Breaking News: California Bans Generators, Winnebago Recalls Ekko

Breaking News: California Bans Generators, Winnebago Recalls Ekko

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Regulation on Off-Road Engines in California 2.1 Ban on Sale of Portable Generators 2.2 Impact on RV Owners and Travelers 2.3 Concerns Raised by the RV Industry 2.4 Viability of Battery Power for RVs
3. Recall of Saloon Trailer Tires 3.1 Manufacturing Issue and Potential Risks 3.2 Steps Taken by Saloon
4. Current Trends in RV Values 4.1 Unprecedented Seller's Market 4.2 Increase in Motorhome and Trailer Prices 4.3 Projections for RV Production 4.4 Thor Industries' Quarterly Report 4.5 Inventory and Production Challenges
5. Production Issues with Winnebago's Echo 5.1 Delayed Deliveries and Canceled Floor Plans 5.2 Leakage Problems with the Sump Pump 5.3 Recall and Instructions for Echo Owners
6. Crude Oil Prices and Gasoline Costs 6.1 Impact of Omicron Variant on Oil Prices 6.2 Predictions by JP Morgan Strategists 6.3 Current State of Gasoline Prices
7. Timed Entry Reservation System at Arches National Park 7.1 Introduction of the Reservation System 7.2 Benefits and Purpose of the System 7.3 Booking and Release of Reservations 7.4 Alleviating Crowding at the Park
8. Rivian Pickup's Cross-Country Towing 8.1 Milestone Achievement for Electric Trucks 8.2 Details of the Rivian R1T Journey
9. Conclusion

Regulation on Off-Road Engines in California

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently passed a regulation aimed at small off-road engines, including portable generators, used in recreational vehicles. The regulation bans the sale of gas-powered generators, leaf blowers, and lawn mowers starting from 2024. Gasoline generators, whether portable or mounted in an RV, will have to meet more stringent standards in 2024 and transition to zero-emission standards by 2028. However, the ruling does not prohibit the use of generators that RV owners already possess. This article explores the implications of the regulation on RV owners and travelers, the concerns raised by the RV industry, and the feasibility of battery power for RVs.

The ruling by CARB has raised questions about the impact on RV owners and travelers. While the sale of gas-powered generators will be prohibited from 2024, existing owners can continue to use their generators in California. This means that RV owners planning trips to the state will not face any immediate issues. However, finding a generator in California after 2024 may become challenging due to the stringent standards imposed on them. The ruling does not apply to diesel or propane generators, providing alternative options for RV owners who rely on them for power. Nonetheless, the prospect of limited generator availability in California raises concerns for those who depend on them for emergency power during power outages.

Members of the RV industry have expressed their concerns to CARB regarding the regulation, only to no avail. The impact on the industry includes the potential loss of sales, jobs, customer satisfaction, and the overall safety of RVs in California. The RV industry, despite heavily embracing solar power, acknowledges that without expensive upgrades, running the electrical systems of an RV solely on solar power or shore power is impractical. Generators continue to be a crucial power source, especially during emergencies. The regulation's focus on landscaping businesses adopting battery power raises questions about the lumping together of generators with lawn mowers and leaf blowers. This approach seems counterintuitive in a state with frequent power outages and where alternative power options are costly and not foolproof.

The viability of battery power for RVs also comes into question. While the regulation intends to promote battery-powered alternatives for generators, the reality is that the cost of a comparable solar system to a 4000-watt generator runs into tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, solar power systems are dependent on sunlight and can be hindered by cloudy days. This limits their ability to provide consistent power for RV electrical systems, making generators a necessary backup option for many RV owners, even those with solar power setups.

In conclusion, the CARB regulation on off-road engines, including portable generators in California, has significant implications for RV owners and travelers. While the sale of gas-powered generators will be banned, existing owners can continue to use their generators. However, the ruling's stringent standards may make it challenging to find generators in the state after 2024. Concerns raised by the RV industry highlight the importance of generators for emergency power and the limitations of battery-powered alternatives. As technology advances, battery power may become a more viable option for RVs, but for now, generators remain essential for reliable and convenient power supply.