The RV Industry Association’s Imprint With Standards Compliance In The RV Industry

This week marks the celebration of World Standards Week 2022, an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of technical standards and conformity assessment systems. During the week, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) brings stakeholders together for topical discussions on standardization, conformity assessment, and workforce development priorities.

Working with the group since the early 1970s, the RV Industry Association has functioned to advance the global competitiveness of US RV businesses while promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems and advocating for their integrity. During that time, the RV Industry Association created its own standards department to address newly published ANSI standards on RVs, quickly developing into a critical role of the Association that assists member manufacturers in a consistent approach to safety protocols and the construction of safer RVs.

From uniformity in living system functionality and operation to consistent guidance regarding safe use at the consumer level, establishing standards enabled the RV industry to ensure products, components, and services supplied by different companies were also mutually compatible across the board, especially with the development of new technologies. This program ensures that materials, products, processes, and services meet their intended purpose and function when producing RVs that consumers can use in confidence.

Three-association mandated RV safety standards adopted by the RV Industry Association Board of Directors include NFPA 1192 RV standard, ANSI Low Voltage standard, and the National Electrical Code (Article 551). As an accredited standards developer, the RV Industry Association has also created five additional related ANSI RV standards over the years, which address safety requirements that go beyond the scope of NFPA 1192, ANSI LV, or the NEC. These include addressing requirements for RV exterior ladders, engine generators, attachment of trailer wheels and tires on trailers, uniform plan approvals, and park model RVs.

With over 11.2 million RV owners in the U.S., and many more joining the community every year, the RV Industry Association works diligently with partners such as ANSI to make sure RVers have a safe and enjoyable experience in the outdoors, creating memories with family and friends that last a lifetime.