What Does RVDA Do for RV Dealers?

The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) serves as the primary national trade organization representing RV retailers throughout America. RVDA functions as "the voice of RV dealers, working to protect their interests and provide resources that support business growth."

What Is RVDA?

RVDA is a nonprofit trade association headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, that unites RV retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers. The organization focuses on four primary areas:

Advocacy – Influences policy and legislation affecting RV businesses
Dealer Support – Provides compliance resources and legal guidance
Education & Training – Offers certification programs for service professionals and sales teams
Networking – Hosts industry conferences and collaborative forums

Key Benefits for Dealers

Government Representation

RVDA actively lobbies on matters that directly impact your bottom line: consumer protection laws, finance regulations, warranty rights, manufacturer-dealer relations, and environmental policies.

In recent years, RVDA has successfully advocated for:

Reasonable regulatory compliance timelines that don't burden small dealers
Fair warranty reimbursement rates from manufacturers
Protection of dealer franchise rights
Input on safety standards that affect inventory and operations

Without unified dealer representation, individual dealerships have little voice when regulations are drafted that affect their businesses.

Professional Development

The Mike Molino RV Learning Center isn't just another training program—it's the industry-recognized standard for RV retail excellence. The center provides:

Technical Certifications:

RV Service Technician levels 1-4
Master Certified RV Technician
Specialized systems training (electrical, plumbing, LP gas)

Management Training:

Certified RV Service Advisor
Service Manager Certification
Fixed Operations Management

Sales Development:

Professional RV Sales Certification
Finance and Insurance Best Practices
Customer Experience Excellence

Dealers report that certified technicians complete jobs 15-20% faster with higher customer satisfaction scores. Certified salespeople close deals at higher rates and generate fewer post-sale issues.

Industry Connections

The annual RVDA Convention/Expo isn't just a trade show—it's where the entire RV retail ecosystem gathers under one roof.

What You'll Find:

300+ exhibitors showcasing the latest products, services, and technologies
2,000+ dealer attendees from across North America
Direct access to manufacturer executives and decision-makers
Educational sessions on current industry challenges
Networking receptions and structured meetups
Private meetings with vendors in designated spaces

Why It Matters: This is where dealers discover new profit centers, negotiate better terms with suppliers, find solutions to operational challenges, and build relationships that last years. The connections made in three days at Convention often generate opportunities that pay dividends for months afterward.

Operational Resources

RVDA membership provides access to tools and resources that would cost thousands to develop independently:

Compliance Support:

Federal and state regulatory updates
Required posting templates
HR policy frameworks
Safety program guidelines

Business Benchmarking:

Industry financial performance data
Departmental efficiency metrics
Compensation surveys
Profitability comparisons

Templates and Tools:

Employment agreements
Customer satisfaction surveys
Service department workflows
Finance menu presentations

Many dealers join RVDA solely for the compliance and HR resources, which reduce legal risk and save significant consulting fees.

Consumer Trust

RVDA membership signals to customers that your dealership adheres to industry standards and ethical business practices. While this benefit is harder to quantify, dealers report that displaying RVDA membership:

Builds credibility with first-time RV buyers who are wary of dealership experiences
Provides third-party validation during the sales process
Differentiates your dealership from independent sellers
Creates confidence in your service department capabilities

Business Impact

RVDA's support translates into tangible business advantages:

Advocacy: Legislative updates and lobbying protect dealer business interests

Training: Certification programs and webinars develop skilled workforce

Networking: Annual convention and forums create industry partnerships

Resources: Compliance and HR tools reduce operational risk

Credibility: National recognition enhances dealership reputation

Membership Investment

RVDA membership operates on annual dues that vary based on dealership size and type. While specific pricing is customized to individual dealers, typical membership investment ranges from several hundred to a few thousand dollars annually depending on your operation.

What's Included in Membership

Your annual dues provide access to:

Unlimited staff access to the Mike Molino RV Learning Center
All compliance and operational resource libraries
Convention/Expo registration discounts (often offsetting membership cost)
Legislative updates and advocacy representation
Benchmarking data and industry reports
Member-only networking forums and regional meetings
Legal hotline for quick compliance questions

Return on Investment

Most dealers find membership pays for itself through:

Direct Cost Savings:

Convention registration discounts: $300-500 per attendee
Training program access: $1,000-3,000 annual value
Compliance templates and HR resources: $2,000-5,000 consulting fee equivalent
Legal hotline access: $500-1,000 value

Indirect Benefits:

Improved technician efficiency from training
Reduced compliance risk and potential fines
Better vendor relationships and terms
Increased customer confidence

For most dealerships, the membership investment represents 0.01-0.05% of annual revenue while providing resources that improve profitability and reduce risk across the entire operation.

How RVDA Helps During Industry Challenges

RVDA's value becomes most apparent during industry disruptions. Recent examples demonstrate the association's responsiveness:

COVID-19 Pandemic Response

When the pandemic hit in 2020, RVDA immediately mobilized:

Developed state-by-state guidance on essential business designations
Created safety protocols for dealership operations
Advocated for dealer inclusion in relief programs
Provided webinars on adapting to virtual sales processes
Connected dealers with PPP and EIDL loan resources

Dealers with RVDA membership had clear guidance while competitors struggled to interpret conflicting regulations.

Supply Chain Disruptions

During the 2021-2023 inventory shortage, RVDA:

Facilitated communication between dealers and manufacturers on allocation fairness
Provided market data to help dealers justify pricing strategies
Offered guidance on customer communication and expectation management
Connected dealers with alternative inventory sources
Shared best practices for managing deposits and customer relationships during long wait times

Regulatory Changes

When new federal safety requirements or state-level regulations emerge, RVDA:

Translates complex regulatory language into actionable compliance steps
Negotiates implementation timelines that accommodate dealer realities
Provides template documents for required disclosures
Offers training on new requirements
Advocates for reasonable enforcement approaches

The Pattern: Challenges that would require individual dealers to hire consultants, attorneys, and industry analysts are handled collectively through RVDA, saving members significant time and money.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does RVDA differ from RVIA?

RVDA represents dealers/retailers, while RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) represents manufacturers and suppliers. Think of RVIA as the voice of those who build RVs, while RVDA is the voice of those who sell and service them. Both organizations collaborate on industry-wide initiatives, but each advocates for its constituency's specific interests.

Is membership worthwhile for smaller dealerships?

Absolutely. Smaller dealerships often benefit most from RVDA membership because they lack the internal resources larger operations have. The compliance templates, HR resources, training programs, and legal hotline provide capabilities that small dealers couldn't afford to develop independently. Many small dealers join specifically for the risk reduction and professional development benefits.

What certification programs does RVDA offer?

The Mike Molino RV Learning Center provides comprehensive certifications across multiple disciplines:

Technical: RV Service Technician (Levels 1-4), Master Certified RV Technician, specialized systems training

Service Management: Certified RV Service Advisor, Service Manager Certification, Fixed Operations Management

Sales & F&I: Professional RV Sales Certification, Finance and Insurance Best Practices

All programs combine online coursework with practical assessments and are recognized industry-wide.

How can dealers join RVDA?

Visit RVDA's official website and complete the membership application. You'll need to provide business information, dealer license details, and basic company data. Membership is approved for legitimate RV retailers in good standing. Annual dues are customized based on your dealership's size and configuration.

Can I attend the RVDA Convention without being a member?

Non-members can attend Convention/Expo but pay significantly higher registration fees—often $300-500 more than member rates. For dealers considering membership, attending Convention first is a good way to evaluate RVDA's value, though the cost difference means joining before registering is typically more economical.

What online resources are available to members?

RVDA members get 24/7 access to an extensive online portal including:

Compliance document libraries
Training course catalog
Industry benchmarking reports
State-by-state regulatory guides
HR templates and employment resources
Member directory for networking
Recorded webinars and educational content

How does RVDA help with manufacturer relations?

RVDA facilitates communication between dealers and manufacturers on warranty reimbursement rates, allocation policies, facility requirements, and franchise agreement terms. While RVDA can't intervene in individual dealer-manufacturer disputes, the association advocates for fair industry practices and provides guidance on navigating manufacturer relationships.

Do I need to be RVDA certified to work in RV retail?

No, RVDA certifications are voluntary professional credentials, not legal requirements. However, certified technicians and salespeople often command higher salaries, and many dealerships prefer or require certification for certain positions. Certification demonstrates competency and professionalism that benefits both employees and employers.

How active is RVDA in state-level issues?

Very active. RVDA monitors legislation in all 50 states affecting RV dealers and alerts members to relevant bills. The association coordinates with state dealer associations, provides testimony on dealer-impacting legislation, and helps members understand how state regulations affect their operations. Members receive regular legislative updates for their specific states.

What's the best way to maximize my RVDA membership value?

Send multiple staff members to Convention/Expo annually
Utilize the training programs consistently—not just one-time
Subscribe to legislative updates and read them regularly
Participate in regional meetings and forums
Use the compliance and HR resources proactively, not just reactively
Network with other dealer members to share best practices
Take advantage of the legal hotline when questions arise

Active members who engage with available resources consistently report higher satisfaction and better ROI than passive members who only join for Convention access.

Future Directions

As the RV industry evolves, RVDA continues adapting to emerging dealer needs:

Digital Transformation Support

RVDA recognizes that modern dealers need digital capabilities beyond traditional operations. Expect expanded resources on:

E-commerce integration for parts and accessories
Virtual sales processes and remote delivery
Digital service scheduling and customer communication
Online financing applications and approval processes
Social media marketing and reputation management

Workforce Development Crisis

With experienced RV technicians retiring and fewer young people entering the trades, RVDA is expanding:

Partnerships with technical schools and community colleges
Apprenticeship program development
Career awareness initiatives targeting high school students
Retention strategies and competitive compensation guidance
Remote/hybrid training options for geographically dispersed teams

Sustainability and Electrification

As electric and hybrid RVs enter the market, dealers need preparation for:

EV charging infrastructure requirements
Electric powertrain service training
Battery system safety and diagnostics
Customer education on EV RV ownership
Facility electrical upgrades and planning

RVDA is positioning dealers ahead of these transitions rather than reacting after the fact.

Enhanced Data and Analytics

Dealers increasingly need business intelligence. RVDA is developing:

More granular benchmarking data by dealership size and region
Predictive analytics for inventory management
Customer satisfaction measurement tools
Digital marketing performance metrics
Service department efficiency tracking

The association that started representing dealers in traditional retail environments is evolving to support dealers in an increasingly digital, data-driven, and rapidly changing market.

Want to improve your dealership's marketing strategy? Request a free audit from Wheeler Advertising today.