Forum Discussion

brholt's avatar
brholt
Explorer II
Jan 16, 2023

RVIA Certificate?

We are scheduled to go to a campground that is going to require an RVIA number. It is a county campground in Florida and it was very difficult to get a spot.

I have never run into this before. Our Camper is an Arctic Fox and when I called Northwood they said they are not RVIA members and use Pacific West Associates to “certify” meeting standards.

Has anybody run into this or have any experience with this? I’m not sure of I should just show up or try and ask them in advance.
  • I would bet dollars to donuts they won't even check. But it never hurts to call ahead of time and explain your situation and make sure.
  • JoeH's avatar
    JoeH
    Explorer III
    brholt wrote:
    We are scheduled to go to a campground that is going to require an RVIA number. It is a county campground in Florida and it was very difficult to get a spot.

    I have never run into this before. Our Camper is an Arctic Fox and when I called Northwood they said they are not RVIA members and use Pacific West Associates to “certify” meeting standards.

    Has anybody run into this or have any experience with this? I’m not sure of I should just show up or try and ask them in advance.

    Our home park has the same rule but is intended to keep out trashy homebuilt units and really not called into play unless necessary. For what it's worth, I believe Marathon Coach ( high end Prevost converter) is not an RVIA member either. You won't see one of those being turned away
  • JaxDad's avatar
    JaxDad
    Explorer III
    Saying “RVIA Sticker” is like saying “Kleenex”.

    Lots of companies make “facial tissue” but only ONE company makes “Kleenex”. You can blow your nose into either.

    The RVIA label is merely a certificate that says the RV it’s affixed to meets NFPA / ANSI life safety standards. In your case the manufacturer chose a different route to accomplish the same thing.

    From the company’s website “Your new trailer has been constructed to conform with or exceed federal and state safety requirements. Quality assurance methods and/or functions meet or exceed standards prescribed by ANSI/NFPA 1192 or CSA Z240 as approved by the agency having jurisdiction in the United States or Canada.“
  • Are going to chance traveling from Seattle to Florida and not have a spot to camp when you get there? Call them and talk to them, you don’t have to give your name; but you don’t want to end up sleeping in a parking lot with no hook ups.
  • The RVIA sticker means nothing as evidenced by the number of issues people encounter. It may be a way to assure home built campers out.
  • You could probably just give them your PWA registration number. The campground is most likely just trying to keep home built units out of their park.

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