RVIA released information to members on a new survey of buyers from 2021 and 2021.
Top-line highlights were revealed in an infographic on the association’s website.
Among the takeaways from the information is the age demographics. Only 22% of buyers surveyed were members of the baby boomer generation, with Gen X buyers making up 31%. The oldest Gen X members turn 57 this year. Millennial-age buyers, generally those ages 26 to 41, outnumbered Gen X with 38% of respondents.
The median buyer age, with half as many older and half as many younger, was 33.
New buyers generally travel in the summer, with 61% traveling between May and June, and 57% traveling between May and August.
Buyers split reasons for their RV purchase. A total of 31% said they wanted more road trips, with 30% wanting to travel in comfort, 24% looking for a basecamp during outdoor recreation and 23% wanting to explore. A total of 15% said they bought because of Covid travel restrictions. Nearly a quarter (23%) used their RV for work travel.
More than half surveyed (57%) bought new RVs and 89% bought at least one aftermarket part or accessory. More than half (54%) bought three or more aftermarket items.
Buyers brought money to the table. The average household income topped $90,000 annually and buyers spent an average of $73,115 on their RV.
Finally, buyers stayed close to home. More than half (56%) reported traveling less than 200 miles. The distance could be important to manufacturers seeking transitions to electric vehicles. Thor Industries and Winnebago Industries recently announced prototype electric-powered motorhomes. Thor said its motorhome had a 300-mile range while Winnebago announced a 125-mile range.
