RVing - it's NOT dead, it's NOT thriving, it IS changing

RVing - it's NOT dead, it's NOT thriving, it IS changing - Roaming Times

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RVing -
it's NOT dead, it's NOT thriving, it IS changing

See reader's opinions at bottom of page

Fleetwood Bounder class A gas motorhome exterior
Fleetwood filed for bankruptcy but a dealer selling Bounders in a Costco lot tells Roaming Times there are good deals and the Bounder is still popular
See RoTi Bounder review Search RoTi RV reviews

DYING?

San Diego Channel 6 News ran a story called "Death of the RV" this week.

However, several media outlets ran stories about BIGGER than usual attendance at RV shows.

Fleetwood filed for bankruptcy on March 10 and Winnebago posted a $10 million loss in late March, but Country Coach says it plans to resume manufacturing.

THRIVING?

More than one manufacturer of small travel trailers told Roaming Times in late March that their sales are fine - even better than "normal". (See RoTi small travel trailer section)

Karen ("Major Skibum" in the RoTi forum) wrote that "I own a 2006 T@B (see RoTi review) . After 2 ski seasons, and working out some technical situations, I have got this down to a science. Having been an rv virgin, I didn't realize how much I really needed a generator, with my Honda 2000, I just came back from a week long ski trip, no problems. warm and cozy, watched movies at night and skied all day. I stayed in a motel one night, just to shower, but I saved over $600, on that one trip. sure i could have showered everyday, but at $100 a shower, that's a bit pricey for me. I have driven my trailer through snowstorms, and muddy backroads, and it's so light, 2 people can easily move it, when needed. I drive an Xterra, towing usually uses more gas aprox. 25% more. that's not bad. I am a turtle, I carry my home on my back..hehe"

Serro Scotty HiLander small travel trailer exterior

Thriving - rhe Retro look
See RoTi Serro Scotty HiLander review
Search RoTi RV reviews

Coleman Switchback - open

Thriving - Coleman Switchback camping trailer
See RoTi Swithchback review Search RoTi RV reviews

Cedar Creek Cottage destination trailer by Forest River
See RoTi review Search RoTi RV reviews

Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite travel trailer exterior
Rockwood Mini Lite
See RoTi review Search RoTi RV reviews

CHANGING?

Destination (extended stay) trailers are gaining in popularity (see RoTi section). People are making shorter trips and having longer stays at their destination.

Destination trailers - or extended stay trailers as they are otherwise called - usually offer all the amenities of home with residential-style details. There is often a residential-style feel to the interior with extra large windows and a sliding patio door. Kitchens, for example, are often designed tor extended stays with a large refrigerator and a spacious open feel.

Ultra-lites are becoming popular too. (See RoTi section.) People increasingly tell RoTi that they are looking for travel trailers and campers that can be towed by cars, mini-vans, SUV's, light duty trucks, small pickups, etc.

It's not dying (well, some of it is maybe) - and it's not thriving (well, some of it is maybe) - but it sure is changing

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

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READERS' COMMENTS

(Latest comments first)

What do you think? - add your comments here

author	comments
Bob	I think the key word is change. We are fulltimers and in that area I see little change. Many folks have made large investments and just accept the current world as it is. We may make fewer trips and stay longer to cut our fuel costs but we choose this life style for a reason and that has not changed. Bob
Colin	I went to the RV show at Binghamton University Events Center in NY last week and it was crowded. The local TV said it was the best turnout and most sales in the last 3 years.
Robert Carr	I bought a Fleetwood in February. Incredible buy. Good price and it's been trouble free so far apart from 3 minor items (2 electrical and one for a water valve sticking). The dealer is still in business and I'm getting excellent service.
Glen	I think there are a lot of dealers going broke just now. There are 2 in my area gone out of business this year. A lot depends on what they're selling. But it leaves a problem with maintenance too. One that went down was where I usually get my coach serviced.
Pete Muller	I've been to 2 rv shows in the last month and both were real busy. This is a buyers market and there's some good deals. Now if I could only sell my present RV.
Major skibum	I own a 2006 T@b. After 2 ski seasons,and working out some technical situations, i have got this down to a science. Having been an rv virgin, I didn't realize how much I really needed a generator, with my honda 2000, I just came back from a week long ski trip, no problems. warm and cozy, watched movies@ night and skied all day. I stayed in a motel one night, just to shower, but I saved over $600, on that one trip. sure i could have showered everyday, but at $100 a shower, thats a bit pricey for me. I have driven my trailer through snowstorms, and mudddy backroads, and its so light, 2 people can easily move it, when needed. I drive an Xterra, towing usually uses more gas aprox. 25% more. thats not bad. I am a turtle, I carry my home on my back..hehe
Margaret	Bought our T@b in early July 2008 and went camping with it for over 30 days over the summer. Loved it!!! Still lots of snow here in late March but so looking forward to taking to the road with our little home away from home.
Joe T	It would be nice to see the RV industry be able to be creative like the auto folks and give RV buyers low interest loans and rates to increase the purchasing of RV's. But it is a buyers market now and there are some good deals.