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.”
🛠 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.”
🚛 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.”
📚 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/ 

👀 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.

RS Takes the South

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You may have got used to seeing RS Recovery service vans in and around Basingstoke and surrounding, we have now acquired a new depot in the South, near Southampton.

The opportunity was presented to us after our long-time industry friends announced that they were hanging up their keys after 40 years in the recovery industry. R.D. Avery were leading providers of breakdown, accident and vehicle recovery services across Hampshire, Wiltshire and beyond and we are priveledged to be trusted to build upon their solid foundations. Our new depot is home to 11 service vans and 6 recovery trucks – some new, some relocated from the Midlands.

Our service van technicians have vast industry experience, some with over 20 years in the industry, some Master Technicians from main dealers but all of them willing to do whatever it takes to get your vehicles moving.

As you may know, we are approved service agents for Haldex, Wabco, Gray & Adams, Tiger Trailers, TIP, Schmitz-Cargobull and more. All of our technicians have and continue to receive comprehensive training on these trailers, guaranteeing that you receive optimal service in the most efficient and budget-friendly manner.

Each service van is presented to our technicians fully stocked with parts and equipment that are then tailored to each service van dependent upon their customer base and work load. They also carry welders, generators and gas bottles; 90% of our 5 tonne service vans have a winch, ensuring that we stick to our promise of minimal downtime for our customers.

As for the trucks, you may recognise RS70 RSR – one of our more versatile trucks, originally based at our Tipton Head Office. With a FAS8000+6 system, which features a bed weight capacity of 8000kg and an under-lift capacity of 6000kg, it is capable of recovering anything from a car to a HGV. 

FH72 NRC is also based down South. NRC 40T Composite Slider mounted onto a Volvo FH16 750. Find out more here. 

 

For more information on the services we offer in the South or Nationwide, contact us or call our Control Team on 0121 522 2076.

 

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:

 

Official Service Partners

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We’re pleased to announce that we’ve become official service partners for WABCO and Haldex.  Over the past 12 months we’ve acquired the equipment and training required to be formally accredited and undertake work on behalf of these 2 manufacturers.  It means that we’ve widened our service offering to assist with Warranty and Non-Warranty faults that occur on HGV’s and trailers.  As service agents we now have access to readily available parts without relying on long supplier lead times.

 

haldex wabco diagnostics trailer hgv

 

For assistance with ABS/EBS faults please call us on our 24 hour number: 0121 522 2076

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

 

Diagnostics postcards have arrived!

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Our newly designed postcards highlighting our diagnostics capability have arrived.   We’ll be sending them out to our current and prospective customers in the weeks to come, so that can be pinned up in their offices!

If you’d like a postcard, give us a call on 0121 522 2076 and we’ll gladly send some in the post.

diagnostics wabco haldex knorr-bremse rsrecovery

 

Investment in diagnostics

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We’ve recently added to our diagnostics capabilities by investing in equipment for Wabco, Haldex and Knorr-Bremse.  In addition to this, diagnostics systems from Jaltest and DAF Davie have also been purchased.  The new diagnostic systems add to our current capability of Dr. Air Brake and Texa.

The added capabilities have given our technicians the tools to clearly diagnose truck and trailer faults and allow us to complete the necessary repairs.  The diagnostics will be available in both our workshop and mobile service vans, meaning we’re able to attend fleets on customer sites.

 

If you require assistance for your truck or trailer, please get in contact with us on 0330 333 4545 (24 hours)