HUD way overstepping it's bounds.

[just Warren]

There shouldn't even be a HUD and now this pointless, useless agency thinks it can regulate RVs?

Stupid and probably corrupt idea.

I have no proof but given how other regulations work if the incumbent RV industry has been pushing for this that likely means they think they can use this to make more money and or protect themselves from upstart competition.

 

[Hawkmoon]

This makes absolutely no sense whatsoever (which, given that it comes from the gummint, is to be expected):

“This notice shall be placed prominently to ensure consumers are made plainly aware of the distinction between recreational vehicles that are not self-propelled and manufactured housing… to draw a clear distinction between the two products.”

HUD also “proposes to except Fifth Wheel Recreational Vehicles [‘a towable recreational vehicle mounted on wheels and designed to be towed by a motorized vehicle’] from regulatory oversight.”

If they're worried about larger RVs being mistaken for permanent residences, why exempt fifth wheel types? The larger RVs are almost exclusively fifth wheel models -- they're too big and too heavy to haul with a conventional hitch.

[Hawkmoon]

I have no proof but given how other regulations work if the incumbent RV industry has been pushing for this that likely means they think they can use this to make more money and or protect themselves from upstart competition.

Or protect themselves from  building, fire safety, and energy conservation codes that apply to full-time residences.

[MechAg94]

Or protect themselves from  building, fire safety, and energy conservation codes that apply to full-time residences.

Which I think are probably not necessary at the federal level. 

[Hawkmoon]

Which I think are probably not necessary at the federal level. 

Well, yes and no.

building codes are adopted and enforced by the individual states, or sometimes cities. However ... a couple of years ago my state suddenly updated to a newer edition of the International Energy Conservation Code even though it wasn't "on cycle" for upgrading/updating all our building codes. The powers that be had to update the energy code because the feds were going to hold back big chunks of money if we didn't start using a newer energy code RFN*.

But -- state laws and regulations can't supersede federal laws and regulations, so if the feds assert jurisdiction over RVs and declare that they aren't "permanent" residences -- then I don't see any way a state can try to apply its building code to anything with wheels under it, regardless of how long it stays parked in one place or how many days of the year people "camp" in it.



* Right *expletive deleted*ing Now

[Scout26]

Ahhhhh, the Tiny House people are using the RV loophole to get around the law, this being pushed to close the RV loophole.


(See libtards, .gov can screw with you and your loopholes also....)

[Andiron]

I'm still waiting for that Winston Smith moment where I realize I love this *expletive deleted*ing idiocy...

[roo_ster]

I'm still waiting for that Winston Smith moment where I realize I love this *expletive deleted*ing idiocy...

I cant recall.  Before or after the rat strappy-doo?

[T.O.M.]

Now I get it.  Heard a guy at work complaining about this...he got one of the tiny NJ ouse things on a trailer,  called it an RV, licensed as such, and stuck it on some poperty he bought to use as a hunting/fishing cabin.  He dodged a bunch of building code requirements...for now.  If this goes through, there's electric code requirements, foundation requirements, etc.

This does kind of make sense as a fed issue for actual RVs.  If they had to meet code everywhere they parked, with different codes at each location, it would be virtually impossible to use an RV as intended.

[MechAg94]

Now I get it.  Heard a guy at work complaining about this...he got one of the tiny NJ ouse things on a trailer,  called it an RV, licensed as such, and stuck it on some poperty he bought to use as a hunting/fishing cabin.  He dodged a bunch of building code requirements...for now.  If this goes through, there's electric code requirements, foundation requirements, etc.

This does kind of make sense as a fed issue for actual RVs.  If they had to meet code everywhere they parked, with different codes at each location, it would be virtually impossible to use an RV as intended.

I guess that part is an interstate commerce issue stopping the state from carrying the regs too far.

[Hawkmoon]

I guess that part is an interstate commerce issue stopping the state from carrying the regs too far.

I'm not sure how that plays out. Panelized and modular pre-fab houses still have to meet building code requirements. The way it works in my state is probably the way it works in most states -- there are certified inspectors who inspect the pre-fabs in the factory, before they're shipped, and sign off the verify that the actual structure meets building code requirements. The local building inspector then inspects the foundation, the electric service to the point where it will connect to the modular, and the sewer connection or septic system.

I don't know where a tiny house on wheels would fit in. Typically, they aren't built in factories so there aren't certified inspectors looking at them. But if they're on wheels, I don't know if they can be considered "houses" and fall under the purview of building codes in the jurisdiction where they're being used as dwellings.

Interesting conundrum ...

[RoadKingLarry]

Just more examples of the government cracking down on people being mobile and independent.
Can't have the serfs people being less dependent and beholding to government.

[dogmush]

And that is the issue HUD is trying to address for better or worse (probably worse).

RV's are exempt from some building codes because they are designed and intended for short term living.  So they get a pass.  Tiny Houses are expressly designed and built for full time living, so if you accept the idea of building codes, they should clearly apply to Tiny Houses on Wheels.  But so far they have been skating on the "RV Loophole". It's the smug liberal version of "This is really a forearm brace on my AR "Pistol" and it's clearly not an SBR.  wink wink."

[Andiron]

I cant recall.  Before or after the rat strappy-doo?

Literally (and literarily)  It's the last line of 1984.

Figuratively,  I'm curious what it takes to get that mind numbed to actually cheer-lead and praise such action.

[brimic]

And that is the issue HUD is trying to address for better or worse (probably worse).

RV's are exempt from some building codes because they are designed and intended for short term living.  So they get a pass.  Tiny Houses are expressly designed and built for full time living, so if you accept the idea of building codes, they should clearly apply to Tiny Houses on Wheels.  But so far they have been skating on the "RV Loophole". It's the smug liberal version of "This is really a forearm brace on my AR "Pistol" and it's clearly not an SBR.  wink wink."

And that is the issue HUD is trying to address for better or worse (probably worse).

RV's are exempt from some building codes because they are designed and intended for short term living.  So they get a pass.  Tiny Houses are expressly designed and built for full time living, so if you accept the idea of building codes, they should clearly apply to Tiny Houses on Wheels.  But so far they have been skating on the "RV Loophole". It's the smug liberal version of "This is really a forearm brace on my AR "Pistol" and it's clearly not an SBR.  wink wink."

Just like rifle or pistol stock lengths or definitions thereof, the fed government has no *expletive deleted*ing business whatsoever on dictating on how citizens can or can't live.

[dogmush]

Just like rifle or pistol stock lengths or definitions thereof, the fed government has no *expletive deleted*ing business whatsoever on dictating on how citizens can or can't live.

I don't disagree at all. 

However what you and I feel the fed.gov should be involved in has very little bearing on what they will send men with guns to enforce.  My post was attempting to point out how, from HUD's POV (and remember they think they are righteous) this makes plenty of sense.