RECREATION VEHICLES ARE GAINING ALL-SEASON POPULARITY

RESTON, Va. -- Continuing a three-year trend, recreation vehicle (RV) owners are planning more trips this fall and winter than last, according to a recent survey of owners by Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA).

Whether they are camping, checking out colorful fall foliage, tailgate partying or shopping at outlet malls for holiday gifts, more RV owners are using their vehicles year-round. That is because RVs provide them the comfortable, convenient surroundings of home in all kinds of settings and weather, owners say.

Nearly four of every ten owners reported that they will use their RVs more this season than they did a year ago. Almost all of the rest plan to maintain last year's level of RV activity.

Half of all Rvers will travel 20 days or more between Labor Day and the first day of spring, and a quarter will spend a month or more on the road. As in the last two years, 92 percent of Rvers plan at least one RV trip this fall and winter.

The RV travel figures were gathered via the "Campfire Canvass," a semiannual nationwide survey of RV owners tabulated for RVIA by Robert Hitlin Research Associates, Inc., Vienna, Va.

RV travel remains popular right into winter, says RVIA President David J. Humphreys, because "RVs keep getting better. With thermostatically-controlled central heat, high-output gas furnaces, microwave ovens and hot water heaters, they provide complete comfort for all but the harshest conditions."

"There is nothing like being snug in your warm, comfortable RV in the midst of the beauty of the change of the seasons," Humphreys said. "It is a wonderful way to travel."

Eighteen percent of Rvers surveyed identified themselves as snowbirds, who flee harsh northern winters for sunnier southern climes. They named Arizona, Florida and California s their favorite winter destinations, where their RVs provide them a winter's home.

Rvers say they expect to use their RVs as much or more this fall and winter than they did last year. Just under 39 percent surveyed said they would use their RV more times this year and 56 percent said that they will use their RV as much as last fall and winter. Only 5 percent will use their RV less often this fall and winter.

This fall and winter three-quarters of RV owners plan to go camping in the great outdoors and nearly half will go in search of all colors on foliage tours. One-third will visit flea markets, using their RVs to provide carrying space to take new-found treasures home. Harvest festivals are popular, attracting another one-third of the Rvers surveyed and 28 percent will go hunting or fishing with their RV. Twelve percent will use their RV to support their favorite football team this fall, driving to games for tailgate parties.

Where do Rvers stay during their cold-weather travels? They mentioned state parks and forests more than any other destination, followed, in order of preference, by sites near mountains, RV resorts, national parks/forests, beaches, historical sites, cities/metropolitan areas and theme parks. RVs are popular for use as accommodations for winter holiday travelers. Forty percent of Rvers will use their RV to visit family and friends during the holidays. Many of the rest will invite holiday visitors to stay in their RV, with 32 percent saying that the RV will serve as guest quarters.

A free booklet on "Choosing & Using Your RV" and a complete directory of RV shows, and publications and clubs in available by writing to RVIA, Dept. PR, P.O. Box 2999, Reston, Va 20195-0999