RECREATION VEHICLES WILL GAIN POPULARITY, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN STUDY CONCLUDES

RESTON, Va. --A University of Michigan study shows that one in four households have an interest in purchasing a recreation vehicle (RV) in the future, while one in ten households currently own at least one RV.

Heads of households age 18 to 54, encompassing the enormous baby boom generation, expressed particularly strong interest in buying RVs, which include motorhomes, travel trailers folding camping trailers, truck campers and conversion vehicles.

"The 1990's could be termed 'the RV decade'," said Dr. Richard Curtin, consumer surveys director of the University of Michigan Survey Research Center, who conducted the study for Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). "Everyone can cite advantages of the RV lifestyle, and owners have a great sense of enduring satisfaction with the product."

Among households that have never owned an RV, one in five expressed interest in buying an RV within the next five years. Purchase intentions were strongest among younger age groups with 30 percent of those age 18-34 and 16 percent of those age 35-54 thinking of buying an RV.

Current and former RV owners remain highly committed to the RV lifestyle. Among those who now own, two-thirds plan on purchasing another vehicle within the next five years on average. Most expect to remain in the market for an average of 17 more years. Four in ten former owners intend to re-enter the RV market in the next three years.

The youngest current and former owners also expressed the strongest purchase intentions. Among 18-34 year-olds, 80 percent of current and 75 percent of former owners expect to buy another vehicle.

Over the next decade, the baby boom generation will fuel the RV market as they enter the age ranges with the highest ownership rates. The new research indicates the median age of RV owners is now 48 years old. Ownership rates of motorhomes, conversion vehicles, travel trailers and fifth-wheel trailers currently reach their highest levels among those aged 55 to 64, with folding camping trailer and truck camper owners considerably younger.

Current, former and prospective owners agree that the top advantage of owning an RV is that it provides a comfortable, convenient, independent and flexible way to travel. RVs are also a good value allowing less expensive travel, and a good way to enjoy nature and outdoor recreation, respondents said.

Owners said being able to travel when and where they want is the most important reason for owning an RV. Camping, visiting family and friends, traveling in comfort and using the RV as a vacation home were other top motives to purchase.

"RV owners feel their RV provides them the best way to enjoy their favorite recreation and leisure activities, which for many range well beyond activities traditionally associated with camping," Curtin said.

The study also revealed that the market for previously owned RVs is gaining strength. "For potential RVers, especially younger buyers, used RVs and smaller new units like folding camping trailers are providing an inexpensive way to enter the RV market," said Mac Bryan, RVIA's vice president of administration, who oversaw the research.

The research found there are now 9 million RVs on the road with ownership increasing by about 100,000 households per year. The typical RV owner is married, 48 years old and had an income of $39,000 dollars in 1993.

This is the fourth University of Michigan study on recreation vehicle ownership sponsored by RVIA, the national association representing the RV manufacturers and component parts suppliers, who together produce 95 percent of all RVs manufactured in the U.S.