A nationwide shortage of qualified diesel technicians is making waves in industries that depend on heavy-duty vehicles. RVers who travel in diesel-powered rigs could feel the pinch. A new report from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) warns that trucking, which relies heavily on diesel service professionals, is already struggling to keep up with repair demand.
In 2025, 65.5% of repair shops were short-staffed, with nearly one in five technician positions unfilled. The shortage is fueled by challenges for newcomers to the trade. These include expensive tool costs, limited mentoring in shops, low starting pay, and the steep learning curve of the job. Read on to learn how you may be able to lessen the impact on you and your diesel rig.
Diesel technician shortage impact on RVs
The report shows that while the number of truck drivers jumped 30% from 2014 to 2024, the diesel tech workforce grew only 23%. That means more diesel-powered vehicles on the road—RVs included—but fewer people to keep them running. In 2013, there were 6.8 truck drivers for every diesel technician. By 2024, that number had risen to 7.2, even with demand for shipping by trucks cooling down.
The report also revealed that 61% of diesel technicians start with no formal training, needing about 357 hours of on-the-job instruction—costing shops more than $8,200 in wages per trainee. Apprenticeship programs and clear communication with techs about pay, management, and work variety were key factors in keeping them on the job.
For RV owners, the message is clear: As the diesel technician shortage continues, repair times could stretch longer, especially during busy travel seasons. Keeping up on maintenance and building a relationship with a trusted shop might be the best way to avoid a long wait when the unexpected happens. What if you’re a diesel coach owner? Read on.
Tips for RVers seeking a reliable diesel repair shop
• Look for RV experience – Not every diesel shop works on RVs. Ask directly if they have experience with your specific chassis, engine brand, and RV systems.
• Check certifications – Look for ASE-certified technicians, or shops affiliated with RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) or major engine makers like Cummins, Caterpillar, or Detroit Diesel.
• Ask about wait times – With technician shortages, some shops are booking weeks out. Call ahead and ask about their current scheduling backlog before you break down.
• Build a relationship early – Don’t wait until you’re stranded. Visit a shop for routine maintenance, get to know the staff, and let them get familiar with your rig.
• Find a mobile diesel tech – In some areas, mobile mechanics can come to you, saving a tow and reducing downtime.
• Use owner forums and groups – RV brand-specific forums, Facebook groups, and diesel owner communities are goldmines for shop recommendations.
• Check parts availability – Ask if the shop keeps common parts for your engine in stock or how quickly they can get them. Delays often come from waiting on parts.
• Ask about labor rates – Rates vary widely. A clear estimate—and knowing whether they bill by the hour or by the job—will help avoid surprises.
• Watch for apprenticeship shops – Shops tied to local training programs often have more staff and shorter turnaround times.
• Keep records – Maintain a folder of past work orders and parts replaced. This helps the next shop understand your RV’s history and troubleshoot faster.
Sources include ttnews.com
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RVT1222b
It’s way past time to reestablish more trade schools with needed training in all the varying entry level skills.
Um , what about schools trying to find a diesel mechanic experienced enough to teach ?
Well said Bill. This has been my tho’t for several years. If we could take about 40% of the college students and put them into a trade school of some sort (military entrance tests are a reliable predictor of ability and interests), our unemployment rate would drop, and we and the trades would benefit as well. Employers have long over emphasized the requirement for a college degree.
Tradesmen will once again control the market…. simple supply and demand, and good tradesmen are worth more than any Barrista with an 4 year Liberal Arts Degree.
Amen!
Thank you for the good advice, Russ and Tina! We have followed our engine/transmission/chassis/generator tech, Les Glenn, for 7 years. Although we don’t get quite the preferential treatment at his new shop (Lee-Smith, Chattanooga) that we did previously, we do have a good working relationship. I give him several weeks forewarning when we need service so it can be scheduled at a time that he can get right on it. After all these years we completely trust each other. Have a great day and safe travels!
I’ve been in the heavy equipment field my whole life and can tell you, the shortage isn’t new and it’s very real.
There’s an entire generation that was told the web would be the future and coding is bank. The trades were considered dirty work because the work was often dirty. Hiring someone with mechanical aptitude, drug free, mentally stable and has a work ethic? Darn near impossible. Parts changers are more profitable then diagnosticians that only sell what’s needed versus replacing everything.
Dirty hands, clean money. As someone with a HD mechanic on my payroll, a good deisel tech is worth every penny of that six figure income.