must be functional before occupancy
  • Smoke detector required
  • Propane detector: at floor level (LP heavier than air)
  • Wheel torque: 120–140 ft-lb typical (check spec)
  • Tire pressure: GVWR-based; safety chains on trailer
  • Breakaway cable for trailer braking; annual propane inspection

Red Seal Certification

Study each topic below — these are the core knowledge areas tested in Year 1. Build a solid foundation here before advancing to Year 2 material.

📖Slide-Out Systems
  • Hydraulic: high power, complex
  • Electric (rack & pinion): common modern
  • Cable system: older
  • Seals: rubber perimeter seals prevent water/air infiltration
  • Alignment: shims and adjustment
  • Water intrusion at slides: most common RV repair issue; structural integrity of slide box
📖Refrigerator (Absorption)
  • 3-way fridge: 12V DC (travel), 120V AC (shore), LP gas (remote)
  • Absorption cycle: ammonia-water solution heated to circulate
  • Must be level within 3° for operation
  • Burner orifice cleaning
  • Cooling unit replacement
  • Newer compressor fridges (12V only) increasingly common
🏗️Roof & Structural Repair
  • TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin): common white membrane roof
  • EPDM (rubber roof)
  • Fiberglass: gel coat maintenance
  • Delamination: water intrusion separates wall layers — probe for soft spots
  • Wood rot: replace substrate before re-skinning
  • Caulking: self-leveling lap sealant for roof; dicor most common
📖Towing & Chassis
  • Weight distribution hitch (WDH): equalizes sag on tow vehicle
  • Anti-sway bar
  • GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating — never exceed
  • GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating for tow vehicle
  • Payload calculation: GVWR − curb weight = available payload
  • Diesel pusher: higher towing capacity, rear engine
📖Winterization & De-Winterization
  • Winterizing: drain tanks and water heater, bypass water heater, blow lines with compressor, add antifreeze to traps
  • Spring: flush antifreeze, check all connections, test all systems, inspect roof seals
  • Storage: tire covers, mouse prevention, battery disconnect
📋RVIA & CSA Standards
  • CSA Z240 RV series: Canadian standard for RV construction
  • RVIA (Recreation Vehicle Industry Association): self-certification program
  • Provincial propane licensing: technician certification required for LP work
  • HVAC in RVs: Dometic and Truma are main suppliers
  • Roof A/C: 13,500–15,000 BTU typical

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