"MARK YOUR CALENDAR"
"RV TRAVEL – A HEALTHIER CHOICE"
"CONSUMER INTEREST IN RVS REMAINS HIGH DESPITE ECONOMY"
"RVS ARE GREENER THAN YOU THINK"
"RV VACATIONS ARE LEAST EXPENSIVE, STUDY SHOWS"
"SURVEY SHOWS RVers ARE ADJUSTING TO HIGHER FUEL COSTS"
" ‘CARBON FOOTPRINT’ LEFT BY RVs LESS THAN AIR/HOTEL TRIPS"
"RVers CRUISE INFORMATION HIGHWAY"
"RV DRIVING: DIFFERENT, NOT DIFFICULT"
"WHY I LOVE MY RV: 10 CELEBRITIES WHO ENJOY THE RV LIFESTYLE"
"SURVEY SHOWS RV TRAVEL WILL RISE THIS SPRING/SUMMER"
"FIND AND RESEARCH RVs ON THE NEW RVShoppersDirect.com"
RV Innovation May Energize Market
Carbon Footprint of RV Vacation, 50% That of Airline/Car/Hotel Vacation
Way To Go
RV Travel May Be Up, But RV Sales Are Down
D.C. to Montreal via a Jayco Melbourne Class C Motorhome
WHEN: 10 EXCITING DAYS! Friday, October 16th thru Sunday, October 25th, 2009.
WHERE: Fairplex – L.A. County Fair, Hotel & Exposition Complex, Pomona, CA.
SHOW HOURS: 10AM – 6PM Daily.
DESCRIPTION: The largest and longest running RV Show in California, the CALIFORNIA RV SHOW is the only major recreation vehicle show solely owned and sponsored by RV manufacturers. It is THE PLACE to go for all your RV wants and needs and to see all the new 2010 models and buy at manufacturer discounted prices.
This once-a-year gigantic display and sale showcases hundreds of towable and motorized recreation vehicles. Boasting incredible show prices, it is California’s ULTIMATE ONE-STOP SHOPPING CENTER for travel trailers, motorhomes, 5th wheel trailers, slideout truck campers, buses, mini-motorhomes, folding camping trailers, toy-carrying trailers and park models.
Factory and California dealer representatives will be on hand to answer all your questions and explain the advance technology offered in recreational vehicles.
Acres of vehicles, products, services and special events all located in one area allow you to browse and shop at your leisure. Enhance your RV ownership and travel with the newest and best in products and accessories. Be sure not to miss the 40,000 square foot tent filled with exciting RV products and accessories.
SEMINARS: One off the highlights of the CALIFORNIA RV SHOW is a full program of daily seminars designed to enhance all your RV experiences. Hosted by some of the country’s top RV experts, these seminars are filled with hundreds of really good tips and helpful information.
SWEEPSTAKES: One of the most popular features, this year’s CALIFORNIA RV SHOW will offer a number of exciting prizes, including Gas Cards and mini vacations to be given away during the course of the show.
TICKETS: Adults $6.00; Seniors $5.00. 18 and under free when accompanied by an adult. Active Duty Military with Government ID are Free. Tickets on sale at Gate only.
DISCOUNTS: Discount coupon, good for $2 off on Friday through Sunday are available on the Internet at www.CARVShow.com or in the October issues of most RV magazines.
DOLLAR DAYS: On Monday through Thursday only, admission for adults and seniors will be just $1.
CAMPING: Camping is available at the “Fairplex KOA” adjacent to the show. Prices are $60.50 including tax per night with full hookups. Spaces go fast, so be sure to call 909-593-8915 right away for reservations.
Additional camping is also available at “East Shore RV Park” in San Dimas, adjacent to Bonelli Regional Park and Puddingstone Lake. Standard spaces range from $44 to $49, depending on location and lake view spaces are $46-$49. Prices are for two people. Tax is additional and pets are $3 each per night. Both views offer full hookups. Reservations are a must and can be made by calling 800-809-3778.
PRODUCED BY: Recreation Vehicle Industry Association – RVIA.
HOTLINE: For 24-Hour recorded show information call, 951-274-9215.
INTERNET: www.CARVShow.com
According to RVIA’s Campfire Canvass survey of owners, 70% of RVers say they are more active on RV trips than other vacations. Not surprising. RVers are sociable people who walk throughout the campground to meet their “neighbors” and talk about the newest vehicle innovations. RVers also say they specifically travel by RV to participate in outdoor activities like hiking and nature walks. The most recent Campfire Canvass survey shows what activities top the list for RVers — 76% like to hike/walk, while 48% enjoy biking. However you look at it, RVers are on the move.
But cardiovascular benefits are not the only health dividends to be had. According to an anthropological study of RV enthusiasts, RVers said they were both physically and mentally healthier and happier than their non-RVing counterparts. In fact, a study conducted by a health psychologist at SUNY Oswego found that taking vacations reduces the risk of heart disease, and, that spending quality time with a spouse or significant other actually lowers a person’s blood pressure. RV vacations are great pressure valves to let off the built-up steam of everyday life.
Increasing activity while on the road, escaping stress, recharging batteries, and bonding/reconnecting with family members all help to explain why RVers feel happier and healthier than if they didn’t RV. In addition to enjoying time with the family members they bring along, 60% of RVers report that they make trips to relax and to catch up by visiting family and friends.
RVs reduce vacation stress by allowing travelers to control their own schedule and timetable, by keeping the family relaxed in familiar surroundings, and by making spur-of-the-moment getaways possible by leaving the RV packed with the staples needed to head out of town with little planning. And, since rest contributes to overall physical health, sleeping in a familiar, comfortable bed plays a major role in recharging the body’s batteries, something most travelers say they can’t obtain by staying in strange hotels along the way.
The fact that RVers can continue to adhere to their diets and solid nutritional habits is also a factor in their healthier lifestyles. Maintaining everyday eating patterns is something not easily accomplished while waiting around airport terminals, staying in hotels, and eating in restaurants. RVs make mealtime decisions easy because not only are they equipped with on-board pantries and cabinets for non-perishable storage, ovens/stoves and microwaves for cooking, and refrigerators/freezers to store your favorite meal ingredients, but also, RVs boast ample power and storage for food processors, blenders, convection ovens and other preparation essentials.
So stock the RV pantry and frig, grab your gear, a pair of comfortable shoes and your favorite traveling companions, and hit the open road because good health can’t be found in a bottle, but it can be found in an RV campground.
Be sure and visit the California RV Show and find out even more. Show tickets are only available at the Gate. Regular prices are $6, $5 for seniors, 18 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Discount coupons good for $2 off on Friday through Sunday are available on the Internet at www.CARVShow.com. Monday through Thursday, adults and seniors are admitted for just $1. No coupon is needed and no discounts apply on Dollar Days. Active duty military with ID are admitted FREE.
For 24-hour recorded show information, call 951-274-9215 or visit www.CARVShow.com.
More than 44,000 people attended the Florida RV Super Show; 35,000 came out for the Utah RV Show; and 30,000 showed up for the Maryland RV Show. The large crowds at these shows and others have pleasantly surprised organizers and dealers, who say that people are not just looking at RVs, but buying them, too.
“Our sales were up 20 percent over last year’s (Maryland RV) show,” says Charlie Wolf, sales manager for Beckley’s Camping Center. “People are still buying RVs. They still want to go camping, get away and have fun.”
Tim DeWitt, executive director of the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds, said attendance at the recent Flint Camper & RV Show was up 25 percent over last year. He attributes the increase to consumers recognizing that there’s never been a better time to buy an RV. “This is a buyer’s market,” he says. “You can negotiate with dealers, who are discounting heavily.”
In addition to the great bargains that consumers are finding at shows and on dealer lots, they also appreciate the value that RVs offer. Even in a recession, RV travel is the most affordable way to go.
Tim Lundy, 40, of Feasterville, Pa., is an example of someone taking advantage of the market and getting a great deal. He recently bought a 40-foot 2009 fifth wheel trailer, an upgrade from a 28-foot travel trailer.
“I shopped for several months and there’s definitely a lot of great buying opportunities out there,” says Lundy, who works for the Philadelphia Electric Company.
Buyers who meet income requirements also will be able to take advantage of the new federal stimulus plan that provides for a deduction of sales tax on the first $49,500 of a new motorhome purchase.
“This is the kind of consumer incentive that will help increase demand in what is already a buyer’s market with the great bargains out there,” says Richard Coon, president of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). “Plus, loans to purchase the vast majority of RVs are treated like mortgages – the interest is tax-deductible.”
Buyers with good credit and a substantial down payment are obtaining loans to buy RVs. Coon is optimistic that the new stimulus package will ease the credit crunch and encourage more lending, which will be good news for more consumers.
According to a 2008 travel-cost comparison study by international travel and tourism experts PKF Consulting, family RV trips are 27-to-61 percent less expensive than other types of vacations, even factoring in RV ownership and operating costs.
Reports from RV retail shows indicate that shoppers are impressed with new RV products that are smaller, lighter, and more aerodynamic and fuel-efficient than previous models.
“RVing is a tremendously popular lifestyle that will endure through these tough economic times, because it’s the most cost-effective way for families to have a great vacation,” says Coon. “Solid traffic at RV shows and the innovation going on within our made-in-America industry are signs that the long-term outlook remains positive.”
The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (www.rvia.org) is the national association representing approximately 500 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.
Visit GoRVing.com for more information about RVing and to watch a video on how to get started RVing.
Be sure and visit the California RV Show and find out even more. Show tickets are only available at the Gate. Regular prices are $6, $5 for seniors, 18 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Discount coupons good for $2 off on Friday through Sunday are available on the Internet at www.CARVShow.com. Monday through Thursday, adults and seniors are admitted for just $1. No coupon is needed and no discounts apply on Dollar Days. Active duty military with ID are admitted FREE.
For 24-hour recorded show information, call 951-274-9215 or visit www.CARVShow.com.
A myriad of different RV models, layouts, and features provide an incredible array of options and price ranges. In short, there is an RV for every taste and budget. Running the gambit from economical small trailers to deluxe luxury coaches, today’s RVs are far different than those of years ago. In fact, if you come right down to it, the very first RV was actually a covered wagon and there is definitely no comparison.
With the current trend toward all things green becoming more desirable, manufacturers are innovating with new materials and technology to make RV travel more earth fiendly. Lighter gross weight vehicles, smaller light-weight trailers that can be towed by smaller SUV’s and trucks, solar-powered living space and supplemental solar power are available from a number of manufacturers. Winnebago and Fleetwood offer motorhomes built on a Dodge Sprinter chassis for increased miles per gallon. Country Coach has an all electric coach house and EPA low emissions diesel engines are featured in all their motorcoaches. In fact, the entire RV industry has made significant strides in recent years to develop diesel systems that are cleaner and more efficient. Thanks to state-of-the-art diesel engines, cleaner-burning fuels, effective emissions-control systems, and advancements in the fuel injection system, it would take 60 truck chassis RVs sold today to equal the soot emissions of one 1988 truck chassis. Data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that the level of diesel particulates in the air fell by more than 37 percent during the 1990s.
Coachman RV is testing a full-size motorhome that is powered by biodiesel fuel and has an electrical system that operates on solar power. In addition, they are also testing a Sportscoach® Elite that employs a hydrogen generating system to produce a portion of its fuel.
In addition to new technology, RVing is actually are much greener than one would think. Because of limited space, RVers tend to shop only for what they need, conserve on water, use rechargeable battery power, plus they use old fashion solutions like awnings, fans and natural breezes.
For example, think about your water usage at home. Typical morning showers use approximately 2 gallons per minute and the average shower is 5 minutes. This translates into consumption of 10 gallons of water. In an RV, knowing that water and waste tank capacity is limited, RVers take short showers and use less than 4 gallons each. RV toilets flush with a few cups of water, compared to a home toilet that takes many gallons. Meals are simpler, so there are fewer dishes to wash. Propane water heaters are small and only turned on to heat water for a few minutes a day around shower and dish washing times – compared to heating water 24 hours a day at home.
Conserving fuel is another important aspect of green RVing. Drivers who travel at the speed limit, get better fuel mileage. According to the Iowa Energy Center, over 50 percent of the energy required to move a vehicle down the road is spent overcoming aerodynamic drag (pushing air out of the way). When driving faster, the aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance increase. Consequently, the fuel economy decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each 5 mph over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas. (Note: Energy Center’s cost savings are based on an a fuel price of $2.91/gallon, so with higher fuel prices the fuel penalty for speed is even more dramatic.)
Another mpg enhancing trick is lightening your vehicle’s weight by reducing the contents. RVers permanently stock the rig with the basic necessities and safety equipment and only add the “extras” as they are needed for an outing – then take the extras out of the RV and store them at home. There is no need to carry your holiday decorations around 12-months a year! Travel with empty gray and black water tanks. Evaluate if you need a full tank of fresh water. Every 100 gallons of liquid weighs about 800 pounds A lighter load, no mater how you achieve it, means better gas mileage.
Another choice RVers make is to shop at local farmers markets, road side stands, etc. not only is the produce fresh, but buying locally helps support the local economy and the foods typically have less packaging, which translates into less trash.
All in all, with the new RV technology and all the things RVers do to live a more sustainable lifestyle, RVing is actually greener than you’d think.
Be sure and visit the California RV Show and find out even more. Show tickets are only available at the Gate. Regular prices are $6, $5 for seniors, 18 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Discount coupons good for $2 off on Friday through Sunday are available on the Internet at www.CARVShow.com. Monday through Thursday, adults and seniors are admitted for just $1. No coupon is needed and no discounts apply on Dollar Days. Active duty military with ID are admitted FREE.
For 24-hour recorded show information, call 951-274-9215 or visit www.CARVShow.com.
STUDY SHOWS top
RESTON, VA — Despite record-breaking fuel prices, typical RV trips remain the least expensive type of vacation, according to a new study comparing vacation costs.
PKF Consulting, an international consulting firm with expertise in travel and tourism, found that “typical RV family vacations are on average 27 to 61 percent less expensive than other types of vacations studied.”
Even factoring in RV ownership and fuel costs, the study reveals that RV family vacations tend to be significantly less expensive than other types of vacations.
“This study re-affirms what RVers have long known, that RV vacations deliver greater economic value compared to other types of vacations,” says Richard Coon, president of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). “RV vacations continue to be the most affordable way for a family to travel because of the tremendous savings on air, hotel and restaurant costs. And these savings offset the cost of fuel.”
PKF analyzed major costs that would be incurred by a family of four taking eight different types of vacations for three, seven, 10 or 14 days to such popular travel destinations as the Grand Canyon, Cape Cod, and Napa, Calif.
“On average, RV vacations were more economical than the other types analyzed in all but one case,” says Kannan Sankaran, PKF’s lead researcher for the study. “Even as fuel prices increase, our findings show that almost all RV vacations are still significantly less expensive than non-RV ones.”
Fuel prices would have to more than double for typical motorhome vacations to become more expensive than other forms of travel, according to PKF Consulting. The study also shows that fuel costs would have to more than triple for trips in lightweight travel trailers or folding camping trailers to be more expensive than the least expensive non-RV vacation. Almost 80 percent of the RV market consists of towable RVs, including lightweight units which can be towed by car, van or pickup.
RV owner John Bargo, a computer operator from Milwaukee, Wisc., agrees with PKF’s findings. “When you figure the cost of driving in a car, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants, it’s a lot more expensive than bringing your lodging and food with you.”
Dennis Silipena, a 55-year-old service and parts manager from Hammonton, N.J., also appreciates the affordability of RV travel. “I’ve owned an RV for 25 years and I’ve enjoyed significant savings over other types of vacations. I pay $30 to $40 to stay in a campground rather than $150 to stay in a hotel. And it’s a much nicer experience staying in my RV.”
The study showed that a family of four traveling from Phoenix, Ariz. to Napa, Calif., with their folding camping trailer for 10 days, staying in campgrounds at the local average of $33 per night, would save 52 percent, or $2,379, over the same trip taken by car, staying in hotels averaging $122 per night and eating in restaurants. Taking the same vacation by a Type C motorhome would save $1704, or 37 percent, over going by car.
A week-long family vacation towing a conventional travel trailer from Salt Lake City to the Grand Canyon compared to the cost of taking the same trip by airline, renting a car and staying in a hotel would be $2,647, or 65 percent less expensive.
Shorter getaways by RVs were also found to be more economical. For example, a family taking a three-day vacation from Pittsburgh, Pa. to Lancaster, Pa., would save $323 or 31 percent by towing a conventional travel trailer, rather than going by car, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants. The savings would be even greater — $889 or 52 percent — for families taking the same trip by a Type C motorhome rather than flying.
Among the RV vacations analyzed by PKF, even those taken in an ultra-luxury Type A diesel motorhome were less expensive than flying and staying in a hotel. Only a family taking a vacation by personal car with hotel or renting a condo and cooking for themselves would cost less than a family taking a trip in a Type A motorhome. “Owners say the added space, comfort and convenience while traveling justify the investment in a Type A,” noted Coon.
In addition to major expenditures required from the start to finish of each vacation, PKF factored in an estimated cost of ownership of the RVs analyzed: a folding camping trailer, conventional travel trailer, and Type C and Type A motorhomes. Research included documenting average ownership periods, residual values, annual days of use, insurance and applicable interest deductions.
“RV vacations are a great way for families to spend time together and bond,” said Coon. “Whether it’s in a luxury motorhome or a basic folding camping trailer, RV vacations offer value that lasts a lifetime.”
The PKF study considered only quantifiable economic factors, not the comparative quality of each vacation. As a result, the convenience, flexibility and quality family time cited as major benefits of traveling in an RV could not be addressed.
The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (rvia.org) is the national association representing more than 500 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.
Visit GoRVing.com for more information about RVing and to get a free DVD on how to get started RVing.
For 24-hour recorded show information, call 951-274-9215 or visit www.carvshow.com.
LESS THAN AIR/HOTEL TRIPS top
Preliminary results of a new study show that RV vacations are more environmental friendly than flying and staying in a hotel, in terms of carbon emissions.
RVIA Public Relations commissioned PKF Consulting, an internationally recognized travel and tourism consulting firm, to compare the “carbon footprint” of vacations in various types of RVs with trips to the same
locations by plane, renting a car and staying in a hotel, or by personal car with hotel accommodations.
Using a carbon calculator methodology devised by Conservation International, PKF compared the carbon dioxide emissions of airline/rental car/hotel vacations to vacations in folding camping trailers, travel trailers,
Type C and Type A diesel motorhomes, with a higher level of carbon emissions indicating a more adverse environmental impact.
The preliminary data indicates that the RV vacations analyzed have a lower carbon dioxide emissions level than the airline/rental car/hotel vacations, whether taken by Type A diesel, Type C, travel trailer or
folding camping trailer for a week, 10 days or two weeks.
A recent Harris Interactive poll found that a plurality of U.S. adults believe that a hypothetical family that takes an RV to Yosemite National Park and stays in a campground is having a more environmentally
friendly vacation than a family that flies, rents a car and stays in a hotel.
"The new PKF environmental impact study of RV vacations confirms scientifically the public’s intuitive sense that RV camping vacations are environmentally friendly," said RVIA Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Gary La Bella.
Show tickets are only available at the Gate. Prices are $6, $5 for seniors and 18 & younger accompanied by an adult are admitted free. Discount coupons good for $1.00 Admission Monday-Thursday and $2.00 off on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are available on the Internet at www.carvshow.com. There is a Fairplex charge for parking: Cars $9 and RVs $12. The parking fee is subject to change by Fairplex.
For 24-hour recorded show information, call 951-274-9215 or visit www.carvshow.com.
The most comprehensive web source is www.GoRVing.com, created by the Go RVing Coalition of RV manufacturers, component suppliers, dealers and campgrounds. Designed for first-time RV buyers and renters, this user-friendly website describes the variety of RVs available and allows you to search for RV dealer locations and rental resources, as well as order a free 18-minute “getting-started” video of RV buying tips.
From the Go RVing website you can link to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s (RVIA) website at www.rvia.org and browse the manufacturer directory, RV retail show calendar, industry news, maintenance tips, market trends, photo gallery and RVIA's online bookstore.
Additional links take you to websites by the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), www.rvda.org; its subsidiary, the Recreation Vehicle Rental Association (RVRA), www.rvra.org; and the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC), www.gocampingamerica.com. RVDA’s site shares information on locating and contacting RV dealerships nationwide; RVRA’s provides U.S., Canadian and European listings of over 270 RV rental companies, as well as consumer tips on renting; ARVC’s offers campground information for 3,700 member properties.
Many other RV websites are useful to consumers and travelers alike. For instance, leading RV companies have sites showcasing their products and services. Publishers of RV-enthusiast periodicals put their magazines and newsletters online to reach readers more easily on the road. In addition, many RVers post online travel logs to document their travels for fellow enthusiasts. Still other sites facilitate dialogue and information exchanges among RVers -- through discussion forums chat rooms, bulletin boards, and classified ads.
Access to the Internet is a boon for frequent RVers with its many vacation-planning resources, including online reservations for campgrounds and rental agencies. Even when traveling, RVers can access online maps, travel alerts and weather reports. E-mail and online resources are more portable than “snail-mail” and paper literature. Internet access also provides timely communication with friends and family, who can conveniently leave travelers e-mail messages when they don’t have a regular phone number.
Campgrounds increasingly feature telephone connections as part of their RV hook-up service, so travelers can get dial-up Internet access when they stay overnight. Some are introducing wireless modems or kiosks with high-speed Internet access. For Internet access while on the road or from campgrounds without connections, some RVers rely on cellular communications systems. Satellite telephone systems are available for RVers outside areas covered by cellular service.
For your reference, here are some other popular RV travel-related websites:
- www.funroads.com -- Personalized RV trip planning and maps, fun stops en route, recipes, and locators for RV service, parts, and products.
- www.gorp.com/gorp/activity/rv.htm -- Scenic drives, links, driving resources and tips, campgrounds and clubs from the Great Outdoors Recreation Page.
- www.koa.com -- KOA campground locations, online reservations, giveaways, newsletter, camping tips, trip planner, and adventure vacation ideas.
- www.rvamerica.com -- RV News magazine forums and chat rooms, campground reviews, RV shopping mall, RV show schedules, tech help desk, classifieds and directories of businesses serving RVers. Plus, how to calculate the retail value of used RVs.
RESTON, VA — Driving or towing a recreation vehicle (RV) is easier than many newcomers think and opens up a world of on-the-road travel adventure.
Experienced automobile drivers already possess the necessary skills. Motorized RVs typically come equipped with automatic transmission, power brakes and power steering. With proper attention to the differences in vehicle size, height and weight, you'll find it fun and easy to take the wheel of a conversion vehicle or motorhome. Towing skills are also readily acquired for the various types of towable RVs.
Recreation vehicles do not require a commercial driver's license for personal use. In some states, the very largest RVs may require a special test for a different class of driver's license. top
Whether you will be driving a motorized RV or towing and RV, you should:
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Adjust and use all rear view mirrors. Before leaving on a trip, sit in the driver's seat and adjust all mirrors for optimal road views.
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Account for your vehicle size when turning. The front and rear wheels will track paths much farther apart than those of a car.
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Allow more time to brake, change lanes and enter a busy highway, since bigger vehicles take more time to accelerate and slow down.
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Back up with care. It is a good idea to have someone outside the vehicle assist the driver in backing up to avoid any obstacles not seen in the mirrors. If another person is not available, the driver should inspect the area behind the vehicle. By evaluating the situation before backing, drivers can avoid surprises and accidents.
Drivers towing a folding camping trailer or travel trailers also should:
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Match the proper tow vehicle to your RV. Most full and midsize family cars can pull a trailer; so can today's popular vans, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and light-duty trucks. Check the owner's manual to find the trailer types that your vehicle can haul and the maximum load weight it can pull.
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Use the right trailer hitch and make sure it is hitched correctly.
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Connect brakes and signal lights. Always check that the trailer's brakes, turn signals and tail lights are synchronized with the towing vehicle's. top
Whether you're driving a motorhome, conversion vehicle or other tow vehicles, make every trip a safer one by buckling up your safety belt and making sure passengers are secured too. Wearing a safety belt is the single most effective thing you can do to prevent serious injury and death in a traffic accident, according to the National Safety Belt Coalition.
10 CELEBRITIES WHO ENJOY THE RV LIFESTYLE top
Take Olympic skier Bode Miller, for example. At the recent World Cup Skiing competition, Miller said he’d rather stay in his RV than in the team hotel, and that he preferred his own bed and food. Miller is one of many high-profile athletes and celebrities who are passionate about RVing. Here’s a list compiled by RVIA of 10 well-recognized people who have been quoted in news outlets on their love of RVs:
- Jeff Daniels, actor: “I don’t think you can call yourself a true American until you’ve been behind the wheel of an RV…I love seeing parts of the country I wouldn’t otherwise.”
- Clarence Thomas, U.S. Supreme Court Justice: “Being an RVer helps me do my job better. The RV world gives me a chance to balance things out. It allows me a sense of freedom.”
- Jeff Gordon, NASCAR driver, “My RV is the only place where I can find some peace and quiet.”
- Bob Gibson, Hall of Fame major league pitcher: “I enjoy the RV world. I will have one until the day I die.”
- Matthew McConaughey, actor: “There’s nothing not to like about it. The freedom of being able to pull up, stop, power up anywhere you want — beach or whatever. Set up and have your front yard different every single day.”
- Jim Kaat, former major league baseball pitcher: “I’ve gone from being a major league pitcher to a major league RV owner. I’ll travel roughly 5,000 miles in my RV this year. It’s a great way to see America, and as relaxed a way to see the country as there can possibly be.”
- Dean Karnazes, ultra marathon runner and best-selling author: “It’s great for family bonding and eating healthy on the road, because you can prepare your own foods.”
- Sue Henry, best-selling mystery writer: “You meet so many people in an RV. And they’re so friendly. I couldn’t do the research I do without one. In an RV, I can park and have everything I need.”
- Davis Love, pro golfer: “I’ve got my bed, my pillows, my satellite card, my underwear and socks in the RV.”
- Bode Miller, U.S. Olympic skier: “My team is sabotaging me by not letting me sleep in my motorhome.”
WILL RISE THIS SPRING/SUMMER top
RESTON, VA (May 2, 2007) — Recreation vehicle owners are pumped up about the upcoming travel season and plan to use their RVs more this spring/summer than they did last year, according to a new study.
Despite fluctuating fuel prices, the latest biannual Campfire Canvass survey of RV owners, conducted by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), reveals that 76 percent of RV owners intend to use their RVs more this spring/summer than last year, and 20 percent plan to use theirs the same amount. Only 4 percent say they’ll use their RVs less.
Nearly half (48 percent) say fuel costs will not affect their RV travel plans. Of those who said their plans would be affected, 60 percent will adjust to higher fuel prices by traveling to destinations closer to home. Fifty-six percent said they’d stay longer in one place.
“Americans love RVs because they provide freedom, flexibility and control,” says Richard Coon, president of RVIA. “Whether RV owners travel five or 500 miles, they enjoy all the amenities and benefits that RVing offers.”
Busy Families Planning Shorter, More Frequent Getaways
Many families are taking shorter, more frequent getaways in their RVs to accommodate their busy schedules. According to the survey, 91 percent of RV owners are planning three or more short RV trips (1-4 days) this spring and summer.
“Our RV is always packed and ready to go when the spirit moves us,” says Rod Littleton, 36, of Knightstown, Ind. “Even with current gas prices, traveling is less expensive with our lodging and meals right with us. My family and I love RVing so much we look for excuses to get away even for short day trips.”
Even families who can’t get away don’t have to stop RVing. “With our 3-year-old and 6-year-old daughters, we’re expected to go camping every weekend during the summer,” says Dennis Carey, 42, of Lindenhurst, IL. “But if for some reason we’re unable to go, we’ll spend weekend nights in our motorhome parked in our driveway to please our daughters. It’s fun even if we can’t make it to a campground.”
RVers Plan to Visit National Parks
America’s national parks are among the most popular destinations for RV trips this spring/summer, according to the survey. More than 100 national parks were mentioned, with Yellowstone, Yosemite and Zion the most popular destinations for RVers.
RVs Allow Travelers to Bring Anything Onboard
RV owners appreciate the control that RVs offer in today’s travel climate. Unlike air travelers, RVers can bring anything they want onboard, including pets. According to the survey, 57 percent of RV owners bring pets along on trips. Most RVers traveling with pets are bringing dogs (88 percent), but some are also bringing cats (18 percent) and other pets such as parakeets, parrots, ferrets and even horses.
RVing Brings Families Closer Together
RVing also strengthens family relationships, according to the survey. Eighty-four percent of the married respondents said RVing has brought them closer together, while 85 percent said RVing has contributed to a greater family bond.
Favorite Activities
RVers enjoy an array of activities while traveling in their RVs. Favorites include: cooking out (76 percent), sightseeing (74 percent), and scenic drives (72 percent). Visiting friends and family was mentioned by 60 percent. Forty percent of RVers like to visit festivals and fairs. Other favorite activities include shopping, antiquing, and visiting theme parks or zoos.
Almost half (45 percent) plan to use their RV to enjoy outdoor sports and activities with hiking (53 percent), fishing and hunting (52 percent), and biking (32 percent) mentioned as favorites.
Would-be RV travelers can order a free “getting-started” DVDor CD-ROM at GoRVing.com or 1-888-Go RVing. They can also surf the website for lists of Go RVing dealers and campgrounds in their area, as well as RV shows, publications, rental sources and clubs. Or write to: RVIA, P.O. Box 2999, Dept. P, Reston, VA20195.
The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (rvia.org) is the national association representing more than 550 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.
RVShoppersDirect.com top
RVShoppersDirect.com, a division on NCRI, announced in September 2008 the launch of its brand new video-driven, multi-media content delivery system directory available for the RV enthusiast online. Through the Power of Video! Visitors come to RVShoppersDirect.com to find and to research RVs. The site offers dynamic multi-media video content as well as comprehensive, searchable information of RVs.
Use this online resource to plan your day at the California RV Show. Research the features of the brands and models in advance, then see all the RVs in one day at the show.
This web site is not just another online directory service, RVShoppersDirect.com is one of America's leading RV search engine complete with videos, photos, discussions and more!
Fact: More than 60% of consumers research their purchase online!
Fact: 90% of all the people looking to buy a RV use the Internet, this is why we just Developed RVSD.
Fact: 67 million people watch 17 hours of Videos on the internet each month.
Fact: Video sells 5 times more than static pics.
Let us help you find a dealer offering the model you want to buy.
RVShoppersDirect.com aims to be the leading guide for the RV enthusiasts, RV Dealers and RV Manufacturers across the U.S. and Canada. They are committed to providing the most dynamic, multi-sensory experience of online video RV product content.
About RVShoppersDirect.com
RVShoppersDirect.com, a division of NCRI, plans on having the largest database of recreational vehicles for sale online. RVShoppersDirect.com is supported by its full service video production company with 300+ videographers across the U.S.A. to serve RV Dealers and manufacturers requiring a video to upload of their amenities and services. For more information about RVShoppersDirect.com, call toll-free 1-877-835-0777 or visit RVShoppersDirect.com.