As the coronavirus pandemic spikes again in most states across the country, several governors are contemplating imposing stay-at-home orders and closing all but essential businesses. On behalf of the entire industry, the RV Industry Association’s government affairs team has sent letters to the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which establishes the federal guidelines on essential businesses, and to all 50 governors urging that all aspects of the RV industry – manufacturers and suppliers, dealers and service centers, and campgrounds and RV parks – be considered essential businesses and allowed to remain open.
The letters were signed by RV Industry Association President Craig Kirby, RV Dealers Association President Phil Ingrassia, and National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds President & CEO Paul Bambei.
The letters presented the case for each segment:
MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS
- RVs have served as mobile clinics, operating rooms, testing facilities, medical providers’ sleeping quarters, laundry facilities, and kitchens.
- RVs are suitable for medical workers who need spaces to isolate from their families.
- Some RV manufacturers have produced PPE for healthcare workers in their local communities when vital equipment could not be secured quickly enough.
DEALERS AND SERVICE CENTERS
- These businesses supply RVs and perform critical maintenance and repairs, especially on LP/propane gas, electrical, plumbing, and refrigeration systems.
- There are emergency personnel and mobile RV medical clinics on the road now that may need service.
- 10 million American families who own an RV see RVs as responsible and socially distant way to spend quality time with their families cannot be left without vital repair and maintenance services for their units.
RV PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS
- These businesses play a vital role for first responders, traveling medical personnel, and families to use these spaces as sources for temporary accommodations. They also provide critical propane gas, electrical, and laundry services for these communities.
- Camping in self-contained RVs is one of the safest ways Americans can still spend time outdoors, while continuing to socially distance themselves and be with their families.
- Ideal for social distancing, RV parks and campgrounds provide space in the outdoors and are able to adopt CDC guidelines and protocols.