Walking The RV Production Line

For RV Inspector Mick Sass, who has visited an assortment of RV production facilities throughout his career, no RV inspection is ever exactly the same. RV production facilities differ in size and shape depending on the RVs produced creating different variables and challenges for a wide range of manufactures. While some of the larger manufacturers have enough space to assemble large numbers of motorhomes, the smaller independent facilities may focus their efforts on constructing truck campers and travel trailers for a specific clientele. Others operate out of privately owned or rented pole barn facilities. These are typically businesses building themselves up to the next level. No matter the facility, RV Industry Association inspectors are visiting facilities throughout the country and inspecting them to the same codes and standards industry-wide and serving as an education resource for all members both large and small.

Inspector Mick Sass puts us into the shoes of an inspector to gain a better understanding of what it’s like when making visits to these facilities from start to finish.

As RV Industry Association inspectors, it is our job to inspect RVs that are produced by our member manufacturers. There’s often a public misconception around what we do where we are sometimes perceived as the “RV police” when in fact we serve more as a consultant. For example, testing procedures is a common area of focus where we educate line employees and engineers on the “how” and “why” these tests are to be performed. This may include anything from dielectric test to pre-appliance gas testing. If we happen to come across a deviation, it’s only to inform them that they are not conforming to the current construction standards and provide the information needed to get them into compliance.

It’s the job of inspectors to protect the association’s members and provide them with the tools and educational expertise to elevate the industry.

To accomplish this, five to six inspectors are sent out into the field and work in rotations to make these visits across the U.S. and Canada each week. The inspection team conducts unannounced inspections and is committed to providing educational resources and hands-on-training to manufacturer members to support their commitment to comply with the NFPA 1192, ANSI LV Standard, and the ANSI A119.5 adopted codes and standards. We walk every station along the production line, spot checking units for compliance with over 500 safety-related standards requirements. We also make a concerted effort to talk to line employees and conduct hands-on discussions about the related standards. All deviations are documented, delivered and distributed to the production supervisor and company management upon the completion of the inspection.

Each day is different, and the duration spent looking for potential deviations depends on the facility or manufacturer. Motorhome manufacturers typically take longer to inspect and evaluate compared to a pop-up camper. The more complex, the more time needed. The length of the assembly line and the number of RVs plays a large role in how long the inspection runs. But while we’re in there we look high and low – under the units, on the roofs to see construction and routing of wiring, installation of vent pipes and air conditioners, rooftop refrigerator vents and then back into the 120V and low voltage systems to assure compliance with applicable codes.

Throughout the entire production process, inspectors look for the proper component installation and building construction of the RVs being produced to ensure that all units across the industry are being built to the agreed upon RV standards. This includes required testing of the electrical systems, plumbing systems and propane systems. Proper installation of fire extinguishers and other life safety components such as CO and propane detectors. Emergency exits are also evaluated to assure adequate means of safe escape in an emergency.

When a unit leaves a facility and is shipped to its designated dealership, we take great pride in knowing a new owner is able to embark on their next adventure, and that we had an arm in that.

To learn more about the RV Industry Association’s standards inspection program, click here.