Supporting a Thriving Community

As the 119th Congress begins its session, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) Government Affairs team prepares to advocate for a strong federal legislative agenda for 2025.

This proactive initiative aims to support the RV industry, improve outdoor recreation opportunities, and promote the ongoing growth and development of the dynamic RV community across the nation, according to the RVIA.

As outdoor activities continue to evolve and the demand for RV travel increases, the RVIA is prioritizing important legislation that will provide essential support for manufacturers, dealers, and consumers. 

This comprehensive agenda aims to enhance the RV industry's economic contribution and promote safe and sustainable practices in outdoor recreation.

The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has identified several key priorities, including improving infrastructure for recreational vehicle travel, advocating for policies that promote sustainable camping and access to public lands, and enhancing educational initiatives for RV enthusiasts.

By collaborating with lawmakers and stakeholders, the RVIA aims to secure measures that will support the industry's long-term health while meeting the needs of a growing community of outdoor adventurers, they said.

RVIA’s Key Priorities for 2025:

Creating Equality in Opportunity

The team is actively advocating for the passage of the Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act. This legislation aims to correct an unjust provision in the tax code that limits interest deductions on towable RVs— which account for 85% of the market—to only 30% of interest expenses, the RVIA said. 

In contrast, interest charges on motorhome floor plan financing are fully deductible.

In previous sessions of Congress, Representatives Rudy Yakym and Dina Titus introduced similar legislation in the House, while Senators Joni Ernst and Angus King presented a bill in the Senate; according to the RVIA, these proposals seek to amend the deductibility provisions to ensure that towable RVs receive fair treatment in financing.

As Congress considers extending the tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the RV Industry Association team strongly advocates that this necessary fix be included in the upcoming tax legislation.

Strengthening Industry Relationships

They said the team will forge new and strengthen existing relationships between the incoming Trump administration and Congress to achieve our legislative goals. 

The bipartisan RV Caucus, co-chaired by Representatives Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02) and Dina Titus (D-NV-01), will be a key platform for raising awareness of industry issues and expanding support for RV-friendly legislation. 

The RVIA added that the team will utilize coalitions like the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, and the National Association of Manufacturers to accomplish priorities.

Restoring Trade Benefits

Advocating for the retroactive reauthorization of the Generalized System of Preferences, the team said it aims to recoup millions in duties paid by the RV industry since the program lapsed in 2020. 

This lapse has cost the industry an estimated $1.5 million in duties each month, particularly impacting the availability of essential materials like Indonesian lauan, a type of plywood crucial to RV manufacturing with no domestic substitute.

Combating Unfair Trade Practices

The team is urging Congress to close the "de minimis" loophole, they said. 

This loophole allows foreign companies, mainly from China, to bypass regulations and inundate the U.S. market with low-quality goods, undermining American businesses and potentially compromising safety standards.

Specifically, Section 321 of the de minimis entry law permits these companies to avoid tariffs, enforce intellectual property rights, and adhere to safety standards, giving them an unfair advantage in the market.

Navigating Regulations and Tariffs

The team remains vigilant in monitoring federal regulations and tariff policies, providing guidance and support to RV Industry Association members to ensure compliance and minimize any negative impacts on their businesses, according to the RVIA.

Protecting and Restoring Public Lands for RVers

The team is championing the reauthorization of the Great American Outdoors Act, a vital piece of legislation that expires this year. Originally signed into law in 2020, this act represents the largest investment in public lands in nearly a century. 

It provides crucial funding (up to $9.5 billion) for infrastructure improvements within the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other federal agencies, ensuring access for RVers and outdoor enthusiasts for future generations.

Amplifying Industry Voices

Advocacy Day, a cornerstone of RVs Move America Week 2025 in June, will bring RV industry members to Washington, D.C., to engage directly with lawmakers and staff, sharing their stories and advocating for policies that support the RV industry and its contributions to the American economy, RV Pro said.

What is Next?

The Government Affairs team will announce its legislative priorities for the state later this month, reinforcing its dedication to representing the RV industry at all levels of government, according to the RVIA.

By actively engaging with policymakers and advocating for the needs of the RV industry, the Government Affairs team plays a crucial role in ensuring a prosperous future for both RV businesses and enthusiasts.

As the legislative session unfolds, the RVIA said that they remain committed to fostering partnerships and building coalitions that amplify the voice of the RV industry in Washington, they said. 

The organization is optimistic that its strategic approach will lead to significant advancements benefiting both RV manufacturers and the thousands of families and individuals who cherish the freedom and exploration that RV travel offers. 

With these efforts, the RVIA has hopes to not only navigate the challenges ahead but also to seize the opportunities that will shape the future of the RV community for years to come.