End Self-Certification in the RV Industry: Demand Independent Safety and Quality Oversight

America's RV Owners Deserve Better

Millions of Americans trust recreational vehicles to carry their families across the country, serve as vacation homes, and in many cases provide full-time housing. RV owners invest tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars expecting that their vehicles have been built to safe and reliable standards.

What many consumers do not realize is that the RV manufacturing industry is largely permitted to operate under a system of manufacturer self-certification and self-regulation, meaning manufacturers themselves certify that their products comply with applicable federal safety requirements rather than having every RV independently inspected and approved by a federal agency before it is sold. 

Clearly, this is not working for many RV owners who are left out to dry by the RV industry.

At the same time, much of the industry's oversight relies on standards and compliance programs administered within the industry itself. [rvia.org]

For a product that combines a motor vehicle, a residence, electrical systems, propane systems, plumbing systems, and structural components into one unit, many consumers believe this approach no longer provides sufficient accountability.

Why This Matters

When serious defects occur in an RV, the consequences can be devastating:

• Structural frame failures
• Electrical system hazards
• Fire risks
• Water intrusion and mold
• Brake and suspension failures
• Loss of use of a family's home or travel vehicle
• Costly repairs that can reach tens of thousands of dollars
  
  Unlike many consumer products, RV defects do not simply create inconvenience. They can create serious safety concerns for owners, passengers, and everyone sharing our highways.

The Problem

The current system allows RV manufacturers to largely police themselves through self-certification and industry-led compliance programs rather than requiring independent government inspection and approval of each vehicle before sale. [rvia.org], [ecfr.gov]

Consumers are often left to discover defects only after purchase, after breakdowns occur, or after safety failures are reported by other owners.

When significant defects emerge across multiple units, owners frequently find themselves navigating warranty disputes, expensive repairs, lengthy investigations, and diminished resale values.

A system that places greater emphasis on independent verification would help restore confidence and accountability.

What We Are Demanding

We call upon the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Congress, and federal policymakers to:

• End the RV industry's reliance on manufacturer self-certification alone
• Require stronger independent third-party safety verification
• Establish enhanced oversight of structural, electrical, propane, and life-safety systems
• Increase transparency regarding consumer complaints and safety defects
• Improve reporting requirements for recurring manufacturing failures
• Strengthen protections for RV purchasers affected by significant defects
• Expand investigations into patterns of structural and safety-related failures
• Create greater accountability throughout the RV manufacturing process
• Why Every RV Owner Should Support This Petition
• This effort is not anti-manufacturer.

This effort is not anti-RV.

This effort is pro-safety, pro-accountability, and pro-consumer.

Independent oversight would:

• Improve RV safety
• Reduce manufacturing defects
• Protect families on America's highways
• Increase consumer confidence
• Reward manufacturers producing high-quality products
• Improve resale values
• Strengthen the reputation of the entire RV industry
• Help ensure that major safety concerns are identified before consumers are put at risk

The best manufacturers should have nothing to fear from independent verification. In fact, stronger oversight benefits responsible companies by creating a level playing field and increasing public trust.

The Time for Change Is Now

The RV industry has grown dramatically, and more Americans than ever are relying on RVs for recreation, travel, and full-time living.

Consumers deserve more than promises.

Consumers deserve accountability.

Consumers deserve transparency.

Consumers deserve independent safety oversight.

Join us in demanding an end to RV industry self-certification and self-regulation and support a safer future for every RV owner in America.

Sign the petition today.

Safety should never be self-certified.

#StrengthInNumbers