4
April 2015 |
RV Today
American dream trip: RVing By JULIANNE G. CRANE AutoWriters Associates
E
scaping in a recreation vehicle for a few days to the magnificent outdoors remains an American dream. In a recent survey by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (rvia.org), RV users said enjoying outdoor activities, spending quality time with family, and taking more mini-vacations, top the list for using their RVs. Many families are opting for frequent getaways closer to home for two primary reasons: higher fuel costs and busy schedules. While the shorter trips are popular, especially with families who have children at home, for many empty nesters, the longer fantasy destinations sit near the top of their bucket list. People are seeking smaller, lightweight recreation vehicles that get more miles to the gallon. The RV industry has responded to consumer demands with new designs
Coming this May!
SPLASH
and is currently into its sixth year of recovery from its low point during 2008 recession. Leading the pack are travel trailers that can be towed by light-duty trucks and SUVs and more fuel-efficient motorhome. As for prices, new conventional travel trailers typically run $8,000 to $95,000. Class C motorhomes, the smaller ones with over-cab sleeping, usually run $43,000 to $200,000 new. Larger, bus-like Class A motorhomes start at around $60,000 and go up from there. “As technology has improved and become more available,” said Kevin Broom, RVIA director of media relations, “RV makers have been offering innovative new products that are lighter weight, more aerodynamic, and more fuel efficient — while still offering a mix of amenities that appeal to the many different types of RV buyers.” “Consumer confidence is growing, credit is available, and RVs are visible, popular and even cool,” said RVIA President Richard Coon.
Considered the “mega-malls” of the RV world, RV shows are where you can find bumper-tobumper displays of gas and diesel motorhomes, travel trailers, toy haulers, fifth wheel trailers, folding campers and truck campers. “Multiple dealers gather to bring hundreds of the latest models and offer deals,” according to Go RVing (gorving.com). “This provides a great opportunity for prospective buyers to wander between different models, check out various floor plans, ask questions, meet other RVers, and find the RV that best suits their needs.” To maximize your time, do a little homework before walking through the front doors of an RV show. Think about how you plan to use your RV. Do you want to drive or tow a rig? Where will it be stored? What is your budget? How do you plan to finance it? And, if you are a serious potential buyer, consider arranging financing ahead of time.
www.heraldnet.com
Cool Happenings for Hot Summer Fun!