Recreational vehicles plan trim-down to revive sales

The recreational-vehicle industry, hard hit by gasoline shortages and soaring prices, is planning a comeback in 1980 with downsized units that will take less gasoline to drive or tow. Industry spokesman said the use of lightweight metals instead of wood for frames, aerodynamic design, changes in configuration, and general reductions in size, plus a tendency to park larger units on one spot and leave them there, could mean a 20 prcent reduction in RV gasoline consumption this year.