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It was very disappointing to read your editorial in the December 2003 issue of RV News, entitled “Are SUVs RVs?” The problem was not that you criticized the Board of Directors of RVIA. The problem was that you did it without getting your facts straight first. It seems to me that the basis of good journalism is to do your homework and get the facts straight.

The basic point you made in your editorial is that RVIA decided to keep conversion vehicles (CVs) in the association primarily to inflate the numbers of RVs produced in order to make the industry look good.

First of all, RVIA has not included CVs in the totals for RVs since 1998. A quick look at any of our last 60 monthly shipment reports over the last five years would have made that very clear. CV shipments are reported in a completely separate section of the report.

At the time the Board of Directors decided to keep CVs in RVIA, they amended the by-laws to make it clearer that CVs are not RVs. They also decided to create some sort of structure within RVIA for the CV members. In fact, RVIA’s strategic plan does not mention CVs. The CV members of RVIA are now in the process of developing their own strategic plan, and the Board of Directors will soon establish a structure within RVIA for them.

Perhaps the most obvious reason why your theory makes no sense is the fact that CV shipments have been declining for years, and are still declining. Including their numbers as part of the RV shipment numbers would have made RV production numbers look worse, not better.

Sincerely,
David J. Humphreys
President
Recreation Vehicle Industry Association

Thank you for running the item on the Arthur Yellen scholarship fund in connection with the Florida RV Trade Association in RV News).

This fund was set up at my request as publisher of Camporama to create a scholarship fund for children of members of FRVTA. Dan, it would be wonderful if RV trade associations around the U.S. would follow the lead of FRVTA and begin funding part of the college costs of children of members

I can only hope you will publish this letter.

Thank you,
Arthur Yellen

Bob,

I just finished reading your editorial in RV News about "How long can it last". Finally!!!!! Someone who understands. Lets do everything we can to sustain this momentum. RIGHT ON! We all need to feel good about what we do, and you have given us an insight into where we need to be seeking new opportunities.

I'm just a sales person, but I see some of the enthusiasm generated by our customers. Keep up the good work.