Press Releases
RV VACATIONS ARE LEAST EXPENSIVE, STUDY FINDS
RESTON, VA -- Even when fuel prices rise, RV trips remain the least expensive type of vacation, according to a new study comparing vacation costs.
PKF Consulting, an internationally recognized consulting firm with expertise in travel and tourism, found that “typical RV family vacations are on average 26 to 74 percent less expensive than other types of vacations studied.”
Even factoring in RV ownership and fuel costs, the study reveals that RV vacations are more economical than those taken by personal car, commercial airline or cruise ship.
“Regardless of gas prices, RV owners still get a bigger bang for their buck when compared to other types of vacations,” says Richard Coon, president, Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). “Affordability is a key reason why RV travel appeals so much to families.”
PKF analyzed major costs that would be incurred by families taking nine different types of vacations to such popular travel destinations as the Grand Canyon; Orlando, Fla.; Cape Cod; Napa, Calif.; and Alaska. PKF selected three types of RVs typically used by families for vacation purposes — a folding camping trailer, conventional travel trailer and Type C motorhome.
“In all cases, RV trips were more economical than other vacations analyzed, regardless of trip duration, distance or region of the country,” says Kannan Sankaran, PKF's lead researcher for the study.
“Even when fuel prices rise, our data show that each RV vacation would still be significantly less expensive,” Sankaran explained. “While fuel costs are a component of the overall vacation cost, fluctuations in fuel prices aren't significant enough to affect a family's decision of whether or not to take RV trips over other types of vacations.” According to the study, fuel prices would need to triple to make RVing more expensive for a family of four than other forms of travel.
Vacations using a personal car, staying in hotels and eating in restaurantsñthe least expensive of the non-RV travel optionsñwere found to be 36 percent more costly on average than going by RV.
The study showed, for example, that a family of four traveling from Washington, D.C. to Dennis Port, Mass. for 10 days with their folding camping trailer in tow, staying in campgrounds for the local average of $25 per night, would save 54 percent, or $1,696, over the same trip taken by car, staying in hotels averaging $120 per night and eating in restaurants. Taking the same vacation by motorhome would save $974, or 34 percent, over going by car.
On a trip from Atlanta to Orlando for a week, a family of four would save $1,658, or 53 percent, by traveling in their motorhome and staying in campgrounds averaging $27 per night, rather than flying, renting a car, staying in hotels averaging $125 per night and eating in restaurants.
A week-long family vacation towing a conventional travel trailer from Salt Lake City, Utah to the Grand Canyon compared to the cost of taking the same trip by airline, renting a car and staying in a rental property would be $2,820 or 70 percent less expensive.
Shorter getaways were also found to be more economical by RV. For example, a family taking a three-day vacation from Pittsburgh, Pa. to Lancaster, Pa. would save $271 — or 31 percentñby towing a conventional travel trailer, rather than going by car, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants. The savings would be even greater — $1,049 or 62.2 percent — for families taking the same trip by motorhome rather than flying.
According to PKF, renting an RV is the most affordable way to tour Alaska. The study shows that 14-day RV rentals were less than half the cost of Alaskan all-inclusive cruises, including roundtrip air fare, and 69 percent less expensive than trips involving air fares, car rentals, hotels and restaurants.
In addition to major expenditures required from the start to finish of each vacation, PKF factored in an estimated cost of ownership of the RVs analyzed. Research included documenting average ownership periods, residual values, annual days of use, insurance and applicable IRS interest deductions for second-home mortgages.
“RV travel offers great value and affordability,” says Coon, “but there are other key reasons to travel by RV, too. RVs are a comfortable, convenient, stress-free way to travel, enjoy the great outdoors and spend quality time with family.”
The PKF study considered only quantifiable economic factors, not the comparative quality of each vacation. As a result, the convenience, flexibility and quality family time cited as major benefits of traveling in an RV could not be addressed.
To learn more about RV travel, consumers can order a free “getting-started” DVD or CD-ROM at GoRVing.com or 1-888-Go RVing. They can also surf the website for lists of Go RVing dealers and campgrounds in their area, as well as RV shows, publications, rental sources and clubs. Or write to: RVIA, P.O. Box 2999, Dept. P, Reston, VA 20195.
RVIA is the national association representing more than 550 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.
RV Vacations Save Money
How going by RV reduces family vacation costs vs. other vacation types, according to a comprehensive study comparing travel expenses to popular U.S. destinations:
| Vacation Type | Itinerary | Amount Saved By RV |
| Folding Camping Trailer vs. Car/Hotel | Denver to Grand Canyon | 54 Percent |
| Type C Motorhome vs. Airline/Rental Car/Hotel | Atlanta to Orlando | 53 Percent |
| Travel Trailer vs. Airline/Rental Car/Rental Home | Washington, D.C. to Cape Cod | 43 Percent |
| Transport Mode/Accommodations | 3 Days | 7 Days | 10 Days | 14 Days |
| Car towing a Folding Camping Trailer/Campgrounds | $508 | $1,125 | $1,605 | $2,317 |
| Light-Duty Truck or SUV towing a Travel Trailer/Campground | $623 | $1,376 | $1,963 | $2,837 |
| Motorhome/Campgrounds | $647 | $1,491 | $2,127 | $2,996 |
| Personal Car/Hotels or Motels | $903 | $2,182 | $3,125 | $4,222 |
| Personal Car or Airplane/Rental Property | $1,514 | $2,725 | $3,570 | $4,281 |
| Airplane or Rental Car/Hotels or Motels | $1,678 | $3,044 | $4,406 | $5,742 |
| Cruise Ship Vacation | NA | $9,399 | $7,425 | $9,053 |
| All-Inclusive Package Vacation | NA | $5,156 | $7,125 | $9,285 |
Source: Leading tourism research firm PKF Consulting. When vacationing by RV, a family of four can spend up to 74 percent less compared to other vacation types. RV vacations were found to offer big savings over travel by car or plane with hotel accommodations or rental properties. Even the most expensive RV trip is one-third the cost of a cruise excursion and one-fifth the cost of an all-inclusive package getaway.
RVers CRUISE INFORMATION HIGHWAY
RESTON, VA -- Recreation vehicles (RVs) are as much at home on the virtual information highway as on a country road. Now dozens of Internet sites devoted to RVs and RV travel provide valuable online resources and gathering places for RV enthusiasts and newcomers alike, even those considering buying or renting their first RV.
The most comprehensive web source is GoRVing.com, created by the Go RVing Coalition of RV manufacturers, component suppliers, dealers and campgrounds. Designed for first-time RV buyers and renters, this user-friendly website describes the variety of RVs available and allows you to search for RV dealer locations and rental resources, as well as order a free 18-minute “getting-started” video of RV buying tips.
From the Go RVing website you can link to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s (RVIA) website and browse the manufacturer directory, RV retail show calendar, industry news, maintenance tips, market trends, photo gallery and RVIA's online bookstore.
Additional links take you to websites by the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) its subsidiary, the Recreation Vehicle Rental Association (RVRA) and the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC). RVDA’s site shares information on locating and contacting RV dealerships nationwide; RVRA’s provides U.S., Canadian and European listings of over 270 RV rental companies, as well as consumer tips on renting; ARVC’s offers campground information for 3,700 member properties.
Many other RV websites are useful to consumers and travelers alike. For instance, leading RV companies have sites showcasing their products and services. Publishers of RV-enthusiast periodicals put their magazines and newsletters online to reach readers more easily on the road. In addition, many RVers post online travel logs to document their travels for fellow enthusiasts. Still other sites facilitate dialogue and information exchanges among RVers -- through discussion forums chat rooms, bulletin boards, and classified ads.
Access to the Internet is a boon for frequent RVers with its many vacation-planning resources, including online reservations for campgrounds and rental agencies. Even when traveling, RVers can access online maps, travel alerts and weather reports. E-mail and online resources are more portable than “snail-mail” and paper literature. Internet access also provides timely communication with friends and family, who can conveniently leave travelers e-mail messages when they don’t have a regular phone number.
Campgrounds increasingly feature telephone connections as part of their RV hook-up service, so travelers can get dial-up Internet access when they stay overnight. Some are introducing wireless modems or kiosks with high-speed Internet access. For Internet access while on the road or from campgrounds without connections, some RVers rely on cellular communications systems. Satellite telephone systems are available for RVers outside areas covered by cellular service.
For your reference, here are some other popular RV travel-related websites:
- Fun Roads
Personalized RV trip planning and maps, fun stops en route, recipes, and locators for RV service, parts, and products. - Great Outdoors Recreation Page
Scenic drives, links, driving resources and tips, campgrounds and clubs from the Great Outdoors Recreation Page. - KOA
KOA campground locations, online reservations, giveaways, newsletter, camping tips, trip planner, and adventure vacation ideas. - RV America
RV News magazine forums and chat rooms, campground reviews, RV shopping mall, RV show schedules, tech help desk, classifieds and directories of businesses serving RVers. Plus, how to calculate the retail value of used RVs.
RV DRIVING: DIFFERENT, NOT DIFFICULT
RESTON, VA - Driving or towing a recreation vehicle (RV) is easier than many newcomers think and opens up a world of on-the-road travel adventure.
Experienced automobile drivers already possess the necessary skills. Motorized RVs typically come equipped with automatic transmission, power brakes and power steering. With proper attention to the differences in vehicle size, height and weight, you'll find it fun and easy to take the wheel of a conversion vehicle or motorhome. Towing skills are also readily acquired for the various types of towable RVs.
Recreation vehicles do not require a commercial driver's license for personal use. In some states, the very largest RVs may require a special test for a different class of driver's license.
Whether you will be driving a motorized RV or towing and RV, you should:
- Adjust and use all rear view mirrors. Before leaving on a trip, sit in the driver's seat and adjust all mirrors for optimal road views.
- Account for your vehicle size when turning. The front and rear wheels will track paths much farther apart than those of a car.
- Allow more time to brake, change lanes and enter a busy highway, since bigger vehicles take more time to accelerate and slow down.
- Back up with care. It is a good idea to have someone outside the vehicle assist the driver in backing up to avoid any obstacles not seen in the mirrors. If another person is not available, the driver should inspect the area behind the vehicle. By evaluating the situation before backing, drivers can avoid surprises and accidents.
Drivers towing a folding camping trailer or travel trailers also should:
- Match the proper tow vehicle to your RV. Most full and midsize family cars can pull a trailer; so can today's popular vans, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and light-duty trucks. Check the owner's manual to find the trailer types that your vehicle can haul and the maximum load weight it can pull.
- Use the right trailer hitch and make sure it is hitched correctly.
- Connect brakes and signal lights. Always check that the trailer's brakes, turn signals and tail lights are synchronized with the towing vehicle's.
Whether you're driving a motorhome, conversion vehicle or other tow vehicles, make every trip a safer one by buckling up your safety belt and making sure passengers are secured too. Wearing a safety belt is the single most effective thing you can do to prevent serious injury and death in a traffic accident, according to the National Safety Belt Coalition.
WHY I LOVE MY RV: 10 CELEBRITIES WHO ENJOY THE RV LIFESTYLE
RESTON, VA (February 2007) - RV travel is more popular than ever, with ownership at a record high, according to research by Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). People enjoy the comfort, convenience, control and freedom that RVs offer.
Take Olympic skier Bode Miller, for example. At the recent World Cup Skiing competition, Miller said he’d rather stay in his RV than in the team hotel, and that he preferred his own bed and food. Miller is one of many high-profile athletes and celebrities who are passionate about RVing. Here’s a list compiled by RVIA of 10 well-recognized people who have been quoted in news outlets on their love of RVs:
- Jeff Daniels, actor: “I don’t think you can call yourself a true American until you’ve been behind the wheel of an RV…I love seeing parts of the country I wouldn’t otherwise.”
- Clarence Thomas, U.S. Supreme Court Justice: “Being an RVer helps me do my job better. The RV world gives me a chance to balance things out. It allows me a sense of freedom.”
- Jeff Gordon, NASCAR driver, “My RV is the only place where I can find some peace and quiet.”
- Bob Gibson, Hall of Fame major league pitcher: “I enjoy the RV world. I will have one until the day I die.”
- Matthew McConaughey, actor: “There’s nothing not to like about it. The freedom of being able to pull up, stop, power up anywhere you want — beach or whatever. Set up and have your front yard different every single day.”
- Jim Kaat, former major league baseball pitcher: “I’ve gone from being a major league pitcher to a major league RV owner. I’ll travel roughly 5,000 miles in my RV this year. It’s a great way to see America, and as relaxed a way to see the country as there can possibly be.”
- Dean Karnazes, ultra marathon runner and best-selling author: “It’s great for family bonding and eating healthy on the road, because you can prepare your own foods.”
- Sue Henry, best-selling mystery writer: “You meet so many people in an RV. And they’re so friendly. I couldn’t do the research I do without one. In an RV, I can park and have everything I need.”
- Davis Love, pro golfer: “I’ve got my bed, my pillows, my satellite card, my underwear and socks in the RV.”
- Bode Miller, U.S. Olympic skier: “My team is sabotaging me by not letting me sleep in my motorhome.”
The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association is the national association representing more than 500 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States. Visit GoRVing.com for more information about RVing, or to get a free DVD about how to get started RVing.
SURVEY SHOWS RV TRAVEL WILL RISE THIS SPRING/SUMMER
RESTON, VA (May 2, 2007) - Recreation vehicle owners are pumped up about the upcoming travel season and plan to use their RVs more this spring/summer than they did last year, according to a new study.
Despite fluctuating fuel prices, the latest biannual Campfire Canvass survey of RV owners, conducted by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), reveals that 76 percent of RV owners intend to use their RVs more this spring/summer than last year, and 20 percent plan to use theirs the same amount. Only 4 percent say they’ll use their RVs less.
Nearly half (48 percent) say fuel costs will not affect their RV travel plans. Of those who said their plans would be affected, 60 percent will adjust to higher fuel prices by traveling to destinations closer to home. Fifty-six percent said they’d stay longer in one place.
“Americans love RVs because they provide freedom, flexibility and control,” says Richard Coon, president of RVIA. “Whether RV owners travel five or 500 miles, they enjoy all the amenities and benefits that RVing offers.”
Busy Families Planning Shorter, More Frequent Getaways
Many families are taking shorter, more frequent getaways in their RVs to accommodate their busy schedules. According to the survey, 91 percent of RV owners are planning three or more short RV trips (1-4 days) this spring and summer.
“Our RV is always packed and ready to go when the spirit moves us,” says Rod Littleton, 36, of Knightstown, Ind. “Even with current gas prices, traveling is less expensive with our lodging and meals right with us. My family and I love RVing so much we look for excuses to get away even for short day trips.”
Even families who can’t get away don’t have to stop RVing. “With our 3-year-old and 6-year-old daughters, we’re expected to go camping every weekend during the summer,” says Dennis Carey, 42, of Lindenhurst, IL. “But if for some reason we’re unable to go, we’ll spend weekend nights in our motorhome parked in our driveway to please our daughters. It’s fun even if we can’t make it to a campground.”
RVers Plan to Visit National Parks
America’s national parks are among the most popular destinations for RV trips this spring/summer, according to the survey. More than 100 national parks were mentioned, with Yellowstone, Yosemite and Zion the most popular destinations for RVers.
RVs Allow Travelers to Bring Anything Onboard
RV owners appreciate the control that RVs offer in today’s travel climate. Unlike air travelers, RVers can bring anything they want onboard, including pets. According to the survey, 57 percent of RV owners bring pets along on trips. Most RVers traveling with pets are bringing dogs (88 percent), but some are also bringing cats (18 percent) and other pets such as parakeets, parrots, ferrets and even horses.
RVing Brings Families Closer Together
RVing also strengthens family relationships, according to the survey. Eighty-four percent of the married respondents said RVing has brought them closer together, while 85 percent said RVing has contributed to a greater family bond.
Favorite Activities
RVers enjoy an array of activities while traveling in their RVs. Favorites include: cooking out (76 percent), sightseeing (74 percent), and scenic drives (72 percent). Visiting friends and family was mentioned by 60 percent. Forty percent of RVers like to visit festivals and fairs. Other favorite activities include shopping, antiquing, and visiting theme parks or zoos.
Almost half (45 percent) plan to use their RV to enjoy outdoor sports and activities with hiking (53 percent), fishing and hunting (52 percent), and biking (32 percent) mentioned as favorites.
Would-be RV travelers can order a free “getting-started” DVDor CD-ROM at GoRVing.com or 1-888-Go RVing. They can also surf the website for lists of Go RVing dealers and campgrounds in their area, as well as RV shows, publications, rental sources and clubs. Or write to: RVIA, P.O. Box 2999, Dept. P, Reston, VA20195.
The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association is the national association representing more than 550 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.
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