RVIA’s state government affairs team released a priority list for 2022’s state policy actions.
Among the key priorities is preserving the industry’s ability to get plans approved in the two states which still have RV codes in place. RVIA stated other priorities are fair and balanced treatment of manufacturers and suppliers under franchise laws, encouraging campground modernization and expansion, establishing outdoor recreation offices, providing a voice for manufacturers and suppliers on critical environmental issues, and guarding against encroachment on the industry’s RV standards to ensure continued self-regulation.
In Nebraska and Washington, RVIA stated RV manufacturers ran into several issues getting plans approved to allow certain RVs to be eligible for a state seal, a requirement for selling to dealers in those states.
In Nebraska, the fifth-wheel travel trailer definition sets a limit of 430 square feet in the set-up mode. Any fifth wheels larger are not approved by the Public Service Commission. Legislation initiated by the state government affairs team to remove that limitation from the definition in Nebraska Code has been introduced and approved by the Nebraska Transportation Committee.
In Washington, staffing shortages at the state Department of Labor and Industries resulted in a 2,000-plan approval backlog at one point. Many backlogged plans were RV plans submitted by RV manufacturers. Plan approval by the state of RV plans is needed for those unit floor plans to be sold within the state by Washington state RV dealers. The state has implemented an emergency rule using outside “Licensed Professionals” to expedite the backlog and focused on hiring more staff.
In many states, RVs are covered by automobile franchise laws. When the RV dealer/manufacturer relationship is captured and included in the auto industry franchise laws, RVIA stated the result is a misfit. Enacting an RV-specific law, such as the model law negotiated and agreed to by RVIA and RVDA means the RV industry is not out of compliance with inapplicable auto franchise laws.
Campground modernization, particularly as it relates to RV camping, is needed throughout state and local campground systems, RVIA stated. Although many states are modernizing their campgrounds, many campgrounds were not built or equipped to handle today’s motorhomes and travel trailers.
Offices of Outdoor Recreation (OREC) bolster outdoor recreation business opportunities, RVIA stated, while helping to conserve and provide access to public lands. OREC offices play a critical role in increasing outdoor recreation participation, RVIA added, by working with local communities to improve infrastructure, coordinating recreation efforts statewide and promoting the benefits of engaging in outdoor recreation.
