High Gas Prices Don't Keep RVers From Hitting The Road

According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association:

[May 2007]

• 76% of RV owners intend to use their RVs more this spring/summer than last year
• 20% plan to use theirs the same amount
• 4% say they will use their RVs less

Of those who said their RV travel plans would be affected by higher gas prices this year, 60% said they will travel to destinations closer to home, while 56% said they will stay longer in one place.

Number Of RVs On The Road

In fact, RV sales have increased 22% in the past 3 years. Last year, 390,500 RVs were sold. This is the most recreational vehicles sold in 28 years, according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association.

And when you include those who rent RVs... there are about 30 million RV enthusiasts on U.S. roads.

In case you're wondering, RVs typically include van-based Class C motorhomes, as well as the larger bus-like Class A motorhomes, travel trailers, folding camping trailers and truck campers.

Fuel mileage is not great, but it's better than it was 10 years ago. The industry has introduced more efficient engines, and new materials that make motor homes and trailers lighter."

Compared to all the other expenses of a vacation, such as motels and restaurants, RVs are still an economic way to go. If gas went up a $1, a family traveling 1,000 miles in a motor home that gets about 10 mpg would spend $100 more on gas.
-- Richard Coon, president of RVIA

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