In 2020, the RV industry experienced a bumper year, and the trend continues in 2021, with record shipments of 148,507 units during the first quarter.
The upswing is largely due to people looking for safer ways to vacation and also realizing that RVs lend themselves perfectly to remote work initiatives.
Whether you’re already on board with the RV lifestyle, considering buying an RV, or prefer to rent one, keep reading. There’s nothing like some random facts about RVs to impress family and friends around the campfire.
The Growth of the RV Industry
The first RV came about in 1910. These auto campers were reminiscent of the covered wagons that once transported pilgrims across the plains of America.
They offered minimal comforts and cramped quarters comprising little more than shelter from the cold night air. Still, people loved the freedom of the open road so much that these vehicles continued evolving.
By 1915, some models featured benches that converted into beds, onboard sinks, telephones between the car and the trailer, and a chamber pot.
The RV industry exploded during the 1950s with the advent of pop-up trailers, tent trailers, and custom coaches. By the 1960s, Airstream, Jayco, and Winnebago had a full range of RVs in production.
Today, there are dozens of RV manufacturers competing to create the best recreational vehicle. Some people even opt to live in them full time, spending their lives traveling among the best RV parks.
Others prefer not to buy an RV at all and instead rent one. RV rental is growing. Storing an RV can be problematic and they’re of course pricey to buy. Also, people like going on different vacations. One year they might take their RV to another state, but the next they may fly abroad. Renting an RV allows them to experience RV ownership without any of the drawbacks like a heavy initial outlay, maintenance, and storage. There’s a lot to compare and contrast when looking at rv rentals but so long as you do your research, and rent the rv from a good rental dealership, you’ll be fine.
They offered minimal comforts and cramped quarters comprising little more than shelter from the cold night air. Still, people loved the freedom of the open road so much that these vehicles continued evolving.
By 1915, some models featured benches that converted into beds, onboard sinks, telephones between the car and the trailer, and a chamber pot.
The RV industry exploded during the 1950s with the advent of pop-up trailers, tent trailers, and custom coaches. By the 1960s, Airstream, Jayco, and Winnebago had a full range of RVs in production.
Today, there are dozens of RV manufacturers competing to create the best recreational vehicle. Some people even opt to live in them full time, spending their lives traveling among the best RV parks.
RV Ownership Statistics
There are about 40 million RV enthusiasts and 11 million people who own RVs in the USA.
Despite this, manufacturers still sell over 600,000 new units annually. Most RV owners pay anything from $10,000 for an entry-level camper to $500,000 for a custom Class A motorhome.
Thanks to this, the RV industry contributes about $20 billion to the economy every year from sales of vehicles and RV essentials.
Well over 600,000 people work in the RV industry, contributing $12 billion in local, state, and federal taxes.
The average age for RV ownership is 46. Millennials and Gen Zers make up 22% of the market.
Over 18,000 RV parks cater to the needs of outdoor-loving vacationers across the USA. Many of them boast exceptional facilities including water parks and restaurants, and children’s activities.
Most RV parks have pet-friendly facilities since 65% of RV owners prefer to travel with their pets.
The Intricacies of RVs
Today’s RVs are more than just a truck with specially designed interiors. They’re complex interactive machines comprised of many interrelated parts.
According to Rving soultions, RVs can incorporate 2687 parts and 374 components contained in 19 operational systems. These work together to create the ultimate comfort in a home away from home environment.
You can even get customized amphibious RVs nowadays and others with so many extras and customizations that they cost a few million dollars.
The RV Industry Rolls On
The RV industry continues its rapid rise, with several factors fuelling its growth.
Increasing innovation makes RVs ever more attractive to modern vacationers. Those who tried renting an RV in recent years are now committed to the lifestyle, and remote work isn’t going anywhere soon.
Are you keen to find out some more interesting facts? Browse our blog for the best tips on camping, recreation, and business today.
