The RV Industry Association, RV Dealers Association and the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds sent out a letter to all 50 state governors, strongly urging them to recognize the RV industry and campgrounds as essential businesses as they weigh and implement measures in response to the COVID-19 virus in their individual states. Read the letter below.
Dear Governor _____,
On behalf of the $114 billion U.S. recreation vehicle (RV) industry, which includes RV manufacturers and suppliers, RV dealers and service centers, and RV parks and campgrounds, we want to thank you for your leadership in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. As you move forward, we strongly urge that all aspects of the RV industry must be considered as essential businesses.
As you weigh and implement a host of measures in response to this pandemic, please be aware that RVs can serve a critical role in times of national emergency. During times of disaster, state and local agencies have used RVs to aid as local command centers, portable offices, temporary housing and other critical uses. RVs are uniquely able to meet critical needs in an expedited timeframe for emergency crisis management and much more.
We understand the immense strain that the COVID-19 outbreak is placing on our health care system. Given concerns about hospital capacity, we believe RVs can help by serving as mobile clinics, operating rooms, testing facilities, medical providers’ sleeping quarters, laundry facilities, quarantine units or vending and kitchens. Indeed, just this week, states have purchased RVs for such surge capacity; notably, the state of California just purchased over 1,300 RV trailers to provide emergency isolation for the most vulnerable. Another RV manufacturer has supplied trailers to a county government for use as mobile testing facilities for the COVID-19 affliction. Because it seems likely that more states and localities will continue to use RVs in unique ways to help address the increasing crisis, RV manufacturers and suppliers must be considered “essential businesses.”
RV dealerships must remain open and available to perform critical maintenance and repairs, especially on LP/propane gas systems and electrical, plumbing and refrigeration issues. There are emergency personnel and mobile RV medical clinics already on the road now that may need service. RV dealerships and service centers must be allowed to continue to service these Americans.
RV parks and campgrounds also play a vital role as traveling medical personnel, families and Americans in between homes utilize RV parks and campgrounds as their only source of temporary accommodations. Many RV parks and campgrounds also provide critical propane gas, electrical and essential business services for this community. RV parks and campgrounds must be allowed to stay open to meet these serious needs.
The RV industry is committed to serving a crucial role to help combat the public health emergency this pandemic presents, and we hope to be considered as a resource to you and your state agencies as you continue your vital work.
We look forward to assisting in your efforts of protecting the health of our Nation and the safety of all of our citizens at this critical time.
Sincerely,
Craig A. Kirby, President, RV Industry Association
Phil Ingrassia, President, RV Dealers Association
Paul Bambei, President, National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds
