As a member of the RV Industry Association (RVIA), I had the opportunity to represent Truma North America during RVs Move America Week in Washington, DC. This is an annual event that brings RV manufacturers, suppliers, and other industry associates together as one voice before US legislators.
The RV industry has a $140 billion impact on the U.S. economy, so the RVIA is uniquely positioned to champion outdoor recreation issues at the federal and local levels. For example, the RVIA has been a dedicated supporter of the EXPLORE Act/America’s Outdoor Recreation Act. This piece of bipartisan legislation passed the House of Representatives in April and is currently awaiting a vote in the Senate. As interest in outdoor recreation grows and the demand for campsites increases, the EXPLORE Act will provide much-needed support to campgrounds across the country as well as extend camping seasons on public lands.
Throughout the week, RVIA members participate in committee meetings to address critical issues facing the RV industry. I sit on the Standards Steering Committee which focuses on RV safety. The committee maintains and contributes to the creation of more than 500 safety-related industry standards that regulate traditional and park model RVs.
This committee also manages standards from fire and electric codes to, more recently, CAN BUS, WiFi, and Bluetooth protocols. These are all used as part of RV-C protocols to control the communication between systems within an RV. In conjunction with the RV Training Institute (RVTI), a Level 3 training course is now available for technicians and those wanting to learn more about RV-C.
No matter the committee or the company, the goal shared by all members of the RVIA is to ensure Americans can experience the best of the great outdoors. This year, the RVIA celebrates 50 years of collaboration and advocacy towards this goal. Over the last half a century, we have watched the interest in RVing grow due to their efforts. While I have only been a member for a small fraction of that time, it is a privilege to be a part of their continued progress.
