Posted on 05/20/2020 1:40:18 PM PDT by SJackson
Thor Industries — one of the world’s largest RV manufacturers and owner of numerous brands including Airstream — found nearly everyone with a camper still plans to get out this year. And those plans extend further than expected.
The post-pandemic world has, by in large, adapted to a life of social distancing and stay-at-home lifestyles. But that hasn’t shaken our commitment to enjoying the great outdoors again as summer nears. At least, that’s according to a recent survey of more than 19,000 current and prospective RV owners.
Commissioned by Thor Industries, parent company to well-known RV brands like Airstream, Dutchmen, Jayco, and more, the 2020 North American RV Consumer Survey Report found that 94% of respondents still plan to take a vacation this year.
What’s more, the survey found that nearly half of those surveyed (48%) still plan to go camping into October.
“We expect to see an extended season as consumers look to make up for perceived lost time,” the report concluded.
The report also found that while 20% of people canceled air travel and hotel stays this year, nearly 35% have not yet canceled any vacation plans.
And when it comes to when those vacations will happen, the No. 1 response was the reopening of campgrounds. Notably, respondents listed campground reopenings as even more important in their plans than “greatly reduced” COVID-19 spread.
Of the survey’s RV-owning demographic — this includes lightweight pull-behinds, travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and class A, B, and C RVs — 79% said they will use their RV at least as much as last year, if not more.
As far as prospective RV owners, 78% intend to buy this year. Further, nearly half, 47%, plan to purchase a teardrop-style or travel trailer. Motorhomes and larger camper trailers split the remaining market.
Conversely, current RVers who indicated an interest in another purchase said they were most likely (33%) to buy a fifth-wheel trailer.
While this survey does not represent all forms of outdoor adventure or camping, the key takeaway provides a hopeful look ahead. People still intend to enjoy an outdoor getaway despite all the dire news and upended social norms.
I’m retired and living in an RV resort in Florida. I also work here (just for something to do) and I can confirm this.
This weekend we have 90 RV’s coming in on Friday, 25 on Saturday. This place will be packed.
Camping by it’s own nature is social distancing. It has been cringe worthy throughout this mess that people actually believe that going into your own yard alone is a risk. Walking the dog may be deadly. A car driving by with a happy birthday sign is certain death. Nuts gotta nut I guess.
We went camping (in tents) the first week South Carolina State Parks opened. The number of RV and travel-trailer campers at the park roughly doubled during the five days we were there. Regulars said the park would normally have been full.
My nephew just purchased an RV in CO.
From Michigan. Brutal -
“These rules are not optional. They will be enforced,” Whitmer told a briefing, adding that state campgrounds and bans on vacation rentals remained in effect.
From Michigan. Brutal -
“These rules are not optional. They will be enforced,” Whitmer told a briefing, adding that state campgrounds and bans on vacation rentals remained in effect.
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Whitmer has handed Michigan to Trump, IMO.
“Half will buy a teardrop trailer”
Who has experience with teardrops? What’s a good quality brand? Tips?
“Half will buy a teardrop trailer”
Who has experience with teardrops? What’s a good quality brand? Tips?
https://winnebago.com/models/product/hike
Don’t buy a cheap one that’s the best advice I can give you. Good stuff ain’t cheap and cheap stuff ain’t good. Nuff said.
Yeah I know a bit about RV’s.
Wife and I are thinking about buying a travel trailer. 30k budget towed by GMC Sierra SLT with 6.2 V8. Family of 4 (me, wife, 8 and 10 year old. Wife wants bunk beds, good AC, entertainment system, outside cooking, big fridge, and NO junk trailers. Can you steer me into the top brands? Seems like Jayco, Keystone, and Winnebago are the big ones in Arkansas.
Grand Design, Grand Design Grand Design. Then Winnebago. Keystone and Jayco? Thor owned junk. Private message me if you are very serious we are next door to you.
perceived? Everything has been closed for months.
I built one 12 years ago, it’s still going strong. To buy one, I’d start looking at CampInn, pricey, but built very very well. Many cheaper brands are built just as crappy as standard RVs.
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