Apprentice to Expert!

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🔧 Meet Adam, HGV Roadside Technician!

Roadside Tech - Adam
He started out with his first job as an apprentice at a main dealer, where he spent 18 years developing his skills through hands-on work and in-house training. Adam built a strong foundation in diagnostics, inspections and advanced fault-finding and after a stint at a local family-run business working across a range of vehicles and trailers, he joined us at RS Recovery in 2024.
“What I enjoy most? No two days are ever the same. One minute I’m at a depot diagnosing a generator that won’t start, the next I’m on the motorway with a trailer that’s locked up. I love thinking on my feet – especially when it’s an electrical issue that really makes me dig deep.”
We asked him what keeps him motivated. His answer – “The love for the job, the constant challenge and that feeling when you get something sorted. That’s what it’s all about.”
💡 Since joining RS, he’s completed IVR Levels 1, 2, 3, and 27 for roadside safety, plus his IMI in heavy EV/hybrid vehicles.
⚡Most common breakdowns: Faulty lights, ABS issues, engine or exhaust faults.
🧠Biggest lesson learned: “Good communication – with control, customers and suppliers – goes a long way.”
đź›  Favourite jobs? “The ones that test your brain and teach you something new.”
Not your average 9-5? That’s right. “When you’re on call, the day ends when the job does. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
At RS Recovery, we believe in empowering our technicians with the tools, training and support they need to thrive – we know a great team keeps our customers moving.
For Roadside Technician vacancies search ‘RS Recovery Ltd’ on Indeed or email recruitment@rs-recovery.com.

Meet the Tech

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Ever wondered what it’s like to be the first on the scene when a vehicle breaks down? In this Q&A, we sat down with one of our experienced roadside technicians to talk about the realities of life on the road and what it takes to keep drivers moving safely and efficiently.
Meet Ewan –  Roadside Technician based in the South.
Roadside Technician - Ewan
🔧 How did you get started?
“I began a 5-year HGV apprenticeship with Mercedes-Benz straight out of school, staying for another 4 years before moving to Basingstoke. There, I joined a family-run commercial garage, gaining experience with various vehicle brands and trailers. This role introduced me to mobile service work and RS Recovery.”
đźš› What makes the job unique?
“No two days are the same. Whether it’s diagnosing trailer ABS/EBS issues, dealing with DPF faults or handling hydraulic problems, there’s always something new to tackle.”
đź“š Commitment to Training & Development
“At RS, we’re always learning. I’ve completed IVR (Institute of Vehicle Recovery) roadside safety training, Haldex ABS/EBS diagnostic systems and hybrid/electric vehicle awareness to keep up with industry changes.”

Read more about our partnership here – https://www.rs-recovery.com/official-service-partners/ 

đź‘€ Something that might surprise people?
“Our vans are fully equipped to handle most repairs on the spot, saving drivers from unnecessary downtime.”
*Our vans are stocked with various parts based on different customer requirements thus allowing us to adapt quickly and achieve first-time fixes whenever possible.

🔹 The RS Recovery Culture
“RS is the best company I’ve ever worked for – fair, honest and committed to work-life balance. The team is supportive, and there’s always someone available to help if needed.” (We didn’t bribe him, we promise!)

 

Our technicians are passionate about their work, ensuring your vehicles stay on the road with minimal downtime.

For Roadside Assistance, click here or you can find out more about our services here or call us 0330 333 4545.

SafeContractor Accreditation

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Following an annual audit, RS Recovery has been recognised for maintaining a safe working environment and compliance with industry regulations. This accreditation ensures that we not only meet but exceed the highest standards in our operations.

 

SafeContractor Accreditation

 

What does this mean for you?

 

Enhanced Safety: Our commitment to health and safety ensures that all jobs are carried out with utmost care, minimising risks and ensuring a safe working environment.

Quality Assurance: The SafeContractor Accreditation is a mark of quality, providing you with confidence that you are partnering with a company that values and adheres to industry-leading standards.

Reliability: This accreditation reinforces our reliability and dedication to delivering outstanding results whilst prioritising safety and compliance.

If you’re interested in learning how we can support your fleet and minimise downtime, click here or call 0121 522 2076 for more information.

 

SafeContractor Accredited

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We are proud to announce that we are now SafeContractor accredited.

 

Another milestone reached in demonstrating our commitment to health & safety, equal opportunities and environmental management.

 

Click the link below to view our certificate:

 

SC Certificate – 03112021

 

MAN TGE featured

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Our 2018 MAN TGE service van was chosen to be in the #VanUp media campaign by MAN Truck and Bus UK.  We were absolutely thrilled to be invited down to Southampton for the 2 day shoot, which featured action shots of our vehicle including other models in the TGE range.

The advert has been featured across MAN’s social media channels as well as at The 2019 CV Show held at the NEC in Birmingham – the largest Commercial Vehicle exhibition in the UK.

 

A big thank you to the Marketing Team at MAN Truck and Bus UK.

 

The advert can be viewed below:

 

Heavy recovery addition

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The newest addition to the RS Recovery Ltd family.  Previously owned by First Point Commercials in Manchester, we snapped at the opportunity to acquire it.

Its 8×4 chassis with Globetrotter cab, 13-litre engine, I-shift transmission and was custom-designed and manufactured at the the Netherlands-based Falkom factory.  Fitted with the FAW 25.000 kit, the top boom equipment has a 25-tonne lift capacity and an underlift capacity of 10 tonnes at its full reach of 4.5 metres.  The front-steer axles are rated at nine tonnes each and the rear axles are air-suspended, double-drive, hub-reduction rated at 26 tonnes.

The 2017 Euro 6 chassis will also enable us to meet the Low Emissions Zone criteria for travelling into London and the impending zone for Birmingham City in 2020.

 

heavy recovery breakdown hgv truck and trailer volvo falkom

It has been kept immaculate by the team at First Point Commercials but we’re looking forward to getting it in our colours in 2019.

 

 

 

New Service Van

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A new 2018 Mercedes Sprinter has been added to the mobile service van fleet.  Based out of Basingstoke, it will serve the South East and London regions for all truck and trailer breakdowns.  Fully equipped to deal with common faults to the more complicated ABS/EBS faults, it’s a great addition to the company.

Once again, the van has been be kitted out with racking, from the top team at Van Racking Solutions, with the external touches provided by Jimbars of Carlisle and Whelen light bars from Woodway Engineering.

mercedes sprinter breakdown recovery diagnostics jaltest haldex wabco knorr-bremse

 

HGV rollover

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RS Recovery were tasked by the Local Authorities to assist with an incident involving an overturned HGV.  A challenging incident as the vehicle combination was fully laden at 44 tonnes, with diesel having been spilled over the road surface.

rs recovery rollover

Once we had assessed the job and and explained to the emergency services what was needed to right the vehicle, a plan of action was put in place and our trucks were moved into position. High and low pressure air recovery cushions were also used to aid the lift and to stop the side of the container bulging out any more.

Three recovery vehicles were used to roll it back onto its wheels; an NRC 35T slider was used to take most of the weight and to help the trailer wheels grip. A Boniface Interstater was used to pull the tractor unit over and assist the front of the trailer and a Foden 6×6 ATLAS rotator was used get the air cushions under and to stop the trailer sliding on the tarmac due to the fuel and oil spillage. The air recovery cushions were used to start the initial lift.

Once the vehicle was righted the fire brigade left the scene as they felt the fuel was no longer causing any risk, the scene was left to the highways contractors to inspect and repair the road, the vehicle was recovered by the NRC Heavy under-lift recovery truck to RS Recovery for secure storage.

A video clip of the HGV being rolled back on to its wheels can be viewed below.

 

 

Service vans join the fleet

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MAN TGE Mercedes Sprinter Service Van 24hour

We’ve recently taken delivery of 4 new service vans, equipped to tackle commercial truck and trailer breakdown’s and repairs.  The vans all hit the road in January 2018 and have proven great additions to the fleet.

We took delivery of a Mercedes Sprinter, a Renault Master and 2 MAN TGE’s .  With the assistance of Van Racking Solutions, Woodway Engineering and Jim Bars they were ready to hit the road!

At the same time, we added new pieces of equipment to strengthen our service offering to our customers, including truck and trailer diagnostics such as DAF Davie, JalTest, Texa, WABCO, Haldex and Knorr Bremse.  We’ve also added trailer check equipment from Dr. Air Brake, which has allowed our technicians to carry out on-site service and inspections.

 

For more information or if you require breakdown or maintenance assistance, please call 0330 333 4545.  We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Newest addition to the fleet

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The equipment is from Boniface Engineering in Thetford.  We went for the Recoverer Trident with Side-winders (which you can see extended out from the side of the vehicle).  We already had a similar specification vehicle on the fleet but with a 3-axle chassis, so we knew what to expect.  The side-winders add great winching capability and stability to the truck when towing heavy loads.  It’s the first time we’ve gone for a 4-axle chassis and we can now see why it is so popular among other operators.  The additional axle adds better steering and braking which is critical in certain scenarios.