RVStar Qualifying Criteria Categories
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So, before making my video on my feelings about how the RV Manufacturering Industry needs to improve, I started brainstorming a path for this improvement. I am under no illusion that making sudden changes to processes wouldn't be possible given the size the RV Industry and how slow moving it is. This is my draft and hopefully I will get several manufacturers to be part of the pilot when it kicks off. I would love your thoughts!
Additional details.
RVs that meet the criteria, after individual model review and the brand demonstrating clearly what they have done for the model year, would have a sticker that would clearly indicate they are compliant with the program for that model year on the specific RV the sticker would appear on.
This is still a work in progress, but a step forward....
Now, I just need to get manufacturers involved.
A FEW Examples of improvements might be:
1. Overspec'd frame with higher fit/finish requirements
2. Fiberglass over Rubber roof
3. Correct Plumbing connections
4. Better tires and Heavier duty axles to meet GVWR
5. Cleaner Wiring
6. Upgraded Suspension and brakes
7. Screws instead of staples
8. Huck Bolts with washers and lock nuts instead of lag screws
9. Azdel instead of Luan
10. Better quality components (such as Slide out technology, use of wood, adhesives and lighting).
A FEW Examples of what DOES NOT QUALIFY:
A Nicer Fridge, Stove, Microwave, and/or TV
RVStar Update! (5/13/2024) After opting into this program, If an RV manufacture can demonstrate and submit 3 Significant Build Quality advantages they are currently utilizing plus 2 new improvments they will be adding to their selected models for the next year as well as a customer service/quality control improvement for the next year, they may qualify for the RVStar program on a current model. *This requires review and evaluation of all claimed improvements.
RVStar Update! (5/4/2024) We have been hard at working developing this program and the quality improvement categories RV Manufactures will need to demonstrate to wear the RVStar badge on specific units. As more manufactures agree to be part of this exciting quality improvement opportunity, we know that everyone is interested in seeing what improvements and upgrades RVStar is focusing on! Please keep in mind that this is a pilot program and work in progress and this is a pilot launch to see what type of impact this will have on the entire industry! If all goes well, the RVStar decals on an RV will demonstrate that those manufactures have a commitment to producing higher quality RVs with a focus on longevity, reliability, and a safer towing experience. This is NOT a low cost endeavor for them to undertake. It requires rethinking how they produce their product EVERY YEAR. Some may find it too challenging and decide to opt out. We hope this improves the RV industry and really takes off. The logistical nightmare of vetting, tracking, and managing the program hasn't event started AND we could use volunteers who are willing to participate in administering and assisting in various degrees. Please let us know if that's you!
5 – RV Improvement Categories
Manufacturer must demonstrate, in detail, how any upgrades will significantly improve category performance over current practices. All upgrades must directly improve the build quality and overall longevity of the category it’s associated with. The overall result will be incremental improvements to the RV’s Super Structure, Chassis, Electrical, Plumbing, Fit and Finish, and ability to stay together while being towed under normal circumstances (not off-road or use that could be practically defined as abusive by the average RV customer).
RV House structure: (All Improvement/Upgrades must also be verified though an improved quality control process that logs and verifies upgrades to all RV Star units)
- Sidewall Construction Practice
- Sidewall Construction Materials
- Improve House to Frame Attachment Practice
- Improve/Add House to Frame Attachment Materials
- Improve Roof Construction Practice
- Improve/Add Roof Construction Materials
- Improve/Add Front/Rear Cap Materials
- Improve Front/Rear Cap Attachment Method
- Improve Front/Rear Cap Fit and Finish
- Improve Assembly Practice
- Improve/Add Assembly Materials
- Significantly improve quality control and the inspection/repair process to ensure issues are all but eliminated (Must be demonstratable and verified for all RV Star units).
- Clearly Label Capacity Maximum Load Ratings at all areas of the RV designed for cargo, payload and accessories.
Frame and Chassis: Inspection Report must be provided with all RV Star units
- Inspection of all frame welds by a certified welding inspector prior to assembly line (Requires AWS CWI SCWI CWE)
- Repair to any improper and/or underperforming welds by an AWS certified welder. (Requires AWS CWI SCWI CWE)
- Significantly improve design and, if necessary, material use all High Stress areas of the frame and chassis.
- Significantly demonstrate improved method(s) of attachment to between House structure and Frame.
- Significantly improve suspension/running gear frame attachment points to reduce possible material failure under use.
- Significantly improve frame strength through design improvements and possible additional use/thickness of materials (overbuilding the frame)
- Significantly improve quality control and the inspection/repair process to ensure issues are all but eliminated (Must be demonstratable and verified for all RV Star units).
Suspension/Running Gear
- Upgrade to higher rated axles that, at minimum, meet or exceed the GVWR
- Upgrade to a quality, reputable, and well-known tire manufacturer with a load rating that exceeds the GVWR
- On Traditional Axle RVs: Upgrade to HD Shackle straps, Greaseable Wet bolts, and a rubber suspension equalizer to reduce shock that can transfer into the RV house structure causing damage.
- Perform Alignment of Axles
- Computer Balance Tires on RV
- Upgrade to Torsion or Independent Suspension System if the design can accommodate.
- Significantly improve quality control and the inspection/repair process to ensure issues are all but eliminated (Must be demonstratable and verified for all RV Star units).
Safety Equipment
- Add TPMS system to RV
- Add ABS System to RV
- Add Electronic Sway Control System to RV
- Add Rear View Camera System to RV
- Add Blind Spot Detection System to RV
- Upgrade to Disc Brakes to RV
Wiring/Electrical
- Properly and neatly run color coded wires that are bundled, housed in wiring loom, and secured so individual wires are not loosely hanging and/or laying freely in any area of the RV.
- Implement the use of color coated custom wiring harnesses that are installed in a manner to eliminate contact with screws, nails, staples, fasteners, and/or sharp metal edges.
- Upgrade electrical connectors, panels, and connection methods to significantly reduce the risk of electrical shorts, unintended disconnections, and failures while in-tow. Demonstrate how the new method is a significant improvement.
- Reroute wiring in a manner that eliminates contact with screws, nails, staples, fasteners, and/or sharp metal edges.
- Significantly improve quality control and the inspection/repair process to ensure issues are all but eliminated (Must be demonstratable and verified for all RV Star units).
Water and Plumbing
- Upgrade to the use of proper plumbing connections between PEX and Vinyl or Rubber Hose materials.
- Upgrade to the use of significantly higher quality more robust plumbing connections and components.
- Add Water Shut-off valves to all water feeds.
- Add a quality Water Manifold System to allow independent control of water connections.
- Add drain pan(s) with an outside-the-RV exit route for the water in the event of a leak to prevent/reduce damage.
- Significantly improve quality control and the inspection/repair process to ensure issues are all but eliminated (Must be demonstratable and verified for all RV Star units).
Attachment Methods
- Add additional backing material to all areas that are likely to fail or come loose while in-tow.
- Significantly improve the structural mounting and securement of cabinetry, drawers, doors, trim, and all other components on the interior and exterior.
- Demonstrate the use of significantly higher quality fasteners and adhesives to prevent disconnections and failures from occurring.
- Demonstrate a significant improvement to identify and install missed fasteners.
Material Usage
- Upgrade to higher quality materials than are currently being used.
- Upgrade to a higher quality, more robust, and longer lasting roof material.
- Upgrade to water impervious materials on the inside and outside.
- Upgrade and add components that have the ability to reduce wear and tear on the RV
- Upgrade from Thermofoil/Laminated Counters to Solid Materials that will never delaminate.
- Upgrade to exterior and interior materials that will not delaminate.
- Upgrade to components that have a lower chance of failing than what is currently being used.
- Upgrade to a process that uses the correct tools to cut, route, and make pass-through holes in other materials.
Improved Processes
- Significantly upgrade the inspection and quality control process while RV's are on the assembly line.
- Implement assembly line practices to verify ALL aspects of the RV are being installed, assembled, and tested against failure.
- Significantly improve direct customer engagement to address and resolve issues in the shortest timeframe possible.
- Create a significantly improved path to expedite parts replacement and repairs for in-warranty RVs
- Create a program to provide out-of-warranty top tier support to customer who have pre-owned and/or out of warranty RVs.
HVAC System
- Significantly improve the quality of AC Ducting installation to ensure there is minimal air loss through gaps.
- Significantly improve the use of higher quality AC Ducting materials, adhesives tapes, and securement to ensure the AC Ducting is installed and routed properly.
- Include soft start kits with all AC units to minimize hard starts and possible damage to electrical systems.
- Significantly improve the installation of AC systems to ensure they do not create damage to the roof structure.
- Significantly improve and demonstrate a production line quality control process to ensure RVs built have at least a 75% reduction in problems and issues discovered at the end of the production line.
- Hire professional inspectors with certifications in their fields to ensure all aspects of the RV are built and assembled properly during the assembly line.
- Employ quality assurance specialists to validate each station during RV production to ensure proper and quality work is being performed before the RV moves to the next station. *Must be verifiable and demonstrated.
- Significantly improve the use of fasteners that have proper securement to a backing material, and when possible to use washers, locking nuts, liquid bonding, and/or sufficiently rigid material to resist nearly all chances of coming loose, backing out, or failing under normal towing.
- Significantly upgrade the materials and use of quality fasteners and adhesives to secure all exterior trim to detachment.
- Significantly upgrade the exterior materials used to greatly reduce the failure rate do to normal use.
- Significantly improve the assembly and installation of cabinetry, electrical components, plumbing, appliances, lighting, trim and hardware to ensure that they attached/secured, noninterfering, and able to improve the ability to not get damaged while in-tow.
- Significantly improve the use of quality furniture that is able to last, at minimum 3-5 years without showing significant wear and tear.
- Significantly increase the use of materials that prevent the contact and damage of other materials, such as rubber bumpers that prevent cabinets from contact other areas when opened.
Warranty Term/Length Improvements
- Significantly increase the length of new RV warranties to cover units beyond 4 years of ownership that are transferrable.
- Provide a "second/third owner" warranty option that facilitates responsible repairs to units that are owned and/or purchased a few years outside of the original factory warranty period.
- Create a realistic path towards resolution for issues customers are experiencing major and minor issues that is dedicated to supporting those concerns.
Off-Site Service Improvements
In-Warranty Support Improvement
Out-of-Warranty Support Improvement
Major Component Failure Support Improvements
