Industry Survey shows Gas Prices Won't Make Rvers Stay Home

By Harold Merton

Like most Canadians and Americans, RVers are looking for ways to conserve fuel, but staying home this summer isn't one of them. Reducing the distances they travel (45%) and spending more time in one place (52%) are the top ways RV owners will adapt to higher prices at the pump according to the latest Campfire Canvass, a biannual survey of RV owners in the United States by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA).

"This latest research confirms what we found last summer - higher gas
prices won't stop RVers from travelling, but they will make adjustments"
said Richard Coon, president of RVIA. "In times of high fuel prices, RVers tend to spend more time enjoying the campground and less on the road. Whether they travel five miles or five hundred, their outdoor experience can be the same." The April survey found that two-thirds of RV owners polled intend to use their RV more this summer than last, and nearly a third plan to use it the same amount. A surprising 37 percent say fuel costs will not affect their RV travel plans. "Current gas prices compared to those a year ago would add only $40 or $50 in the U.S. to a driving location of 800 miles round trip" said Coon. "That's not likely to significantly alter travel plans.

"Furthermore, RVers consistently report that their RVs provide so much
more than mere transportation - they allow their families to get out and
enjoy all this country offers, and do it in comfort of their own home," said
Coon. RV owner Frank Washer of Islip, N.Y. agrees "We do so much more than just drive with our RV. Our motorhome is just that, our home. The kids sleep in their own beds, get a snack from our refrigerator and use our own bathroom, so se don't have to stop at a rest stop that's less appealing. It's also our garage as we bring along our ATVs."

Families like the Washers are getting more than creature comforts while away from home; they're also getting the most bang from their vacation buck. Even when fuel prices increase, RVing remains the least expensive mode of travel. According to research by travel and tourism research firm PKF Consulting, a family of four can spend 26 to 74 percent less on RV trips compared to other vacation types due to significant savings on air, hotel and restaurant costs. 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, PKF found. Other key findings from RVIA's April 2006 Campfire Canvas:

Almost 70 percent of RVers will be on the road during the summer holidays of U.S. Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.

Camping is the favorite activity families will enjoy during their upcoming
RV trips. Taking scenic drives (72%) and hiking and walking (67%) also ranked high on the list of favorite activities of RVing families. Sitting around the campfire at RV parks and campgrounds does more than take the chill out of the night air. Eighty percent said RVing strengthens family bonds. Nearly 73 percent said that going RVing has resulted in a closer relationship with their spouse. More than half of all RVers also said they enjoy outdoor activities and sports. In fact, two-thirds of the respondents said they are more physically active on RV trips than on other vacations.

Ninety-one percent of respondents said their RVs will allow them to take more weekend trips or mini-vacations this summer. This is ideal for busy families looking for ways to accommodate their hectic everyday schedules with a balance of fun, physical activity and freedom.

RVing allows us to pick up and go anytime to almost anywhere," says Mary Athman of Waite Park, Minn. We're just not home any weekend this summer. The RV is always stocked with food, clothes, linens - you name it. It makes it very easy for us to change our everyday scenery."
Would-be RVers can order a free "Getting Started" DVD or CD-ROM at GoRVing.com or 1-888-GoRVing. They can also surf the web site for lists of GoRVing dealers and campgrounds in their area, as well as RV shows, rental sources and clubs.

They can also write RVIA ,
P.O. Box 2999, Dept. SCN,
Reston, VA 20195

RVIA is a national association in the United States representing more than 550 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the U.S.A.

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