Who Owns RVs? Interesting Stats About RV Nation

Posted by RV Pro on Feb 26, 2010

Step aside Stephen Colbert. We may not be sponsoring an Olympic team this year, but the RV Nation is alive and well and growing stronger every day! RV owners stretch across the depth and breadth of the nation’s demographics. U.S. RV ownership levels have reached record highs in recent years. According to the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center, one in 12 Americans who own a vehicle also own an RV. The RV Nation is 8 million strong and growing. RV ownership has increased by more than 58% since 1980.

Who owns RVs? According to RVIA, the typical RV owner is 49, married with kids, a homeowner with an annual household income of $68,000. New RV owners aged 35 to 54 are the fastest growing segment of the RV Nation. Affordability, low living/travel expenses, family values, superior comfort and portability are the main draws attracting people to the RV lifestyle.

The recession actually increased RV ownership. RV manufacturers did hit a small bump in the road, but they were among the first to rehire and even increase their work force to keep up with RV demand. Any minor losses in new RV sales were made up in increased used RV sales, particularly on online RV sales sites like RVT.com. RV buyers looking for a cheaper lifestyle or inexpensive way to travel with their families are finding great used RV bargains on RVT.com. Isn’t it time you discovered what your neighbors know and explore the joys of RVing?

RV Lifestyle Attracting Young RV Buyers

Posted by RV Pro on Jan 29, 2010

Move over gramps! That sharp-looking motorhome that just cruised into the space next to yours is more likely to be owned by someone in his 30s or 40s than a retiree enjoying his golden years. RVs used to be associated with the silver-haired set, but no more. Today, it’s folks in their 30s and 40s who are driving up RV sales.

RV buyers under age 35 are the fastest growing segment of America’s RV Nation. RV owners in their 40s now outnumber RVing seniors who have passed their 55th birthday. While Baby Boomers have been swelling RV ownership ranks for years, nearly 1 in 9 American families led by 35 to 54-year-olds now owns an RV. High RV ownership rates extend across the 40-year age span from 35 to 75. The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) estimates that America’s RV Nation is 30 million strong and growing!

It’s not surprising then that RV sales rose 23% last year despite the country’s economic problems and are predicted to increase by 27% this year. No wonder investment guru Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. invested $40 million in RV manufacturer Coachmen Industries when stock prices hit a recession pothole in 2008. Buffet’s faith in the future of the RV industry has certainly paid off, and your investment in an RV will too. Online RV sales offer plenty of variety and excellent prices. Isn’t it time you joined the RV Nation?