Posted by Ashley Gannon on Jan 04, 2012
In a 2011 consumer survey conducted by the University of Michigan for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), 1 in 5 American households expressed interest in purchasing an RV. The two fastest-growing demographics in the RV Nation are retiring Baby Boomers and empty-nesters over the age of 55 and singles and young couples under age 35. The increasingly diverse RV buyer pool has spurred RV manufacturers to introduce a greater range of feature choices that allow RV buyers to customize their RV purchase at the factory or dealership level.
Personalized living space is one of the hottest RV trends for 2012. Using multiple and deeper slides, RV manufacturers have been able to abandon the traditional shotgun layout and introduce exciting new L-shaped floor plans in select 2012 RV motorhomes and travel trailers. The new floor plans provide RV buyers with greater flexibility in creating living spaces that suit their lifestyle.
Greater use of panoramic views, picture windows and skylights is brightening up RV interiors and creating a more fluid bridge to the natural world outside. Specialized built-ins and more efficient use of vertical space are giving RV owners the storage space they need for prolonged trips and full-time living. In recognition of the increasing interest in full-time RV use, RV manufacturers are offering full-sized kitchens and bathrooms as an option in a greater range of RV models. New RVs are also coming off the production line fully wired to accommodate advanced electronic, digital and wireless technology.
Posted by Ashley Gannon on Dec 30, 2011
As we ring in the New Year, the RV industry is poised to offer RV buyers a greater number and broader range of choices than ever before. The growing diversification of the RV Nation has triggered a move toward what the industry is calling “right sizing.” In order to meet the often different needs of today’s new RV owners, manufacturers are making it easier for RV buyers to customize their RV purchase to create the right size RV to fit their lifestyle and budget.
RV buyer interest in fuel economy, energy efficiency and environmental impact has created a growth market for RVs that are smaller, lighter, greener and cheaper.
Fuel economy. Most of the new travel trailers can be now pulled by a standard family SUV or mini-van, but the industry is aiming for an RV light enough to be pulled by an ordinary family sedan. The use of light-weight composite construction materials and more aerodynamic designs has already increased RV fuel economy and this trend can be expected to continue.
Energy efficiency. To minimize energy consumption, the RV industry has adapted a number of the green-construction practices used in the housing industry to the production of motorhomes and travel trailers. Installation of Energy Star appliances is now standard on motorhomes and travel trailers, and new models feature LED lighting.
Environmental impact. RV manufacturers are including more sustainable materials both in core contruction and interior features, including bamboo flooring, recycled glass tiles, paperstone countertops, wheatboard, hemp and coconut shells.
Next time: 2012 RV interior trends
Posted by Ashley Gannon on Sep 05, 2011
Billed as America’s largest RV show, the 43rd annual Pennsylvania RV & Camping Show will be the first to feature the industry’s 2012 RV models and give RVers a good look at coming RV trends. With preview industry days on September 12 and 13, the show opens to the public on September 14 at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, running through September 18. Click the link above or go to PRVCA.org for complete information about ticket prices and discounts, a map of the show layout, directions to the show, parking and shuttle services, overnight parking and RV campgrounds, pet info, local attractions and more.
More than 50 RV manufacturers will be on hand to debut their new 2012 RV models giving RV enthusiasts the opportunity to check out and walk through more than 900 of the latest RVs from small, light-weight folding trailers to roomy 5th wheels and travel trailers to the most luxurious motorhomes and everything in between. RV shows are a great place to compare RV models and features before you buy your RV online.
More than 125 RV suppliers and vendors will also be at the show to display the latest in RV toys and gadgets, green technology, sustainable systems and materials, electronics, after-market improvements and much more. This year’s Hershey RV show will also feature plenty of informative and educational seminars by some of the industry’s top experts, including Gary Bunzer on exterior care, Bob Marx on full-time RVing and John Holod’s RV adventure videos.
Posted by Ashley Gannon on Aug 22, 2011
With sleek, stylish good looks and a miniscule carbon footprint, the T-Van provides a peek at the future of RVing. The concept travel trailer was one of the top entries in the Caravan of the Future competition sponsored by the United Kingdom Caravan Club. (The British call RVs “caravans.”) The contest to design the RV of the future was held to commemorate the club’s 100th anniversary in 2007, but the T-Van design continues to generate excitement in RV design circles as a model for both handicap-accessible and eco-friendly RVs.
Designed by the British industrial design team of Chris and Andrew Johnson, the T-Van has an aerodynamic, fuel-conserving bullet shape reminiscent of the classic Airstream travel trailer design. Solar roof panels provide constant power to run systems and appliances. Lighted blue exterior grab bars designed to improve site mobility give the RV an otherworldly appearance.
The Johnsons designed their concept RV to be handicap accessible as well as fuel efficient. Wheelchair access is provided through double doors at the rear of the vehicle. When parked, the vehicle expands into a T-shape (hence the name T-van) which allows handicapped occupants to access every part of the RV’s interior quickly and easily. The T-Van sleeps 6 but interior rooms are designed to be multi-functional, providing maximum flexibility that allows occupants to configure the RV’s interior to meet their personal needs.
Posted by Ashley Gannon on Aug 01, 2011
Advertised as America’s largest RV show, the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show in Hershey, PA is one of the biggest and best RV shows in the nation. From Wednesday, September 14 through Sunday, September 18, the RV industry will be on full display in Hershey. With every major RV manufacturer in attendance and 900 RVs on display, the Hershey RV show is the perfect place to scout and compare models if you’re planning to buy an RV online or see what’s new if you’re thinking about upgrading your present RV.
RV fans will find something for everyone at the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show from trim, lightweight folding trailers (pop-up campers) to large Class A motorhomes with so many upscale amenities they’re like rolling luxury mansions. In addition to new RV trends, RV owners will be able to check out all the latest “toys” at more than 100 booths showcasing the newest RV accessories.
If you go to the Hershey RV show, make sure you take advantage of the hourly seminars (free with admission) that will be offered. Some of the RV industry’s top experts will be on hand to share tips on exterior care, buying an RV, becoming a full-time RVer, workamping and more.
If you see an RV you like at the show, compare prices on RVT.com before you buy. You could save a bundle by buying your RV online, leaving you cash to pick up a few of the nifty new gadgets you see at the show.
Posted by Shawn Friesen - Director of RVT.com on Feb 10, 2011
Over 1 Million Searches were done on RVT.com in the last 30 days, here are the most viewed RVs.
Posted by Ashley Gannon on Jan 10, 2011
RV dealer sales are expected to climb across the board this year with towable RVs leading the way. After a couple of years of tight budgets and dreary staycations, the improving economy and loosening credit have American itching to travel and have fun. The cost-effectiveness of RV travel is proving particularly attractive to families looking for affordable vacations.
Unlike full-time RVers and older travelers who, because they spend a significant portion of the year living in their RVs, prefer to travel with all the bells and whistles, families new to RVing are buying less-expensive towable RVs, including travel trailers and folding trailers, popularly known as pop-ups. In pre-recession 2007, towable RVs accounted for 8 of every 10 RVs shipped to dealers by manufacturers; today, it’s 9 out of 10.
The overwhelming popularity of RV travel trailers has convinced Winnebago Industries to return to the towables market after a 28-year absence. The RV manufacturing giant recently signed a letter of intent to buy travel trailer-maker SunnyBrook RV. Winnebago expects a new presence in the travel-trailer market to increase brand loyalty across a larger section of RV buyers and ultimately lead to increased sales of its signature motorhomes.
In discussing the buying trend toward less expensive towable RVs, Winnebago CEO Bob Olson told the Associated Press in an article posted on Fox News.com, “They have to start somewhere. And one thing about this lifestyle, you get hooked on it and you want to upgrade.” That’s good news for RV dealers.
Posted by Shawn Friesen - Director of RVT.com on Jan 05, 2011
Attendance was up by 10% across the board at RVIA’s colossal 48th Annual National RV Trade Show held in early December. Louisville, Kentucky was definitely the place to be to check out what’s new in the RV world. With exciting new model and feature changes coming in 2011, and RV sales up 45% nationwide and continuing to climb, the mood at the show was enthusiastically upbeat.
RV buyers found much to admire in the new and newly-updated 2011 RV models on display. Exciting new floor plans, increased high-tech integration…Continue to Full Article
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