Hutchinson ? RV enthusiasts would like to return to the Kansas Fairgrounds for another rally, and Hutchinson would love the money that the event likely would generate.

But The Hutchinson News reported that a state law that prohibits out-of-state dealers of recreational vehicles from selling products in Kansas is keeping such events away.

That law was broken the last time the Family Motor Coach Association was in Hutchinson in October 2002.

Jerry Yeatts, FMCA’s director of conventions and commercial services, said it was a misunderstanding. He said the group would like to come back as soon as 2013 “if the circumstances are right.”

Kansas State Fair board members have expressed interest in pursuing a law change to help entice the group — and the money it brings — back to the fairgrounds.

The 2002 event brought about 5,000 motor coaches, and generated $24.4 million in Reno County and an additional $7.2 million for the state, according to the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce.

But Kansas dealers are wary. Many felt like they lost out on business the last time the event was held.

“The RV dealers in Kansas have no problem with these rallies,” said Don McNeely, president of the Kansas Automobile Dealers Association. “They have no problems with the Family Motor Coach Association. What they do have a problem with is these out-of-state RV dealers — essentially carpetbaggers — who come in and ruin the market for RV sales in the state for months.”

State Sen. Terry Bruce, R-Hutchinson, said the bill he introduced in 2005 to change the law was quickly met with resistance.

Bruce said fellow lawmakers were concerned that out-of-state dealers would flood the market and harm local dealer franchises.