Posted by Claire 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 | Vice President 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 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 | Vice President 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
Posted by on Jan 03, 2011
If your television set was tuned to football on New Year’s Day, you may have missed HGTV’s annual RV extravaganza. Host Chi-Lan Lieu, the gadget geek star of HGTV’s I Want That! Tech Toys, took viewers along on her annual tour of last summer’s Hershey, Pennsylvania RV show to check out the hottest new RV models, high-tech gadgets and eco-friendly features. If you missed it, you can still tune in the one-hour RV special on Hulu.
Hulu has also broken the show into short excerpts that allow you to view just the portion of the show you’re most interested in: toy haulers, 5th wheels, fuel efficient, etc. If you’re planning to RV full-time, you’ll want to check out the Best in Show segment which illustrates the luxury RV trend toward full-size appliances, bathrooms and closets.
To showcase a wide range of RV models and new features, Lieu took three families RV shopping at the show. If you’re getting ready to take the RV plunge, or if you’re planning to upgrade or downsize this year, you’ll find watching and listening to each family as they tour and discuss different RV models instructive. Not only will you see the best the RV industry has to offer in 2011, but these folks have the same concerns you have. It’s worth tuning in before you start shopping for an RV online.
Posted by on Dec 31, 2010
As American interests and passions have changed, the RV industry has kept pace. Since recreational vehicles arrived on the automotive scene a century ago, each decade has brought innovations in construction, design, living space, comfort and technology. As noted in our previous post on the forces driving new RV trends, RVs are about to go through another exciting transformation.
While there is still a demand for large, luxury motorhomes, new RVs are becoming smaller and lighter, primarily to increase fuel efficiency but also to serve the growth of new RV markets. Recent interest from 30-something singles, single women of all ages, and empty-nesters ready to downsize has created a rapidly growing demand for smaller RVs. With the goal of creating a travel trailer that can be pulled by a family sedan, RV manufacturers are using light-weight composites to decrease tow weight and creative floor plans to minimize weight and size while maximizing living space and usability.
The environmental movement has resulted in the development of sustainable construction and interior design materials which are now available in many RV models. Energy-efficient kitchen appliances have become the norm, and the industry is starting to roll out RVs with factory-installed solar panels and wind turbines. For 2011, Jayco has introduced a revolutionary new hydrogen fuel cell that has the potential to change the industry.
High-tech integration, Wi-Fi capability, the inclusion of more full-size features (bathrooms, appliances, closets), and specialized storage space for sports gear are other new RV industry trends.
Posted by on Dec 29, 2010
Recreational vehicles shed their silver-haired image some time ago. Once largely associated with cheap retirement, the RV industry has changed over the decades, continually reinventing its product to meet the ever-changing needs of RV buyers. Over the last decade RVs have gotten increasingly bigger and more luxurious, attracting families and upscale retirees who prefer to travel with all the comforts of home.
When Americans started to express concern about the environment, the RV industry responded with eco-conscious manufacturing techniques, use of sustainable materials, installation of energy-efficient appliances, and inclusion of solar panels and windmills.
Now, the RV industry to reinventing itself yet again to meet significant changes in the American lifestyle:
> The need to maximize financial resources in a continuing poor economy;
> Increasing gas prices and the desire to protect the environment while decreasing dependence on foreign oil;
> The retirement of still-active Baby Boomers who desire smaller, more cost-efficient living spaces now that their children are grown; and
> The national trend toward healthier, fitter, more energetic leisure activities.
New RV buyers are looking for frugal ways to travel that won’t make a dent in tight budgets or recession-decimated retirement nest eggs. They want recreational vehicles that are light-weight, fuel-efficient and small enough to be pulled by the family car. And they want RVs with plenty of space for bicycles, kayaks and sports gear.
Next time: How the RV industry is responding
Posted by on Sep 13, 2010
Auto manufacturers are building cars and trucks that are smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient – and RV makers have been paying attention. Several towable RVs that are light enough to be pulled by new fuel-efficient cars are already on the market with more in the works. Innovative designs and use of state-of-the-art composite materials are allowing RV manufacturers to cut weight while still producing high-quality, functional and affordable recreational vehicles.
Many of the new fuel-efficient cars and trucks have towing capacities that range from 2,500 to 4,000 pounds. Quite a few folding trailers and a number of small travel trailers meet those towing criteria. To determine whether your vehicle has the power to safely pull a specific RV trailer, ask the following:
1. What is the gross weight your car or truck is designed to tow? If this information is not included in your operator’s manual, check with the vehicle manufacturer.
2. Which RV travel trailers and folding trailers have a matching Gross Vehicle Weight Rating? Purchase an RV with a GVWR that is compatible with the gross weight towing capacity of your tow vehicle.
3. How much hitch weight can your tow vehicle handle? If not in your operator’s manual, check with the vehicle manufacturer.
4. Will trailer brakes be required for the RV you want to purchase? Brake requirements are based on a trailer’s GVWR. Check with your state DOT as requirements vary from state to state.
Check RVT.com for more helpful information on choosing an RV tow vehicle.
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