WHO IS RVIA AND WHAT DO THEY DO  

Next to the entrance door to your RV you will likely find a little black and gold plastic emblem like the one shown in the illustration. It is the seal of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. It is far more important to you than the average person knows, because the seal indicates that the manufacturer of your vehicle self certifies compliance with more than 500  safety requirements for electrical, plumbing, heating, fire, and life safety codes  established under the American National Standards Institute (ASNI) and specifically A119.2 Standards for Recreational Vehicles and the National Fire protection Association codes. This protection for you came about only after rather long and strong interaction among groups along the way. The first effort was by NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) as far back as 1937 when the association formed a committee on Trailers & Trailer Courts. The resulting efforts of this committee was adopted as its first standard and it remained unchanged until 1952 when it was revised and updated. Down through the 1960’s various revisions and changes were made until 1970 when the first Standards for Recreational Vehicles were developed through the efforts of NFPA,MHMA, TCA and RVI. It was approved and emerged under the standard code now known as A119.2 -1963. Then the fun started!  The Trailer Coach Association (TCA)  held that each state should adopt the codes as law, adding if they saw fit, and enforcing the codes within their state. The RVI held that this would be a nightmare for manufacturers because it would be possible that an RV would have to be modified for what ever state it was being sold in due to differing codes, and also held that who better than the industry  itself to monitor  the compliance with code. Ultimately the Trailer Coach Association Merged with the Mobile Homes Manufacturers Association, and the Recreational Vehicle Institute became the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association in 1975.(RVIA) and at that time they also became the primary organization representing the industry. You could say that the RVIA is the product of 38 years of  hard work and long discussions.
 
Each manufacturer who joins the association displays the seal along side the entrance door of each vehicle built assuring you that their own compliance program is checking to be sure the vehicle  is built in accord with codes and standards. This they must follow or face being booted out of the association and there have been some booted out ! The RVIA employs trained inspectors who conduct at least seven unannounced inspections visits yearly to check vehicles for compliance with over 500 safety related standards as they progress down the  assembly line. When an inspector discovers installations that do not meet standards, they will issue citations explaining the problem  to the firms management and line supervisors, with copies going to the RVIA home office. The manufacturer is given a reasonable time to respond in writing, detailing actions taken to correct the problem. Of course special follow-up inspections are conducted to assure the problem has been corrected. Should a manufacturer decide not to comply with RVIA‘s findings they are subject to action ranging from a stiff imposed probation with more frequent inspections to a formal hearing before the RVIA Standards Enforcement Board, with the real possibility of expulsion from the RVIA. Not many manufacturers would really want this to happen! Simply put, it just is not good for business!
 
WHO THE RVIA IS NOT
Here I should make one point very clear. The RVIA exists to help manufacturers comply with standards in plumbing, electrical, gas and other systems to see that they are installed properly. In no way does the RVIA inspector become involved with quality control issues not covered by the  codes. In other words the inspector is not checking to be sure cabinet doors fit properly or that an engine runs, or that your carpet is stretched tightly. It is up to the individual manufacturer to perform quality control inspections to keep the product quality high. The RVIA does not get involved with warranty arguments! So do not call RVIA with complaints that something does not work in your coach, But if you discover serious defects that are obviously covered buy code for example a copper propane line that runs for a distance unsupported or poor and improper wiring, then yes I think the RVIA would like to know about it.
Who sets the standards ?  The basis for the standards come from the American National Standards Institute ( I believe ANSI standard A119.2 Standard for Recreational Vehicles) ) and  the NFPA covers the subject of  fire safety.

The RVIA publishes “A Handbook for Recreation Vehicle Standards” that helps to standardize, adapt to, and gain uniformity for the codes as they apply to the world of RV’s’. In addition it is reported to be worded  in a way that it is much easier to understand than the original code books, making it easier for the manufacturer to undunderstand the application of the codes, which I am sure is a big help.

OTHER RVIA ACTIVITIES

 In addition to the activities described above the RVIA is involved in the following;

·	They work to keep the RV industry informed of the market & manufacturing conditions showing data trends and marketing information.                                                          
RVIA promotes RV travel by providing media info to the general public. 
They cooperatively sponsor dealer shows of RV products to not only dealers but also to the general public. The dealer only show is in Louisville, KY and the public showing in San Diego, CA every year.
They meet and confer  with government representatives concerning national as well as state RV legislation.
They coordinate with national regulatory organizations such as National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Federal Highway Admin. and the US park service.
And perhaps equally as important, they develop  and participate in a technician training program to help build a strong cadre of RV service technicians that are well trained and able to repair your RV  					
It is nice to know that there are folks on the job long before you receive your new RV who are looking out for your safety. You should do your part by looking for the emblem.  I am one that takes comfort knowing they are there on the job. 	 
											      Want to know more? contact the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association
                                                    1896 Preston White Drive
                                                     P O Box 2999
               	                                      Reston VA 20195-0999
                 
                                            OR   http://www.rvia.org
The Author wishes to express his appreciation to the staff of the RVIA for the assistance 
with the facts and history of the organization.