What started as a simple observation from an RV dealer regarding missing RVIA seals on some units delivered to his lot has opened a Pandora's box as RV Trade Digest learned the RV Industry Association (RVIA) is seeking to redefine a recreation vehicle.

The issue came to light in late May in a blog posted by RV Trade Digest's editor questioning why the seals were missing from some recreation vehicles. Entitled "Help Wanted: Seal Sleuth," the blog erroneously suggested some manufacturers were not affixing seals required by the RVIA as a way to avoid building units to the association's stringent safety and quality standards.

The issue does not involve quality at all. RVIA has not altered its standards and does, in fact, require all manufacturers of "recreation vehicles" to affix seals to units that meet the definition of an RV.

The blog also suggested that dealers may incur liability by carrying unsealed units in their inventory. That question has not yet been answered and, in fact, carries more complexity than originally thought.

At issue is how a "recreation vehicle" can be defined. How that is answered determines how it can be regulated.

Currently, there are two standards regulating the construction of RVs. The National Fire Prevention Association established Standard 1192 to govern how travel trailers and fifth wheels can be built. The standard used to be referred to as ANSI A119.2, which was created by the American National Standards Institute.

That standard, often referred to as "1192," governs any recreation vehicle less than 8.5 feet wide with an interior space less than 320 square feet "when erected on site." That means, the interior space cannot exceed 320 square feet with the slideouts extended.