Report: RV industry has $49.7 billion impact on U.S. economy, employs nearly 290,000

The report details the work that RVIA — the trade organization for recreational vehicle manufacturers — has done both at local levels and nationally throughout the year. With 2016 revenue of $17.7 million, RVIA spent $17.2 million on three key areas, self-regulation, advocacy and promotion, according to the report. 

• Self-regulation involves RVIA's work on inspection programs to monitor manufacturer compliance with plumbing, heating, electrical, fire and life safety systems by its members to comply with ANSI/NFPA 1192 standards for RVs.
• Advocacy includes the work that RVIA does with federal and state governmental agencies to protect "the interest of its members". 
• Promotion is how the RVIA highlights the benefits of an RV lifestyle through its program Go RVing and by supporting different trade shows and groups to distribute material about the RV industry. 

According to the report, the RV industry provides full-time jobs to nearly 290,000 individuals and nationwide there are more than 110 RV manufacturers and 200 components parts suppliers located within 29 states. The RV industry paid $2.9 billion in wages in 2016. 

Overall, the retail value of RV shipments in 2016 was $17.7 billion, with $2.1 billion in taxes paid by RV manufacturers and suppliers. Here in Elkhart County the RV industry has a $4.6 billion impact, according to statistics released in 2016.