RVeterans: Mike O’Neil
Technical Trainer, Spartan RV Chassis, 33 years in the industry
Towering at 6 feet, 8 inches tall, Mike “Big Mike” O’Neil of Spartan RV Chassis is hard to miss at an RV event. But Mike’s height is just one of the many things that makes him stand out. His charisma, compassion and vast industry knowledge have all paved the way for a successful 33-year career in the RV business.
As a technical trainer at Spartan RV Chassis, Mike’s job is to provide training for qualified service centers around the country and in Canada, training that’s specific to the class A diesel pusher chassis that Spartan RV Chassis manufactures. He also provides RV owner training directly to customers, teaching them how to maintain their chassis and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Mike does it all. His training courses — which he created himself — include education on all of the subsystems on a class A diesel pusher chassis, from the air, cooling and electrical systems to the engine, suspensions, brakes and hydraulics — just to name a few.
Sometimes called the “Pied Piper” of the RV industry, Mike has an extensive following in the RV community. At RV rallies, it’s not uncommon to find Mike on an owner’s coach troubleshooting an issue or explaining how the subsystem works, going above and beyond the formal training sessions he provides at these events. In fact, he’ll even help RVers who don’t own a Spartan Chassis.
“He truly wears his heart on his sleeve,” says Greg Rinehart, training and dealer operations manager at Spartan RV Chassis. “And at the end of the day, he truly wants the RV owner to understand and enjoy their class A motorhome for years to come.”
Mike’s wealth of knowledge of how each subsystem works comes from experience. He started at Spartan RV Chassis working on the production floor, building the chassis he now trains on. He has also assisted the company by going out and performing repairs at dealerships around the country.
When he looks back over his decades-long career, Mike says what he cherishes most are the relationships he’s built along the way.
“Be it an owner or an RV technician, the RVer’s dedication and camaraderie is unmatched,” Mike says. “I feel very fortunate to have the lifelong friends I have made in my career. The memories I have will be cherished for the rest of my life.”
