Go RVing’s Redfern To Present At Capitol Hill Briefing

On October 21, Go RVing Vice President Karen Redfern participated in a Capitol Hill briefing focused on educating Members of Congress, Capitol Hill staff, public lands officials, industry partners, and the press on the ways COVID-19 has changed how Americans get outside, and the challenges and opportunities facing the outdoor recreation industry.

Redfern shared the incredible story of how the RV industry came roaring back after a complete standstill in early spring and is now projected to end 2020 having shipped more RVs than in 2019, despite the six-week closure of manufacturing plants.

“Prompted by the pandemic, Americans turned to camping to get outside and enjoy nature. Consumers feel camping ranks as the safest form of travel,” said Redfern. “Camping reservations at federal, state and private campgrounds are through the roof and booked solid in many locations - this is a trend we don’t anticipate slowing down.”

“Getting out in nature at campgrounds was an early driver of 2020 consumer RV purchases,” Redfern continued. “As many American workers continue to work remotely and as schools are operating in virtual learning models, more Americans are extending the RV travel season beyond the traditional summer. Campgrounds equipped with Wi-Fi and electricity make working and learning from the road as convenient as being at home.”

Redfern also covered the importance of addressing the need for skilled labor at manufacturing plants as well as the need for qualified and trained service technician positions across the country. Adequately addressing these needs are vital to ensuring a great consumer experience well into the future, and a primary focus of the RV Technical Institute.

Redfern was joined by other outdoor recreation leaders from the National Marine Manufacturers Association, Motorcycle Industry Council, Archery Trade Association, Outdoor Industry Association, and more members of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable.