Survey Shows RV Travel Will Rise This Spring/Summer

Well duh! most people travel when the weather gets better. and Spring and Summer around the US is pretty nice.. most places


Survey Shows RV Travel Will Rise This Spring/Summer

RESTON, Va., May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Recreation vehicle owners are pumped up about the upcoming travel season and plan to use their RVs more this spring/summer than they did last year, according to a new study.


Despite fluctuating fuel prices, the latest biannual Campfire Canvass survey of RV owners, conducted by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), reveals that 76 percent of RV owners intend to use their RVs more this spring/summer than last year, and 20 percent plan to use theirs the same amount. Only 4 percent say they'll use their RVs less.


Nearly half (48 percent) say fuel costs will not affect their RV travel plans. Of those who said their plans would be affected, 60 percent will adjust to higher fuel prices by traveling to destinations closer to home. Fifty-six percent said they'd stay longer in one place.


"Americans love RVs because they provide freedom, flexibility and control," says Richard Coon, president of RVIA. "Whether RV owners travel five or 500 miles, they enjoy all the amenities and benefits that RVing offers."


Busy Families Planning Shorter, More Frequent Getaways


Many families are taking shorter, more frequent getaways in their RVs to accommodate their busy schedules. According to the survey, 91 percent of RV owners are planning three or more short RV trips (1-4 days) this spring and summer.


"Our RV is always packed and ready to go when the spirit moves us," says Rod Littleton, 36, of Knightstown, Ind. "Even with current gas prices, traveling is less expensive with our lodging and meals right with us. My family and I love RVing so much we look for excuses to get away even for short day trips."


Even families who can't get away don't have to stop RVing. "With our 3- year-old and 6-year-old daughters, we're expected to go camping every weekend during the summer," says Dennis Carey, 42, of Lindenhurst, IL. "But if for some reason we're unable to go, we'll spend weekend nights in our motorhome parked in our driveway to please our daughters. It's fun even if we can't make it to a campground."


RVers Plan to Visit National Parks


America's national parks are among the most popular destinations for RV trips this spring/summer, according to the survey. More than 100 national parks were mentioned, with Yellowstone, Yosemite and Zion the most popular destinations for RVers.


RVs Allow Travelers to Bring Anything Onboard


RV owners appreciate the control that RVs offer in today's travel climate. Unlike air travelers, RVers can bring anything they want onboard, including pets. According to the survey, 57 percent of RV owners bring pets along on trips. Most RVers traveling with pets are bringing dogs (88 percent), but some are also bringing cats (18 percent) and other pets such as parakeets, parrots, ferrets and even horses.


RVing Brings Families Closer Together


RVing also strengthens family relationships, according to the survey. Eighty-four percent of the married respondents said RVing has brought them closer together, while 85 percent said RVing has contributed to a greater family bond.


Favorite Activities


RVers enjoy an array of activities while traveling in their RVs. Favorites include: cooking out (76 percent), sightseeing (74 percent), and scenic drives (72 percent). Visiting friends and family was mentioned by 60 percent. Forty percent of RVers like to visit festivals and fairs. Other favorite activities include shopping, antiquing, and visiting theme parks or zoos.


Almost half (45 percent) plan to use their RV to enjoy outdoor sports and activities with hiking (53 percent), fishing and hunting (52 percent), and biking (32 percent) mentioned as favorites.


The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (rvia.org) is the national association representing more than 500 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.


For more information, visit GoRVing.com


Source: Recreation Vehicle Industry Association  

I bought a new Winnebago 39' Adventurer last year, trading in a 1996 Monaco diesel pusher.  I went with a 8.1L "gas" engine and put 10000 miles on it last year.  It has not moved but a couple of hundred miles this year and probably less than a thousand.  "Had I known then" that gas would go up so much I would not have bought anything!  
retired2001
2004 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab Z/71
"Toad" for 2007 Winnebago Adventurer

Hi,

Thanks for such a useful info...

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Jackson White
N E Lincolnshire, UK
"Miles ahead of the competition"
Motorhomesuk.co.uk  

We took our 29' Sunline TT from Rochester NY to Bar Harbor Maine this summer. We realized gas was going to be more this summer. It's still less expensive than flying or driving somewhere and paying for a hotel and all meals. Plus the fun the kids have makes it worth it.  
Hilton NY
2007 Ford Expedition

Sounds like fun. Always wondered what it'd be like to drive one.  

I like those new Sprinter-based RVs. They're a little pricey, but get pretty good fuel economy, and they're not huge lumbering beasts.  

Interesting ... despite Gas prices I ended up going RVing's 4 times this summer (maybe that is because I picked up a "new to me" RV and sold my tent trailer )

I wonder if next year will be just us good?  

Anyway, I am working on updating my Class C RV and I am documenting my progress at http://www.RVHobby.com.  I hope to get more than 4 trips out next summer!  
Jeff (JfyJam)
'82 Class C
http://www.RVHobby.com

Nice site, the documentation/project sites are always nice to read.  

We took 4 or 5 trips in our travel trailer last year and plan on doing more next year as well. This year we just kept it local.  
Todd-Desert Storm Vet (US Navy)
2001 Dodge Ram SLT 4x4 w/360 (not stock)
2002 Prowler Lynx 30' travel trailer