The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association is looking out for someone, but just to be clear, it’s not the folks that buy RV’s. That is the problem with the RVIA.

Even if you go to their site and look at the “Who We Serve” tab, you will notice that the consumer is not listed. Here’s what is listed: RV Manufacturers, Suppliers, Aftermarket, Associates, and Dealers.

So where does that leave you? Well based on their recent success in fighting RV lemon laws in several states, I would say we are out in the cold. They apparently believe that lemon laws only apply to RVs that are equipped with engines. To add insult to injury, they are quite proud of their ability to squash protection for our purchases; they even listed this accomplishment on a recent video. Nice!

They also take credit for developing standards in the RV industry. Really?!!!

Not sure what standards they are responsible for but I have yet to see any standardization in the RV industry. An owner only has to look at the miles of extra wiring tucked here and there, screws in water lines, water lines next to electrical components, to know there really are not “standards”. That is why there needs to be protection for RV owners.

I am for smaller government; so it pains me to say that this is an industry that really needs to be regulated. There is just too much going wrong with new RVs to turn a blind eye and continue to have the fox guarding the hen house. As I’ve said before the Pre-delivery Inspections accross the industry are a joke. This is why independent RV inspections prior to purchase are now a “Must Do”.

We are now two years into owning our latest travel trailer. We continue to find things that should not have passed the inspection line. Our issues are small but significant to us when they happen. I feel sorry for the folks that are facing serious issues with little support from their dealer or manufacturer. Most cases while still under warranty.

Let’s be serious, if brick and mortar homes were constructed like RV’s, the builder would be in court. Shouldn’t we expect the same when it comes to our RVs? Rant Over!