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COBURG, ORE. Monaco RV, one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of recreational vehicles, began a Sweepstakes promotion through each of their brand websites: Monaco www.monacocoach.com, Holiday Rambler www.holidayrambler.com and RVision. www.rvisiontowables.com. The sweepstakes is being promoted through Monaco RV’s social media sites including Facebook and Twitter, along with direct e-mail blasts. Banner ads advertising the sweepstakes are also running on several different sites on the web. The Sweepstakes runs through July 1 through August 31, with the grand prize of a 2010 Holiday Rambler Campmaster® travel trailer valued at $20,000.

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The Towable Give-Away Sweepstakes has generated a lot of traffic on our websites,” says Ryan Lee, Director of Marketing for Monaco RV. “We have been very pleased with the response and look forward to reaching more consumers, exposing them to our brands and the depth of products we have to offer.”

The ultra-light weight travel trailer Campmaster® from Holiday Rambler features an aerodynamic design and enclosed underbelly reduces unwanted air, turbulence and drag, providing excellent towability with today’s smaller SUV’s and Crossovers. The Campmaster® comes standard with high end features including aluminum wheels and a large exterior passthrough storage bay. A spacious kitchen features Mortise and Tenon hardwood cabinet doors, a microwave, 6 cubic-foot double door refrigerator and an oversize double kitchen sink with a high-rise faucet. The Campmaster® is available in five floorplans including two 23-foot models (21RB, 21RD) and two 30-foot models (28RDS, 28RLS). The 28RDS and 28 RLS feature full depth, flush-floor slide outs. Also available in the TailGater model (28RTS) which offers an exterior kitchen and entertainment center for outside convenience and entertaining. Available options include an exterior shower, 22-inch and 26” LCD flat screen TVs, free standing dinette and 8 cu. ft refrigerator.

For more information on the Campmaster® and the entire Holiday Rambler product line up, visit www.holidayrambler.com or call 800-245-4778.

In 2009, approximately 70,000 man-made fires burned out of control, resulting in damage to over 2 million acres of land, as well as injuries and destroyed property. Foremost® encourages you to keep our campgrounds safe this summer by following some of these fire safety tips.

“Carelessness with fire can do more damage than people think,” says Bill Pinchak, Grand Rapids claims manager for recreational vehicles. “It can destroy forests and wildlife and also cause injuries to you or your family. Camping equipment, like tents, sleeping bags, even your RV or travel trailer, can also be damaged.”

To stay safe this summer, follow these guidelines when building your campfire:

• Use existing fire rings, a fire mound or fire pans to build your fire
• Keep fires a safe distance from dwellings and vehicles
• Be aware of overhanging branches, dry leaves or other objects nearby that may catch fire
• Be aware of any unsafe weather conditions, such as high winds
• Pile any extra wood away from the fire
• Clear away any and all flammable material 10 feet around the fire, like trash, leaves or sticks
• Avoid using flammable liquids to start your fire
• Teach fire safety habits to children
• Keep your fire small
• Be sure your match is completely out
• Always monitor your fire – do not leave it unattended
• Keep water nearby in case the fire starts to spread – use water to completely extinguish the fire
• Shovel dirt onto the fire if you have no water
• Do not bury your coals-- they can smolder and catch something else on fire

Foremost Insurance Group (“Foremost”) is your source for personal property and casualty insurance. A part of the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies®, Foremost has been a leader in the insurance industry since 1952. Foremost is headquartered in Caledonia, Michigan. To learn more about our products or share your feedback, visit www.Foremost.com, our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/foremostinsurance or our Twitter page at www.Twitter.com/foremost.

Click Illustration for Larger Image Remington Outdoor Foundation is supporting a second project at Oregon's Deschutes National Forest to restore the Metolius River and Whychus Creek.

Click Illustration for Larger Image One effort supported by Remington Outdoor Foundation and other partners is revitalizing the site of the 2002 Hayman Fire in Colorado's Pike National Forest.

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Remington Outdoor Foundation's first-year donation of $100,000 to the National Forest Foundation will be leveraged by more than $1 million in matching funds to help restore habitat at Colorado's Pike National Forest and the Deschutes National Forest in Oregon.

"Our support of the National Forest Foundation'sTreasured Landscapes, Unforgettable Experiences campaign enables us to help restore forest ecosystems, which is an important part of Remington Outdoor Foundation's conservation mission," said Jim Moore, president of the Remington Outdoor Foundation. "This investment in our National Forest System of $100,000 a year for three years will provide countless recreation and environmental benefits."

This country's 193-million-acre National Forest System provides clean air and water, diverse wildlife habitat and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. However, today's challenges to our national forests and grasslands, ranging from wildfire to invasive species to climate change, threaten these natural resources and wild places.

One effort supported by Remington Outdoor Foundation is revitalizing the Pike National Forest, the site of the 2002 Hayman Fire, Colorado's largest wildfire. The National Forest Foundation is working with community-based partners and the Forest Service to restore the Upper South Platte watershed (Denver's main water supply). Restoration work includes reducing sediment loads, enhancing and relocating trails, eradicating noxious weeds, planting trees and restoring wildlife habitat on approximately 45,000 acres burned in the Hayman Fire.

The National Forest Foundation expects to complete this project by 2012, the 10th anniversary of the Hayman wildfire. With its $50,000 grant, Remington Outdoor Foundation is helping leverage and match $350,000 from the U.S. Forest Service, $250,000 from Vail Resorts, $50,000 from the Gates Family Foundation, $50,000 from National Forest Foundation Chairman John Hendricks, and $250,000 from the National Forest Foundation for year one of the three-year restoration effort. Funds from this collaboration will be used to improve habitat for a variety of wildlife species including elk, deer, cutthroat trout and more.

Remington Outdoor Foundation is supporting a second project at Oregon's Deschutes National Forest with another $50,000 donation to restore the Metolius River and Whychus Creek. Over time, dam development and over-uses for irrigation and recreation have damaged the Metolius and Whychus and their historical fish habitat. Thanks to new fish passage systems, these streams will soon see the reintroduction of native salmon and steelhead migrating from the sea to freshwater to reproduce.

The National Forest Foundation has begun community-based efforts to restore these Deschutes National Forest watersheds and surrounding recreation sites thanks to Remington Outdoor Foundation's initial gift and another $168,000 generated from matching funds. These matches include $36,500 in private funds, $86,500 from the U.S. Forest Service, and a $45,000 grant from the county Resource Advisory Council.

"America's National Forests host millions of visitors each year, many of them enjoying the incredible hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities provided by our public lands," said Bill Possiel, National Forest Foundation president. "The Remington Outdoor Foundation is a natural partner for our efforts to perpetuate healthy national forests and grasslands, and we are extremely grateful for their partnership and support."

To learn more about Remington Outdoor Foundation's work with partners, visit their website, OutdoorRoadmap.com, which is poised to become the preeminent online source for information and services for hunters, target shooters and conservationists.

Stronger Laws, Better Data and Greater Focus Among Findings

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Recently, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) released a new report that provides the first comprehensive look at state activities and programs to address the growing problem of distracted driving. The report, "Curbing Distracted Driving: 2010 Survey of State Safety Programs," details a host of approaches states are implementing.

The survey found that states are aggressively pursuing solutions to distracted driving including: stronger laws, increased data collection, new education programs, public/private partnerships and a growing reliance on new media to spread the message.

State highway safety agencies from every state as well as the District of Columbia, Guam and American Samoa participated in the survey. Key findings are noted below.

• Distracted driving has emerged as a priority for state highway safety agencies. Twenty-seven states, D.C., and Guam indicated that distracted driving is included in their Strategic Highway Safety Plans (SHSPs). These plans reflect the statewide highway safety priorities of state safety-related agencies including Departments of Transportation, Departments of Motor Vehicles, as well as highway safety offices and many other state and local agencies. The detailed plans are only updated every few years; to already have more than half of the states listing distraction as a priority reflects the states' commitment on this serious issue. GHSA expects additional states to include distraction as SHSPs are updated.
• States have improved data collection efforts. In 2003, only 17 states collected information about distraction as a factor in crashes. Today, 43 states and D.C. report they collect this crucial data. Good data is a key component of a strong highway safety program, and GHSA is confident every state will include distraction in the near future.
• States are educating new drivers about distraction. In 2003, AAA reported that only five states had distinct distracted driving sections in their driver license manuals. Today, 32 states and D.C. have these sections. Additionally, distracted driving is a component of driver education in 18 states and D.C., and it is a question on the driver license test in 17 states and D.C.
• States have been passing a variety of distracted driving laws. Twenty-eight states, D.C. and Guam now ban text messaging by all drivers. The first state to do this was Washington in 2007, so states have been moving very quickly in this area. Seven states, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands ban hand-held cell phone use behind the wheel for all drivers. School bus drivers are prohibited from talking behind the wheel in 18 states and D.C.
• States are emphasizing public education. Thirty-seven states and D.C. have public information/education campaigns to warn about the dangers of driver distraction. Eight states noted they have initiated efforts to provide training or technical assistance to the judiciary on this topic.
• Public/private partnerships are increasing. Thirty-five states are working with other state agencies and private employers to address distracted driving. Sixteen states and D.C. have worked with other state agencies or private companies to develop distracted driving policies for their employees.
• States are using new technology to educate motorists. Fifteen states and D.C. are using social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook to promote anti-distracted driving messages.

To continue building momentum on distracted driving countermeasures as well as sharing best practices on a host of highway safety and technology issues, GHSA's 2010 Annual Meeting theme is "Technology and Highway Safety: What's Driving Our Future?" The conference takes place September 26-29 in Kansas City. More information is online at www.ghsa.org.

"Curbing Distracted Driving: 2010 Survey of State Safety Programs" was completed for GHSA by The Vermette Group in Ashburn, Virginia. Electronic copies are available online at www.ghsa.org. Printed copies will be mailed to GHSA Members.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve traffic safety, influence national policy and enhance program management. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans. Contact GHSA at 202-789-0942 or visit www.ghsa.org.

Click Illustration for Larger Image RVIA President Richard Coon

Speaking to members at RVIA's Membership Meeting at the Century Center in South Bend, Ind., on June 9, RVIA President Richard Coon detailed a number of long-term issues on the association’s radar screen as the RV industry begins to recover from the market downturn.

“These are important items and trends that need to be considered as the RV industry moves forward because they will play a factor in our continued success,” said Coon.

Coon said one developing trend is that the RV industry is becoming increasingly more global. “The RV lifestyle is no longer just a North American or European phenomenon. The industry continues to develop in China, Australia and South Africa, and this provides opportunities for the RV industry,” he said.

Among the other issues, he discussed:

• The environmental movement and government regulations, such as Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas emission standards, will continue to play a significant role in the future development of the RV industry’s products.
• The rush of recent state franchise legislation driven by automotive dealers in response to the impact of the recession on the automotive industry has the potential to adversely impact RV dealer and manufacturer relations. The need for continued focus on customer aftermarket service so problems can be remedied.
• Destination camping is becoming more popular among consumers and needs to be studied and promoted. The need to interest America’s young people in nature and outdoor recreation to create a new generation of outdoor and RV enthusiasts. In addition, Coon reviewed actions by the RVIA Board of Directors over the past year and detailed the make-up of the RVIA Board and the Executive Committee for attendees at the meeting.

“We have an active, engaged Board composed of Manufacturer, Supplier and At-Large members serving alongside the past chairmen of the association,” Coon said. “And, our Executive Committee members provide a tremendous amount of experience and expertise. As an association, we are fortunate to have such strong leadership.”

Prepared by Recreation Vehicle Industry Association

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2010 shipments. RV shipments in January totaled 15,800 units, more than double the number shipped in January, 2009. RV shipments are projected to total 215,900 in 2010, a gain of 30% from 2009 shipments, according to RV industry analyst and director of consumer surveys at the University of Michigan, Dr. Richard Curtin. Growth in shipments is expected throughout 2010 as dealers restock reduced inventories and the improving trend in RV sales continues. Economic hazards could slow the pace of recovery, including poor job and income growth, lingering credit constraints and low consumer confidence.

2009 shipments. RV shipments in 2009 totaled 165,700, down 30.1% from 2008. Shipments reached their lowest point in the first quarter of 2009, but improved steadily during the last half of the year. Lower shipments in 2009 were caused by the longest and deepest U.S. recession since the 1930s, the tightest credit conditions in several decades, job losses, falling household wealth, slower growth in real incomes, and historically low consumer confidence.

The RV industry is seeing signs of improvement, and the recovery is expected to strengthen slowly as credit availability, job security and consumer confidence improve:

• Primary demand for RVs remains robust, as indicated by improving dealer sales due to price discounting and strong RV show attendance. Shows in Indiana, Florida, Michigan, Texas, Ohio, Colorado and Utah are reporting strong attendance and sales in 2010. Dealer inventories have been reduced by retail sales, although low consumer confidence and America’s struggling economy caused consumers to delay major purchase decisions. A delay in purchasing means future sales potential and renewed growth in shipments.
• Despite the economic downturn, 15 new RV manufacturers began business operations in 2009. In response to shrinking dealer inventories and gradually improving sales, manufacturers and suppliers are rehiring laid off workers and returning to full production schedules.
• The credit worthiness of RV consumers remains at the top of all credit seekers. The delinquency rate on RV loans was 0.95% from 1999-2007 vs. 2.0% for other consumer loans, according to the American Bankers Association Quarterly Delinquency Bulletin. Current limitations on RV credit are expected to gradually diminish over time since RV owners are, on average, excellent credit risks.
• Federal economic credit and stimulus packages, which include provisions to stimulate RV lending and friendly tax treatment for new RV purchases, may help promote sales and aid in the RV industry’s economic recovery. One provision in the stimulus bill provides a deduction for sales or excise taxes on the first $49,500 of a new motorhome purchase. Inclusion of RV consumer loans and RV dealer floor plan loans in the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF) could ease credit and stimulate RV lending. The Small Business Administration’s decision to guarantee loans made to RV dealers could further help the RV industry.

Shipments history. Shipments in 2008 totaled 237,000 units, down 32.9% from 2007. After five consecutive years of record growth, RV shipments dropped 9.5 percent in 2007 as consumers postponed discretionary purchases due to the U.S. economic slowdown. Shipments totaled 353,400 — the fourth highest in the past quarter century. 390,500 RVs were shipped in 2006, the best annual total in the past 25 years. Total RV shipments in 2006 were 1.6 percent higher than 2005 — the fifth consecutive year shipments grew. RV wholesale shipments totaled 384,400 units in 2005. In 2004 RV shipments topped 370,100. For a historical chart showing RV shipments by year, go to: RVIA Historical Glance.

RV Travel Trends

RV ownership and travel is a great value. The 2008 PKF Vacation Cost comparison study showed that a family of four can save 27-to-61% on vacation costs by traveling in an RV, after factoring in ownership costs and fuel. Even with higher fuel prices, more than 80% of RV owners say their RV vacations cost less than other forms of vacation.

Shorter trips close to home. Research shows that RVers spend more time enjoying campgrounds and less on the road to save fuel. With more than 16,000 campgrounds nationwide, RVers also save by staying closer to home.

Fuel cost analysis. Analysis of potential fuel cost increases shows that fuel prices would need to more than triple over current levels to make RVing more expensive for a family of four than other forms of travel. “While fuel costs are a component of the overall vacation cost, fluctuations in fuel prices aren't significant enough to affect a family's decision of whether or not to take RV trips over other types of vacations," said Kannan Sankaran, PKF's lead researcher for the study.

RV parks and campgrounds across the country report that reservations in 2009 were 8% better than they were in 2008. RV rentals were up 12% in 2009, according to a survey by the Recreation Vehicle Rental Association.

Other Factors Behind RV Industry Growth

• IRS tax deduction. For most RV buyers, interest on their loan is deductible as second home mortgage interest.
• RV manufacturers are innovating to give consumers an array of product choices. Manufacturers are producing lightweight towables and smaller, fuel-efficient motorhomes. Green technologies such as solar panels and energy-efficient components are appearing on an increasing number of RVs.
• ifestyle trends continue to spur demand for RVs. RV owners overwhelmingly said in recent surveys that their RV makes it easier to take more frequent weekend getaways or mini-vacations that accommodate busy family schedules.
• Go RVing ads build demand. More than 2.5 million consumers visited GoRVing.com in 2009 — a 7% increase over 2008 — as the industry continued its aggressive advertising campaign. The ads were updated with a new theme line, “Go Affordably. Go RVing.” Four new television spots begin airing in mid-February. Details: GoRVing.com.

Indicators for Future Growth

• Population and demographic trends favor long-term RV market growth. Buyers aged 35-54 are the largest segment of RV owners, according to the 2005 University of Michigan study commissioned by RVIA. The demographic tidal wave of prime RV buyers remains strongly in the strongest RV ownership age groups. Every day, 11,000 Americans turn 50, according to U.S. Census figures.
• Boomers nearing retirement. RV sales will benefit as aging baby-boomers continue to enter the age range in which RV ownership is highest. According to Dr. Richard Curtin, director of surveys at the University of Michigan, by the end of the decade, the number of consumers aged 50 to 64 will total 57 million — 38 percent higher than in 2000. Today one-in-10 vehicle-owning households in that age group own at least one RV.
• RVs are attractive to young buyers. The fastest growing group of RV owners is young people 18-34. Products such as sports-utility RVs, as well as the Go RVing campaign, have helped attract younger buyers.
• RV ownership has reached record levels. Approximately 8.2 million American households now own an RV — a 16 percent increase since 2001 and a 64 percent gain since 1980.

In 2010 the RV industry celebrates its 100th anniversary. A century ago, the popularization of the automobile, improving roads, and America’s passion for exploration gave rise to mass-produced, manufactured recreation vehicles, and the RV industry was born. Through war and peace, booms and busts, fuel lines, fads and the cyber revolution, the RV lifestyle has endured.

WEBSITES: www.RVIA.org www.GoRVing.com

RV News Exclusive

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Four international RV industry personnel were invited to participate in the 3rd annual Hangzhou China Outdoor Lifestyle Show March 4 -7 in support of the infant Chinese RV industry. Joe Laing of El Monte RV a leading RV rental company with 70 locations throughout the US, Bob McKinnon of McKinnon RV Consulting, a designer and developer of campgrounds throughout North America and Australia, Wolfgang Bock of Deutsche Reissemobil, the largest RV rental firm in Germany, and Al Hesselbart, Historian for the RV/MH Hall of Fame who was asked to report on the evolution of the American RV lifestyle and its place in the American culture today. They were invited to be part of a ten person forum addressing Chinese media and Governmental officials on concerns related to the establishment of a viable recreational vehicle industry and its related lifestyle in China. The international group was coordinated and hosted by N-Tours International, a tour promotion firm based in Beijing.

China has an existing camping population but it is nearly all tent camping and the existing campgrounds are organized for tenters only. They have a great selection of national parks and other camping attractions. While they have the technology to build very fine recreational vehicles, there are at this time less than 50 RV campgrounds in all of China and no network of retailers or RV support businesses or publications.

2010 is the first year that the Chinese RV manufacturers were given space in the show, which is the largest outdoor lifestyle show in Asia, and they showed several small motorhomes all based on Sprinter chassis made by Mercedes Benz in China. A couple of outstanding 35 foot type A motorhomes including slideouts were also shown, built by Chinese highway bus manufacturer King Long Coach. The Chinese government has plans to develop 800 RV campgrounds within the next 5 years related to its many national parks and other attractions. The Chinese officials feel that, at least for the present, the local RV lifestyle will be based on rental and not ownership of private rigs. They did discuss the establishment of a market for small towable units but they are targeting the first development toward small, motorized units. It was somewhat surprising to the Americans that the Chinese use almost no automatic transmissions and all of the RVs were built with manual transmissions as were nearly 100 percent of the autos on the highway.

In addition to the large forum at the show, the group was privileged to meet with several other camping related groups and resort developers to discuss the types of conditions and services provided for RV camping in the US and Europe.

The group saw a dramatic enthusiasm to develop an RV lifestyle where their population is largely uninformed of the possibilities of self contained travel for recreation or for business.

Author Al Hesselbart is a noted Historian, Archivist, Writer, Librarian at the RV/MH Hall of Fame based in Elkhart, Indiana

Prepared by Recreation Vehicle Industry Association March 2010

RV Shipments and Sales Data

·         2010 shipments.  RV shipments in January totaled 15,800 units, more than double the number shipped in January, 2009.  RV shipments are projected to total 215,900 in 2010, a gain of 30% from 2009 shipments, according to RV industry analyst and director of consumer surveys at the University of Michigan, Dr. Richard Curtin.  Growth in shipments is expected throughout 2010 as dealers restock reduced inventories and the improving trend in RV sales continues.  Economic hazards could slow the pace of recovery, including poor job and income growth, lingering credit constraints and low consumer confidence.

·         2009 shipments.  RV shipments in 2009 totaled 165,700, down 30.1% from 2008.  Shipments reached their lowest point in the first quarter of 2009, but improved steadily during the last half of the year.  Lower shipments in 2009 were caused by the longest and deepest U.S. recession since the 1930s, the tightest credit conditions in several decades, job losses, falling household wealth, slower growth in real incomes, and historically low consumer confidence.

·         The RV industry is seeing signs of improvement, and the recovery is expected to strengthen slowly as credit availability, job security and consumer confidence improve:

o        Primary demand for RVs remains robust, as indicated by improving dealer sales due to price discounting and strong RV show attendance.  Shows in Indiana, Florida, Michigan, Texas, Ohio, Colorado and Utah are reporting strong attendance and sales in 2010.  Dealer inventories have been reduced by retail sales, although low consumer confidence and America’s struggling economy caused consumers to delay major purchase decisions.  A delay in purchasing means future sales potential and renewed growth in shipments.

o        Despite the economic downturn, 15 new RV manufacturers began business operations in 2009.  In response to shrinking dealer inventories and gradually improving sales, manufacturers and suppliers are rehiring laid off workers and returning to full production schedules.

o        The credit worthiness of RV consumers remains at the top of all credit seekers.  The delinquency rate on RV loans was 0.95% from 1999-2007 vs. 2.0% for other consumer loans, according to the American Bankers Association Quarterly Delinquency Bulletin.  Current limitations on RV credit are expected to gradually diminish over time since RV owners are, on average, excellent credit risks.

o        Federal economic credit and stimulus packages, which include provisions to stimulate RV lending and friendly tax treatment for new RV purchases, may help promote sales and aid in the RV industry’s economic recovery.  One provision in the stimulus bill provides a deduction for sales or excise taxes on the first $49,500 of a new motorhome purchase.  Inclusion of RV consumer loans and RV dealer floor plan loans in the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF) could ease credit and stimulate RV lending.  The Small Business Administration’s decision to guarantee loans made to RV dealers could further help the RV industry.

·         Shipments history.  Shipments in 2008 totaled 237,000 units, down 32.9% from 2007.  After five consecutive years of record growth, RV shipments dropped 9.5 percent in 2007 as consumers postponed discretionary purchases due to the U.S. economic slowdown.  Shipments totaled 353,400 — the fourth highest in the past quarter century.  390,500 RVs were shipped in 2006, the best annual total in the past 25 years.  Total RV shipments in 2006 were 1.6 percent higher than 2005 — the fifth consecutive year shipments grew.  RV wholesale shipments totaled 384,400 units in 2005.  In 2004 RV shipments topped 370,100.  For a historical chart showing RV shipments by year, go to: RVIA Historical Glance.

RV Travel Trends

·         RV ownership and travel is a great value.  The 2008 PKF Vacation Cost comparison study showed that a family of four can save 27-to-61% on vacation costs by traveling in an RV, after factoring in ownership costs and fuel.  Even with higher fuel prices, more than 80% of RV owners say their RV vacations cost less than other forms of vacation. 

·         Shorter trips close to home.  Research shows that RVers spend more time enjoying campgrounds and less on the road to save fuel.  With more than 16,000 campgrounds nationwide, RVers also save by staying closer to home.

·         Fuel cost analysis.  Analysis of potential fuel cost increases shows that fuel prices would need to more than triple over current levels to make RVing more expensive for a family of four than other forms of travel.  “While fuel costs are a component of the overall vacation cost, fluctuations in fuel prices aren't significant enough to affect a family's decision of whether or not to take RV trips over other types of vacations," said Kannan Sankaran, PKF's lead researcher for the study.

·         RV parks and campgrounds across the country report that reservations in 2009 were 8% better than they were in 2008.  RV rentals were up 12% in 2009, according to a survey by the Recreation Vehicle Rental Association.

Other Factors Behind RV Industry Growth

·         IRS tax deduction.  For most RV buyers, interest on their loan is deductible as second home mortgage interest.

·         RV manufacturers are innovating to give consumers an array of product choices.  Manufacturers are producing lightweight towables and smaller, fuel-efficient motorhomes.  Green technologies such as solar panels and energy-efficient components are appearing on an increasing number of RVs.

·         Lifestyle trends continue to spur demand for RVs.  RV owners overwhelmingly said in recent surveys that their RV makes it easier to take more frequent weekend getaways or mini-vacations that accommodate busy family schedules. 

·         Go RVing ads build demand.  More than 2.5 million consumers visited GoRVing.com in 2009 — a 7% increase over 2008 — as the industry continued its aggressive advertising campaign.  The ads were updated with a new theme line, “Go Affordably.  Go RVing.”  Four new television spots begin airing in mid-February.  Details: GoRVing.com.

Indicators for Future Growth

·         Population and demographic trends favor long-term RV market growth.  Buyers aged 35-54 are the largest segment of RV owners, according to the 2005 University of Michigan study commissioned by RVIA.  The demographic tidal wave of prime RV buyers remains strongly in the strongest RV ownership age groups.  Every day, 11,000 Americans turn 50, according to U.S. Census figures.

·         Boomers nearing retirement.  RV sales will benefit as aging baby-boomers continue to enter the age range in which RV ownership is highest.  According to Dr. Richard Curtin, director of surveys at the University of Michigan, by the end of the decade, the number of consumers aged 50 to 64 will total 57 million — 38 percent higher than in 2000.  Today one-in-10 vehicle-owning households in that age group own at least one RV.

·         RVs are attractive to young buyers.  The fastest growing group of RV owners is young people 18-34.  Products such as sports-utility RVs, as well as the Go RVing campaign, have helped attract younger buyers.

·         RV ownership has reached record levels.  Approximately 8.2 million American households now own an RV — a 16 percent increase since 2001 and a 64 percent gain since 1980.

·         In 2010 the RV industry celebrates its 100^th anniversary.  A century ago, the popularization of the automobile, improving roads, and America’s passion for exploration gave rise to mass-produced, manufactured recreation vehicles, and the RV industry was born.  Through war and peace, booms and busts, fuel lines, fads and the cyber revolution, the RV lifestyle has endured.

WEBSITES:  www.RVIA.org  www.GoRVing.com

MORE INFORMATION:

Kevin Broom

Director of Media Relations

Recreation Vehicle Industry Association

703-620-6003, ext. 304

kbroom@rvia.org