Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
About this video:
Is the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) in Athens, Texas, the right move for you? Whether you're looking to start a new career as a mobile RV technician, become a certified inspector, or just want to maintain your own rig, I’m breaking down my full 7-week experience.
As a Marine Veteran and long-time Airstreamer, I used the GI Bill to go through the 5-week Technician program and the 2-week Inspector course. In this video, I share the "no-fluff" truth about the curriculum, the instructors, and whether the school actually prepares you to run a business.
In this video, we cover:
- The Fundamentals Week: Why Todd Henson’s class is the bedrock of your training.
- Deep Dives: Troubleshooting ACs, Refrigerators, Furnaces, and Water Heaters.
- The Realities of Tech Life: Why some parts of the course feel 5 years outdated (and what needs to change).
- The Inspector Course: Why this was my favorite part of the program.
- Career vs. Hobby: Who should attend in person vs. who should take the online course.
- Veteran Advice: Using your GI Bill benefits wisely at NRVTA.
Check out the Online Fundamentals Course: If you can’t make it to Texas, the online home study course is a great way to start. Use my affiliate link here for a discount: rvtechcourse.com/?ref=bradley_driver
Resources Mentioned:
- RV Testers: rvtesters.com
- Find a Tech: rvhelp.com
Are you a graduate of NRVTA or thinking about going? Let’s talk in the comments!
#NRVTA #RVTechnician #RVInspector #RVLife #Airstream #GIBill #RVMaintenance #MobileRVTech
🔍 Find essential tools and gear for your adventures on our curated Amazon list: amazon.com/shop/thirteenadventures
🌐 Support our journey on Patreon and help keep the wheels turning: patreon.com/ThirteenAdventures
- Kickstart your day with AG1 – 83 high-quality ingredients, from vitamins to adaptogens, fueling my body to feel its best! -shop.drinkag1.com/13A
🔗 Connect with Thirteen Adventures and access all our tools, favorites, and partnerships in one place: https://linktr.ee/Thirteenadventures
- Save Big on Fuel: Open Roads Discount Fuel Program for RVers!
apply.myopenroads.com/r/thirteenadventures
🎽 Gear up with Thirteen Adventures Merchandise and show your love for the journey: thirteen-adventures.myspreadshop.com
🛒 Discover exclusive discounts on trusted products:
- AirGear Store: Travel safer and smarter with Airstream and RV essentials: https://airgear.store?sca_ref=1942974.FXZ8Kwgf0h
- RV SnapPad: Get 10% off SnapPads with code "13ADVENTURES": rvsnappad.com
- 1790 Knife & Tool Company: Enjoy 10% off any purchase with code "13A10": 1790knife.com
- Froli Bed System - Get 15% off your order with code 13ADV at nickleatlantic.com/?ref=13ADV
- RV Trip Wizzard - RV Life Pro is the ultimate RV lifestyle suite, featuring the top-rated RV LIFE Trip Wizard, a mobile RV GPS app, a maintenance tracker, and RV LIFE Masterclasses for lifestyle education. tripwizard.rvlife.com/#68c1dc121044d
- White Oak Pastures: Regenerative, Responsible, Grass-fed, & Resilient Food: whiteoakpastures.com/13A20
Get $20 off your first order of $150 or more using code "13A20"
🔓 Unlock a healthier lifestyle with organic, sustainable products from Thrive Market: kqzyfj.com/click-101125146-13259174
🚚 Join Escapees RV Club for convenience and benefits on the road: escapees.com/refer/Thirteen+Adventures
🌳 Explore unique overnight stays with Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome:
tinyurl.com/Harvest-Host
🍹 Quench your thirst with Drink LMNT, Brad's electrolyte drink of choice: elementallabs.refr.cc/bradleydriver
Need a waterless wash for your rig or tow vehilce? Use Aero Cosemtics: washwax.com/?ref=hltlvylv
📸 Capture your adventures with our recommended camera gear:
- Canon R6 EOS
- DJI Osmo Pocket 3
- iPhone 16 Pro Max and 16 Pro
- GoPro Hero 11
- DJI Mavic Pro Platinum
🎶 Groove to our curated beats from Musicbed with 100% clearance guaranteed.
📝 Legal Disclaimer: Thirteen Adventures LLC © All Rights Reserved. Entertainment purposes only. Always conduct your own research.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro: Why I went to NRVTA
1:30 - Using the GI Bill & School Overview
3:15 - Fundamentals Week (The Bedrock)
5:00 - The Lab Experience & TAs
6:45 - Air Conditioning Week (The Hardest Part)
8:30 - Refrigerator Week & Modern Tech Critiques
11:00 - Exterior Systems & Slide-outs
13:00 - Water Heaters & Furnaces
15:30 - The Certification Exam: What to Expect
17:00 - The RV Inspector Course Review
20:00 - Should You Attend? (Career vs. DIY)
22:30 - Final Thoughts & Advice for Veterans
About this video:
Is the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) in Athens, Texas, the right move for you? Whether you're looking to start a new career as a mobile RV technician, become a certified inspector, or just want to maintain your own rig, I’m breaking down my full 7-week experience.
As a Marine Veteran and long-time Airstreamer, I used the GI Bill to go through the 5-week Technician program and the 2-week Inspector course. In this video, I share the "no-fluff" truth about the curriculum, the instructors, and whether the school actually prepares you to run a business.
In this video, we cover:
- The Fundamentals Week: Why Todd Henson’s class is the bedrock of your training.
- Deep Dives: Troubleshooting ACs, Refrigerators, Furnaces, and Water Heaters.
- The Realities of Tech Life: Why some parts of the course feel 5 years outdated (and what needs to change).
- The Inspector Course: Why this was my favorite part of the program.
- Career vs. Hobby: Who should attend in person vs. who should take the online course.
- Veteran Advice: Using your GI Bill benefits wisely at NRVTA.
Check out the Online Fundamentals Course: If you can’t make it to Texas, the online home study course is a great way to start. Use my affiliate link here for a discount: rvtechcourse.com/?ref=bradley_driver
Resources Mentioned:
- RV Testers: rvtesters.com
- Find a Tech: rvhelp.com
Are you a graduate of NRVTA or thinking about going? Let’s talk in the comments!
#NRVTA #RVTechnician #RVInspector #RVLife #Airstream #GIBill #RVMaintenance #MobileRVTech
🔍 Find essential tools and gear for your adventures on our curated Amazon list: amazon.com/shop/thirteenadventures
🌐 Support our journey on Patreon and help keep the wheels turning: patreon.com/ThirteenAdventures
- Kickstart your day with AG1 – 83 high-quality ingredients, from vitamins to adaptogens, fueling my body to feel its best! -shop.drinkag1.com/13A
🔗 Connect with Thirteen Adventures and access all our tools, favorites, and partnerships in one place: https://linktr.ee/Thirteenadventures
- Save Big on Fuel: Open Roads Discount Fuel Program for RVers!
apply.myopenroads.com/r/thirteenadventures
🎽 Gear up with Thirteen Adventures Merchandise and show your love for the journey: thirteen-adventures.myspreadshop.com
🛒 Discover exclusive discounts on trusted products:
- AirGear Store: Travel safer and smarter with Airstream and RV essentials: https://airgear.store?sca_ref=1942974.FXZ8Kwgf0h
- RV SnapPad: Get 10% off SnapPads with code "13ADVENTURES": rvsnappad.com
- 1790 Knife & Tool Company: Enjoy 10% off any purchase with code "13A10": 1790knife.com
- Froli Bed System - Get 15% off your order with code 13ADV at nickleatlantic.com/?ref=13ADV
- RV Trip Wizzard - RV Life Pro is the ultimate RV lifestyle suite, featuring the top-rated RV LIFE Trip Wizard, a mobile RV GPS app, a maintenance tracker, and RV LIFE Masterclasses for lifestyle education. tripwizard.rvlife.com/#68c1dc121044d
- White Oak Pastures: Regenerative, Responsible, Grass-fed, & Resilient Food: whiteoakpastures.com/13A20
Get $20 off your first order of $150 or more using code "13A20"
🔓 Unlock a healthier lifestyle with organic, sustainable products from Thrive Market: kqzyfj.com/click-101125146-13259174
🚚 Join Escapees RV Club for convenience and benefits on the road: escapees.com/refer/Thirteen+Adventures
🌳 Explore unique overnight stays with Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome:
tinyurl.com/Harvest-Host
🍹 Quench your thirst with Drink LMNT, Brad's electrolyte drink of choice: elementallabs.refr.cc/bradleydriver
Need a waterless wash for your rig or tow vehilce? Use Aero Cosemtics: washwax.com/?ref=hltlvylv
📸 Capture your adventures with our recommended camera gear:
- Canon R6 EOS
- DJI Osmo Pocket 3
- iPhone 16 Pro Max and 16 Pro
- GoPro Hero 11
- DJI Mavic Pro Platinum
🎶 Groove to our curated beats from Musicbed with 100% clearance guaranteed.
📝 Legal Disclaimer: Thirteen Adventures LLC © All Rights Reserved. Entertainment purposes only. Always conduct your own research.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro: Why I went to NRVTA
1:30 - Using the GI Bill & School Overview
3:15 - Fundamentals Week (The Bedrock)
5:00 - The Lab Experience & TAs
6:45 - Air Conditioning Week (The Hardest Part)
8:30 - Refrigerator Week & Modern Tech Critiques
11:00 - Exterior Systems & Slide-outs
13:00 - Water Heaters & Furnaces
15:30 - The Certification Exam: What to Expect
17:00 - The RV Inspector Course Review
20:00 - Should You Attend? (Career vs. DIY)
22:30 - Final Thoughts & Advice for Veterans
