Despite high fuel costs, two-thirds of RV owners intend to use their RV more this spring and summer than last, and almost one-third plan to use it about the same amount. Only 7 percent say they'll use their RV less, an April survey reveals.
Many RVers say they will adjust to higher fuel prices this spring and summer by staying longer in one place (52%) or closer to home (45%). But surprisingly, more than a third (37%) say fuel costs will not affect their RV travel plans, and 67 percent actually plan to drive more miles in total.
In times of high fuel prices, RVers spend more time enjoying the campground experience and less time on the road. With more than 16,000 campgrounds nationwide, RVers have the flexibility to save fuel and cut costs by staying closer to home. Whether they travel five miles or 500, their outdoor experience can be the same.
Even with today's high fuel prices, RV travel is a great value. Almost half of RV owners surveyed said they plan to use their RV more this spring/summer in order to get away less expensively. A 2005 vacation cost comparison study by Pannell Kerr Forster shows that RV trips remain the most affordable way for a family to travel because of the significant savings on hotels and restaurant costs.
Fuel price hikes increase the cost of all modes of travel and transportation. Airfares and hotel rates are rising rapidly as fuel costs increase. Fuel prices would need to triple from their current level to make RVing more expensive for a family of four than other forms of travel.
More than two-thirds of RV owners surveyed will take additional measures to align with President Bush's call to reduce fuel consumption through simple steps like driving 55 instead of 65 miles per hour, and adjusting home thermostats to save energy when traveling. RVers drive at a leisurely pace with no tight schedules for flights, hotels or restaurants. Frequent vacationers, they often shut off their home heat or air conditioning, sometimes for extended seasonal travel.
Outdoor recreation and vacations offer physical and mental health benefits that are considered essential by experts, and are treated as priorities in their lives by an ever-increasing number of Americans. RVs are a springboard to all types of recreation and travel opportunities. 67 percent of RV owners surveyed in April say they are more physically active on RV trips than on other vacations.
Despite fuel prices, RV factory shipments in 2005 reached their highest levels since 1978. Approximately 384,400 new units were sold to dealers in 2005, a 3.9 percent increase over 2004.
According to the Conference Board in April 2006, American consumer confidence rebounded in March and is approaching a four-year high, a positive indicator for RV sales.
RV consumers have a widening array of product choices to maximize their fuel efficiency, which should encourage continued growth. Approximately 80 percent of the market consists of towable RVs, including many lightweight designs. More small motorhomes are also being introduced.
Long-term demographics favor continued RV market growth as the entire baby boom generation reaches the prime RV-buying age, and more young families enter the market as a result of intense industry promotional activity. The trend toward more active outdoor recreation and travel should also stimulate growth.
RV industry forecaster Dr. Richard Curtin, director of consumer surveys at the University of Michigan, says growth rates in the RV marketplace are likely to continue to accelerate. He projects the number of RV owning households will rise 8 percent by 2010.
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