Consumer demand for RVs and fifth wheels is up. Dealerships across the country are reporting increased sales numbers and it appears the trend has gone nationwide with numbers consistently increasing throughout 2010. 2009 marked the worst of the recession, with 2005 being one of the peak sales years for RV sales.
The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association recently published Dr. Richard Curtain’s analysis of the coming years and what it means for the RV Industry. Curtain is projecting a 39% gain over 2009 with over 249,700 shipments. Dealers are re-stocking inventory for the summer months and while consumer confidence isn’t back to pre-recession highs, it is slowly re-emerging.
Curtain warns the road ahead will be slow with ups and downs unlike the quick recoveries seen in the past. Consumers are beginning to spend again, but most are looking for good deals and spending cautiously. However, with new lightweight technology and fuel-efficient models hitting the market, the RV industry has been targeting a younger generation for sales and they are responding. Towables and lightweight trailers have been some of the top sellers in the market this year.
Class A RVs and Fifth Wheel Camper sales are also up, with high-end vehicle sales continuing to grow over the course of the year. Ads by GoRving.com have helped consumers associate RV travel with affordability and family values. Their collection of furry critters have touched a cord with audiences of all ages and the wide exposure during epic events such as The Olympics and NASCAR didn’t hurt.
Class A RVs generally cost over $100,000 for a new model while top of the line models can cost upwards of $2 million. By comparison, travel trailers can be had for under $20,000. It’s the wide range of variety and prices that appeals to all income levels. Fifth wheel campers range right in the middle of the road around $50,000, give or take. Fifth Wheel Campers have added luxury and the benefit of being able to leave the camper at the campgrounds while still having a truck to explore town.
No matter whether you prefer traveling with all the comforts of home including flat screen TV, shower, bath, marble counter tops and cherry wood finishes, or having a camper on wheels that provides a place to sleep and a toilet, there is an RV for everyone.
Oftentimes the love for RVing is instilled during childhood when families hit the road and explore some of the country’s greatest scenery, including National Parks like Yellowstone and Glacier National Park and state parks. There is a sense of adventure boarding an RV for the first time. There is no end of options of where you can go.
The word free has always been important to Americans, but making that freedom a reality by being able to step into a home on wheels and travel to anywhere in the country is what makes RVing a lifestyle more and more people are adopting.
Tags: Fifth Wheels, RV Industry, rv travel, RVing, RVs
