Travel restrictions and social distancing issues have affected most forms of travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This could be why the recreational vehicle (RV) market in the US has seen record sales in recent months.
RVs are perfect for those who want to stay away from others, as they provide transportation and temporary living quarters for travel, recreation and camping. Approximately 11 million US households now own an RV, with the main categories being motorized motorhomes and units that are towed behind the family car, van or pickup. According to the RV Industry Association (RVIA), deliveries to RV retailers reached 40,462 units in June, a 10.8% rise from the figure in June 2019. This figure was comprised of 37,439 towable RVs and 3023 motorhomes.
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RVIA says that the upswing in RV ownership over the last 10 years has been driven by strong interest from younger people and families who live an active outdoor lifestyle, as well as baby boomers who are entering retirement. Folding camping trailers and Type B RVs in the motorhome market are seeing strong gains, which the organisation believes is reflective of younger, first-time buyers interested in RVing and the continued rise in the #Vanlife phenomenon.
A report by peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace, RVshare, in May found that 93% of those surveyed wanted to avoid crowds, while 84% planned to travel with their partner or immediate family instead of friends or extended family over the summer. For further information on the RVIA report, please see here.
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