Thetford Meets with Legislators to Discuss Future of RV Industry

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Ð Executives from Thetford Corporation, a leading supplier of sanitation and refrigeration products to the worldwide recreational vehicle (RV), marine and heavy-duty truck industries, recently met with federal legislators to discuss key issues facing the RV industry.

Jack Tierney, Thetford president and CEO, and Kevin Phillips, the companyÕs vice president of sales and marketing, met with Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), and the offices of Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.). Discussion topics included rising fuel costs and potential increases in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards.

Despite higher fuel costs, 2007 is expected to be the industryÕs fourth best year in the last 30 years. Tierney noted that RV factory shipments in 2006 set an industry record with over 390,500 new units shipped to dealers. RV consumers now have a variety of product choices to maximize fuel efficiency, including light-weight designs and small motor home models.

ÒRV owners today typically spend more time enjoying the campground experience and less time on the road,Ó Tierney said. ÒMany RV owners will take additional measures to reduce fuel consumption through simple steps like packing lighter, turning off home utilities when traveling, traveling at slower speeds, staying longer in one place or traveling to destinations closer to home.Ó

Thetford has taken additional measures to help reduce fuel consumption through its own product specifications. The company makes a full range of portable plastic and china toilets that are low in weight and water usage. The companyÕs refrigerators also weigh from three percent up to 24 percent less than competitive models.

RV travel trailers and fifth-wheel trailers combine transportation and temporary living quarters for travel, recreation and camping. Approximately 80 percent of RVs are towed behind a family vehicle. Thetford executives noted that the towing capability for this class of vehicle should be a factor in the development of the new CAFE fuel economy targets.

ÒIn order to tow an RV safely, the tires, brakes, axles and frames must all be heavier and more complex which in turn negatively effect vehicle fuel economy,Ó Tierney said. ÒIf CAFE forces vehicle manufacturers to shift to light-weight, under-powered tow vehicles, that shift would have adverse safety consequences such as inadequate braking power, excessive engine wear, insufficient engine power and reduced stability and maneuverability on the highway.Ó
Thetford believes that the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) should explicitly factor in towing capability when establishing fuel economy targets for light-weight trucks.

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