Every year at the first of December, RV manufacturers from all over the US and throughout the world go to Louisville, Kentucky for the annual industry-only show at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center (KFEC), where the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) booked an all-time high of 773,000 square feet of exhibit space for 98 RV, park-trailer and chassis manufacturers and 304 suppliers. A record 14,450 people registered.

Dealers come to look at what's new from the manufacturers and to look at the lines they would like to carry on their sales lots. RV Consumer Group also has representatives visiting and gathering information to develop the ratings published in the RV Ratings Guide CD.

There are also several hundred parts vendors displaying the latest in accessories to make your RV more consumer-friendly. Sales of RVs continue to be strong and are expanding even in the present economy.

As a volunteer for RV Consumer Group, I have attended the last 3 shows. Several years ago the manufacturers did not want to see anyone from RV Consumer Group. In fact, they would go out of their way to keep from assisting RV Consumer Group. Two years ago this attitude seemed to start to change. As the RV companies have expanded by buying up smaller independent companies, they are trying harder to get exposure. The RV manufacturers' PR representatives now are very cooperative and are quite helpful in trying to get the information that we need. They want us to spend some time with them and show us what is new and the improvements they have made. We now get questions on what we do and how we get the word out to consumers.

Each year we see brand name changes just like in the auto industry. Manufacturers change directions and shoot for certain niche market areas. This last year we saw many name changes in trailers and fifth wheels for multiple manufacturers.

What's new in the RV world.

Last year, Optional Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) BAL Company came out with a slideout using cables rather than heavy metal tracks and rollers. The new unit weighs about 40 pounds versus the standard metal track and roller system weighing about 250 pounds. This year they refined the system to make it better. Only motor home manufacturers are using this system at this time.

Accu-Slideout Model by BAL

Another OEM manufacturer has developed a new level control system for motor homes so the frame cannot be twisted. They showed a working scale model of the system.

A manufacturer of awnings showed a prototype of a wind control that fits into the support arm for their power awning. This unit would replace the control device that must now be mounted on the roof of the unit.

Slideout Summit by Carefree of Colorado

For you fifth wheel fans, Transfer Flow, Inc., has developed a fuel monitoring system for any truck equipped with a gasoline engine. It does 34 different functions to give you all kinds of data as you cruise down the highway. I am putting one on my GMC to see if I can make it to the next fuel stop without guessing on the amount of fuel I will have left when I get there.

Trax II Fuel Monitoring System, by Transfer Flow

Attending this RVIA show for the past three years has given me a better understanding of the type of work that the staff of RV Consumer Group goes through to gather accurate data for its ratings program. It is an unenviable job, but most consumers are very grateful they do it.

Roger Bassett, Illinois
Member/Volunteer RV Reporter for RV Consumer Group