RVers Opt for Local Trips to Avoid High Pump Prices

Wary of high gas prices, many RVers are taking more local trips to avoid pain at the pump. The AAA auto club expects 39 million Americans to be on the highways over the 4th of July weekend, a 2.5% decrease from last year. While that’s not a huge drop, many RV owners are opting for shorter trips this year.

More RVers are choosing to explore the delights found in their own and adjoining states and fewer RVers are heading cross country, but there’s no talk this year of staycations. RVers may be keeping on eye on their fuel gauge, but they’re still traveling. Local festivals, state fairs, state parks and RV campgrounds are expected to be prime RV destinations this summer.

President Obama’s decision last week to tap into the country’s emergency petroleum reserve and release 30 million barrels of oil has RV owners anticipating some relief from high pump prices that have hovered around $4 for months. While gas prices have fallen about 30 cents since May, the average cost per gallon — currently $3.65 — has remained well above last year’s summer average of $2.75 per gallon. Many RVers are hoping the President’s move will drop gas prices another 50 to 75 cents per gallon, although the U.S. Department of Energy is predicting an average summer gas price of $3.75 per gallon, nearly $1 more than last year but significantly below the $4 that kept RVers close to home earlier this year.