Which way for the RV?

Re “The RV: Going the way of the dinosaur?” March 29

The recreation vehicle industry has been hit hard by the economy, but we believe better days are ahead -- not behind us, as The Times’ article suggests.

You create the impression that all RVs are high-end motor homes, when in fact 80% of the market consists of towable RVs that average $23,000 retail. You ignore how RV manufacturers are adapting by producing lighter and more fuel-efficient vehicles. New models include the first-ever RV hybrids, ultra-light composite trailers and green technologies such as fuel cells and solar panels.

We agree that the biggest problem facing the industry is “dried-up credit,” not a lack of consumer interest or demand. Encouraging retail traffic and the innovation going on within the industry indicate that the long-term outlook remains positive. We are looking forward to the road ahead -- just like all of America’s 30 million RVers.

Richard Coon

Reston, Va.

The writer is president of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Assn.