"The RV industry is down but it's not out"  -  Roaming Times

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"The RV industry is down but it's not out"

RV shipments down but large part of the market still remains...

RVIA logo  The following summarizes an October 2008 “letter to the industry” from Gary LaBella, vice president and chief marketing officer for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA):

Labella started by asking  "What really happened to travel in general and our industry's image in this summer of volatile fuel prices, an economy in turmoil and historically low consumer confidence?"

These are the key points of his conclusions:

  • The RV market is down but not out. It is true that 2008 shipments are forecast to fall by 24% to 266,800 units; however, to look at it in a more positive light that means that 76% of the market still remains.

  • RVers still hit the road, albeit with some adjustments. According to an RVIA post-summer survey, 48% said fuel prices did not affect their plans at all. Citing both fuel costs and financial concerns, others told us they continued to enjoy RVing, but adjusted by taking fewer trips or staying closer to home. An impressive 80% said they were able to keep RVing because "RV vacations cost less than other options."

  • Campgrounds and RV rentals held their own as campground business remained steady, down only slightly from a record year in 2007, and rentals were "flat to slightly up" overall for the summer, according to the largest rental dealers.

"Granted this may not portray a booming travel market, but it certainly does not support the bleak vacation outlook painted by the media at summer's onset.”

What do you think?  Read RoTi readers' comments below and add your own opinion ...

READERS' COMMENTS
(Latest comments first)

What do you think? - add your comments here  
  
authorcomments
Geoff BruckeThis economy is going to cause everyone problems but I'm determined to travel as much as I can and enjoy life. RVing is the best way to go. I was hoping to retire in 3 years time but it might come much sooner. Maybe the best thing for me to do will be to sell the house and go fulltime. Maybe it's not such a bad thing so long as the market picks up again this year.
Ken VThis would be a great time to buy if I could be sure of my future and if I could get credit. I'm sure there's great bargains out there.
John AI think a lot depends on how long this downturn lasts and if manufacturers can hold out. The longer it lasts, the more manufacturers and suppliers as well as dealers and everyone connected to RVs will be forced out. The strongest and best will survive but we need new ideas and new technologies.
fredDon't be fooled by the RV park rental numbers that the RVIA exec discussed. We've been full time RVing for 12 years and most of the parks we now visit are not being used by traditional RVers but are becoming work camp communities for regular working folks. And more than a few appear to be immigrant type workers from our neighbor nation to the far south. RVers need to be aware of this trend because I doubt if RV parks are checking for green cards. One such worker told me they were "retaking Texas" one RV park at a time. Keep up the good work with your reporting and especially for the opportunity to comment on articles. fredb
Joseph KRV'ing goes back to the core values of the true America, remember the slogan in the 60’s “See the USA in your Chevrolet”. American wanted to see and enjoy this great land from coast to coast; and USA has a lot to offer us! Each of us RV’ers needs to tell none-RV’ers and especially the young adults; because, they are the future of RV’ing. About what it is like to be on a mini-vacation (Friday night, Saturday & Sunday) 60 to 100 miles from your home and with their family! RV’ing and The Family is the back-bone of America… So Speak-Up…. Speak-Up… to everyone you know, and RV’ing “will” get back on THE ROAD again
John AI really think this would be a good time to buy. I think there are bound to be really good deals and I think prices will go up. I wish I could afford it, I think I'd go for a class B.
George KentIt's true that some areas are affected more than others. We did a long trip and found that the parks near big cities were full and the parks in the middle of nowhere were almost empty. People are not traveling so much.
John KI think most people think like I'm starting to think, there's not a lot you can do about the economy and I'm not staying home. If the economy is going to turn down we should enjoy it now while we can if you have the money.

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