RV FAST FACTS

What is a recreation vehicle (RV)?

An RV is a vehicle that combines transportation and temporary living quarters for travel, recreation and camping.

RVs are either motorized (motorhomes and conversion vehicles) or towable units (folding camping trailers, truck campers and travel trailers). RVs offer a wide range of amenities to suit different budgets, needs and tastes. Starting prices can be as little as $3,200 for folding camping trailers. Roomy travel trailers begin at $11,000. Prices for motorhomes start at $40,000, or about the same as a full-size sport-utility vehicle. High-end models can cost more than $100,000.

Why do people choose and use RVs?

Family appeal - RVing is fun for adults and children alike. In fact, families that frequently vacation by RV report that it fosters an increased sense of togetherness and helps improve family communication. Recent research by Louis Harris and Associates found that 92% of parents who own and RV said that RVs are the best way to travel with family and children. Perhaps more significant, 63% of parents who have never owned an RV agreed.

Affordability - RV vacations are overwhelmingly the most economical, from one-third to three-quarters less expensive, according to a recent study comparing vacation costs. Eighty-seven percent of RV owners surveyed by Louis Harris agreed that "for low cost vacations, there's little to beat an RV."

Flexibility and convenience - For busy families who want to escape the stress of everyday life, owning an RV can make every weekend a mini-vacation. Kept packed with essentials, RVs are ready to travel at a moment's notice. According to the Harris research, nine out of ten RV owners agree that RVs are a great way to travel because they eliminate the need to pack and unpack bulky suitcases.

Comfort - RVs have complete living, cooking, dining, sleeping and bathroom facilities to provide travelers with the amenities of home while on the road.

Lure of the outdoors - RVs take travelers everywhere -- to the mountains, beaches, popular tourist attractions, cities and small towns.

Versatility - In addition to travel and camping, RVs are being used year-round for a variety of uses, including enjoying outdoor activities like fishing and hunting, commuting and general transportation, serving as a spare bedroom for guests, shopping, attending sporting events and visiting family and friends.

Who is the RV traveler?

A University of Michigan Survey Research Center study for RVIA found that one out of every 10 vehicle-owning families owns an RV. That number rises to one in nine among households headed by 35-to 54-year-olds. With some families owning more than one RV, there are more than 9 million RVs on the road.

RV owners are closely divided among empty-nesters aged 55 and up, enjoying the freedom of frequent retirement travel, and 35-54-year-old couples raising families, who appreciate the convenience, economy and enjoyment of RV vacations. According to a recent University of Michigan study, 44% of America's RVers are aged 55 and up while 39% are between the ages of 35 and 54.

The average RV owner is 48 years old, owns his own home, has a household income just under $40,000, buys in order to travel and camp, and is overwhelmingly pleased with the purchase, according to RVIA research.

There are an estimated 25 million RV enthusiasts in the United States. According to RVIAS, RV owners annually travel an average of 5,900 miles and spend over 23 days on the road. Another 12 million households intend to buy or rent in the near future.

The retail value of RVs produced in 1995 was $12.1 billion. Including the RV Rental market, it is estimated that RVs are a $15.75 billion industry.

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 weeks on end.

Privately owned RV parks and campgrounds are found near popular destinations, along major tourist routes and even in city environments. These campgrounds appeal to traveling families by offering a variety of activities to keep children busy. Swimming pools, game rooms, playgrounds and snack bars are practically standard.

RV travelers seeking a resort atmosphere with facilities such as tennis courts, golf courses and health spas flock to the new breed of luxury RV resorts.

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.

What does the future hold for the RV industry?

RV sales are expected to increase in the 1990s as the massive "baby boom" generation enters the prime RV buying years, age 45-54.

Changes in the frequency and duration of vacations also favor the RV industry. Americans are traveling more but over short distances and on weekends with less planning, according to recent studies. For RV owners, this is a natural travel pattern.

The growing popularity of RVing parallels the importance of outdoor recreation in the U.S. A survey by the Recreation Roundtable found 77% of Americans view outdoor recreation as a priority in their lives and 67% plan to increase their participation in camping in the 1990's. RVs are a natural focal point for many of these activities, especially camping.

How to learn more about RVs?

Visit an RV dealer. Check the yellow pages for local dealerships. Attend an area RV show to see a great variety of products at one location. Rent an RV from one of the 400 outlets nationwide. Renting allows potential buyers to try RV travel and determine which type of unit best suits their needs. Check the yellow pages under "Recreation Vehicle-Rentals" for the nearest rental outlet.

Obtain an RV buyers guide available from bookstores and libraries. Subscribe to one of many RV enthusiast magazines or newspapers.

For information about RV travel, including industry statistics and RV travel trends, members of the media are encouraged to contact RVIA's Public Relations Department at (703) 620-6003.

Who can talk about the RV experience?

RVIA President David J. Humphreys is the industry's primary spokesperson. He can address topics related to RV travel, general travel, tourism and outdoor recreation.

Harry Basch and Shirley Slater are travel writers who, after traveling the world, have chosen RV travel as their preferred way to vacation.

David Woodworth is an RV historian who can talk about the long history of RV travel that dates back nearly 100 years. He has an extensive collection of photogenic antique RVs.

Christine Loomis is the travel editor for Family Life magazine and she has discovered that RV travel is the best way to vacation with her family. She can provide the perspective of a baby boom-age parent. To reach these RVIA spokespeople, contact Dan Carney in RVIA's Public Relations Dept., at (703) 620-6003 ext. 306.