Consumer confidence may be down, but RVer confidence remains high, according to the biannual Campfire Canvass survey of RV owners conducted by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA).
Fifty-five percent of survey respondents intend to use their RVs more this spring/summer than last year, and 45% are considering another purchase, according to a news release announcing the results.
Only 4% say they’ll use their RVs less this year. Three-fourths said they planned to take more mini-vacations so they could escape stress, spend more quality time with family, and enjoy nature and other outdoor activities.
A primary reason why so many RVers will be traveling – and even buying in this economy – this spring/summer is that they appreciate the value they get compared to flying, driving and staying in hotels, according to the survey.
Eighty-six percent say RVing is an affordable way to travel. Three-fourths save at least 25% when they travel in an RV – more than a quarter save 35% to 50%. These results echo the findings of a study by international travel and tourism experts PKF Consulting, which found family RV trips are 27% to 61% less expensive than other types of vacations.
“RV travel continues to appeal to people looking to save money and cut costs,” says Richard Coon, RVIA president. “By having their homes-on-wheels with them, RV owners receive a bigger bang for their buck than other types of vacations offer.”
Other findings:
