What does an RV buyer look for when shopping? As many veteran RV sellers will tell you, it starts with lifestyle. Specs and features come secondary.

Do these statements sound familiar?

• “We have two big Labradors that always come with us.”

• “Sometimes we’ll have two kids and three grandchildren on a trip.”

• “I just need something to haul my gear to the next stop.”

Before actually buying a new RV, everybody wants to make sure they get the right kitchen equipment and the right style of finishes. But those concerns only come after figuring out how their RV is going to be used, where, and how often.   

Determining the RV lifestyle you desire is the first step in buying an RV (photo courtesy of GoRving)

Determining the RV lifestyle you desire is the first step in buying an RV (photo courtesy of GoRving)

In a recent profile of RV industry news and trends, owner Fran Roberts of Long View RV Superstore in Connecticut describes how he helps buyers navigate the decision process. Whether it’s retirees or performing musicians or jet ski fanatics, what really matters is how you want to use and enjoy the RV.

Sales Trends, Gas Prices, and the RV Lifestyle

Over the years, RV industry news has been dominated by consumer confidence – people buy in a strong economy with low gas prices, but make other plans during recessions. In recent years, however, lifestyle trends have affected RV sales as much as anything else.

While the market is currently  'right' for buying an RV, lifestyle trends are one of the key factors behind the strong demand.

While the market is currently ‘right’ for buying an RV, lifestyle trends are behind the strong demand.

As Roberts told the Hartford Courant, people buy for personal reasons. They don’t want to fly, or they don’t like hassling with hotels while traveling with pets.

As more Baby Boomers retire and many Millennial RV buyers decide to put off home ownership, we see different flavors of personality affecting the market. More camping, more recreation, and more travel for the sake of travel.

In other words, people want their whole life on wheels – so selling an RV really does mean selling a lifestyle.

Reach out into this bustling, dynamic market and list your RV for sale today or find an RV for sale to match your desired lifestyle.  

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