You would think that with gas prices hitting record highs that recreational vehicle (RV) travel would be experiencing record lows. But, according to trade groups, while sales of large motor homes have hit a road bump, there has been a boom in sales of smaller, lower-priced models that get better gas mileage.
Americans spend $14 billion a year on recreational vehicles. From fully contained motor homes to popup campers. Travel experts say it is an ideal way to strengthen family bonds. It lends itself to adventure and convenience, which makes it increasingly popular with parents looking for vacation options that will appeal to every family member. The drive becomes part of the fun, especially with young children. And with sleeping quarters, kitchens, dining areas and bathrooms readily accessible, you may drastically reduce the “Are-we-there-yet” blues.
But given the rising price of gas, is RV-ing affordable?
PKF Consulting, which specializes in travel and tourism, found that the cost of going by RV was 13 to 42 percent less than traveling in a personal car, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants. Research showed that a family of four traveling from Denver to the Grand Canyon for 10 days with their folding camping trailer in tow, staying in campgrounds for the local average of $16 per night, would save 52 percent, or $1,515, over the same trip taken by car, staying in hotels averaging $117 per night and eating in restaurants.
On a trip from Atlanta to Orlando for a week, a family of four would save $1,250, or 43 percent, by traveling in their motor home and staying in campgrounds averaging $23 per night, rather than flying, renting a car, staying in hotels averaging $92 per night and eating in restaurants.
Shorter getaways were also found to be less expensive by RV. A family taking a three-day vacation from Detroit to Traverse City, Michigan would save $145, or 18 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 — $1,140 or 61 percent — for families taking the same trip by motor home rather than flying.
If you have never camped in a recreational vehicle try renting one first to see if the lifestyle is one that matches your own. Renting is also a good idea if you only camp a few weeks a year. Motor homes rent for about $350 to $750 a week depending on location, model and time of year. Among the least expensive motor homes are those built on the chassis of small trucks. The advantage of these micro-minis, besides the price (many are under $25,000), is their gas mileage, typically around 15 miles per gallon. The disadvantage is that space is often limited. To find a local rental dealer, consult your telephone directory under “Recreational Vehicles Renting and Leasing” or try visiting the Cruise America website.