Are RVs Going Green?

We see it more and more every year: American companies are going green. Though the debate between political factions rages on in the halls of Congress and even between parents in gymnasiums that host PTA meetings about the legitimacy and science behind climate change, many American companies are picking up on the trend of being environmentally conscious. Whether it’s out of sheer will to reverse the effects of climate change or just a cynical display of public relations maneuvering surely depends on company to company, but the impact remains the same. Even a company like Pacific Gas & Electric, which was immortalized in the film “Erin Brockovich,” the true to life account of how one woman took on the company for poisoning the waters of southern California, has taken the lead in the lobbying charge in Washington D.C. to enact legislation that would mandate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This movement has hit every industry, and that includes the industry of RV manufacturing. Recently, car manufacturers in Detroit, who long were criticized for their business model of building gas guzzling cars, have crept onto the global trend of building hybrids, cars that incorporate a mix of diesel and battery technology. RV manufacturers like Fleetwood and Winnebago are doing the same. Because these vehicles rely on battery power for city driving and diesel power strictly for faster, interstate driving, a hybrid RV can travel 700 miles before refueling, which comes out to be roughly twelve miles per gallon, above the industry standard of eight. Some engines are being built that allow for a fuel efficiency of fifteen miles per gallon. Another measure being used by RV manufacturers to ensure that their products are more environmentally sound is through of the evolution of building material. Steel used to be the industry standard for the construction of RVs. While steel is still being used, some companies have moved on to the use of aluminum, which is much lighter and recyclable as well. Composite material, similar to the material used to make golf balls, are being used at a higher frequency as well, and the use of wood in manufacturing is slowly becoming a thing of the past. These composite materials allow for the possibility of new designs, new designs that might combat wind resistance, thereby once again increasing the fuel efficiency. Acting in congruity with the use of lighter materials, manufacturers are starting to flirt with the idea of building smaller, lighter vehicles in general. Some companies are cultivating models that resemble a standard minivan, yet within the smaller space the vehicle still contains a bed, storage space, an awning and various camping necessities. This innovation is still in its infancy stage, but has proven to be successful with consumers and environmentally friendly to this point. Whether or not the majority of consumers believe in the adverse effects of climate change, they are being marketed with eco-friendly products at an increasing level. For the first time in a long time, however, American industry has found a way to make eco-friendly synonymous with consumer friendly. The RV industry, which may have dragged its feet at first, has realized as well. Check this out forRV campers and RV Rentals.