FEMA, RV Dealers, Head-On Over Surplus Sales

This blog has noted the sale of "surplus" travel trailers by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the concerns raised by the Recreational Vehicle Dealer’s Association (RVDA). Earlier we noted that RVDA had fired off a letter to FEMA, asking them to reconsider the sale of RVs.

While we have yet to hear back from FEMA on the issue, the pot is definitely still boiling. Seems RVDA ‘can’t get no satisfaction’ from the agency, they’ve taken their case to Congress. On Tuesday, Mike Molino, RVDA’s director, testified before a congressional subcommittee. Molino repeated his call for action to be taken to force FEMA to sell travel trailers in large "lots" as opposed to the sales of trailers to individuals.

Once again putting the "public safety" spin on his comments, Molino told congress, "The practice of selling directly to consumers also raises significant public safety implications," he said. "Consumers could face many problems unless the vehicles are thoroughly checked out, serviced, repaired and reconditioned by qualified technicians. Is there a plan to educate consumers buying these units at GSA auctions?"

Altruism aside, RVDA is extremely concerned that its dealer-members will watch their sales go down the drain if there’s too much of a good thing in surplus RV sales. Planning on picking up a FEMA bargain? It may be time to get a move on.