FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a recreational vehicle (RV)?
- An RV is a vehicle that combines transportation and temporary living quarters for travel, recreation and camping.
- Two main categories of RVs are motorhomes (motorized) and towables (towed behind the family car, van or pickup). Type A motorhomes are generally the largest; type B motorhomes or van campers are the smallest and class C motorhome generally fall in between. Types of towable RVs are folding pop up camper, truck camper, conventional travel trailer, toy hauler and fifth wheel travel trailers.
- The annual retail value of RV shipments is $14 billion.
- There's an RV for every taste and budget. Prices for new RVs are typically $4,000-$13,000 for folding camping trailers; $4,000-$26,000 for truck campers; $8,000-$65,000 for conventional travel trailers; $48,000-$140,000 for type C motorhomes; $80,000-$150,000 for type B motorhomes and $58,000-$400,000 for type A motorhomes.
Who is the RV traveler?
- The "RV Traveler" represents a diverse group of individuals, united by a love for mobility and adventure. A significant portion of RV travelers are retirees, typically aged 55 and older, who embrace the nomadic lifestyle to explore the country during their golden years. However, the RV lifestyle isn’t exclusive to older generations. Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly drawn to RV travel, valuing the freedom, affordability, and sense of adventure it provides.
- Families also make up a substantial segment of RV travelers. Parents appreciate the convenience and bonding opportunities that RVs offer, allowing them to vacation without the constraints of hotels or restaurants. Similarly, digital nomads and remote workers are a growing demographic, leveraging RVs equipped with modern amenities like Wi-Fi to balance work and travel seamlessly.
- RV travelers span a wide range of income levels. Budget-conscious individuals often opt for entry-level RVs, while luxury models attract affluent adventurers seeking upscale experiences on the road. The lifestyle also appeals to those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping, making RVs a perfect choice for nature enthusiasts and road trip lovers alike.
- Geographically, RV travel is most popular in the United States and Canada, particularly in the western and southern regions, which are known for their scenic routes, national parks, and mild weather. This diverse mix of age groups, lifestyles, and preferences reflects the universal appeal of the RV lifestyle.
Why do people choose and use RVs?
- Flexibility and convenience — RVs offer a convenient, hassle-free way to see America. RV travelers enjoy the freedom and flexibility to go where they want, when they want — without the worry and stress of inflexible schedules, advance reservations, airport lines and luggage restrictions.
- Comfort — With fully-equipped kitchens and baths, rooms that slide out at the touch of a button, central air and heat, plasma TVs, surround-sound stereos and more, today's RVs provide travelers with all the amenities of home while on the road or at the campground.
- Family appeal — RVing is a uniquely enjoyable way to travel as a family. Families that vacation by RV say it fosters an increased sense of togetherness and helps improve family communication. RV owners say that strengthening family relationships is important for their pleasure trips.
- Affordability — RV vacations are more affordable than travel by personal car, commercial airline or cruise ship, according to vacation cost-comparison studies by PKF Consulting. Even factoring in RV ownership costs, and considering resulting tax benefits, a family of four can spend up to 74 percent less when traveling by RV.
- Lure of the outdoors — RVers can enjoy the mountains, beaches, parks, popular tourist attractions and small towns whenever they want, without giving up the comforts of home. With the new sport utility RVs, RV travelers can easily haul their ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles or other outdoor vehicles right on board.
- Versatility — In addition to travel, camping and outdoor recreation, RVs are being used year-round for a wide variety of other purposes, like shopping, tailgate parties at sporting events, pursuing special interests like horse, dog and antique shows and other hobbies.
Where do RVers travel?
- With more than 16,000 public and privately owned campgrounds nationwide, RVers are free to roam America's highways and backroads for a weekend or months at a time.
- Privately owned RV parks and campgrounds are found near popular destinations, along major tourist routes and even in metropolitan areas. These campgrounds appeal to travelers by offering a variety of activities to keep the whole family happy, including swimming pools, game rooms, playgrounds and snack bars.
- RV travelers seeking a resort atmosphere are especially attracted to the growing number of luxury RV resorts with facilities such as tennis courts, golf courses and health spas.
- Facilities at public campgrounds tend to be simple, but offer great scenic beauty. Public lands are popular for hiking, fishing, white water rafting and many other outdoor recreational opportunities enjoyed by RVers.
What does the future hold for the RV market
- The future of the RV market looks promising, driven by several key trends shaping its growth. The popularity of outdoor travel and road trips continues to rise, as RVs offer flexibility, freedom, and an affordable alternative to traditional vacations. Demand for compact and lightweight RVs is growing, especially among younger buyers and those with fuel-efficient vehicles. Sustainability is also playing a significant role, with manufacturers exploring electric RVs, renewable energy solutions like solar power, and eco-friendly materials. Technology integration is becoming standard, with features such as Wi-Fi, solar panels, and mobile office setups catering to remote workers. The market is seeing a demographic shift as Millennials and Gen Z embrace RVing for adventure and minimalist lifestyles. Additionally, RV rental platforms like Outdoorsy and RVshare are expanding access to this lifestyle, making it more affordable and convenient. While economic factors such as fuel prices and interest rates could influence demand, the rising costs of traditional travel make RVs an appealing option for budget-conscious travelers. Globally, RVing is gaining traction in regions like Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia. Luxury and customization are also on the rise, as high-end buyers seek premium features and tailored designs. Together, these factors position the RV industry for sustained growth in the years ahead.
How can I learn more aboout RVs?
- Surf the web — Check out the RVIA and Go RVing websites for information on RV travel trends, vehicles types, show listings and lists of RV dealers and campgrounds in your area.
- Visit an RV dealer — Check the yellow pages or the website of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association, www.rvda.org, for local dealership listings.
- Attend an RV show — A variety of RVs of all shapes, sizes and costs are displayed at dozens of RV shows around the nation. Show dates and locations are searchable here.
- Obtain an RV buyers' guide — Visit a local bookstore or library.
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