RV Rentals and Road Trips: What to Expect This Summer and Beyond

With summer approaching and temperatures rising, the RV industry is already seeing improved unit values. Driven by higher seasonal demand, the average selling price of motorhomes and towables increased 15.8% and 6.2% from February to March alone. While you navigate peak recreational season and beyond, what can you expect? Here are a few industry insights to know:

RV Trips Remain Popular

According to the RV Industry Association, approximately 72 million Americans plan to take RV trips this year, with 44 million planning one for this upcoming summer.  

With long weekends ahead for Memorial Day and Fourth of July, you can expect to see piqued interest in RV rental reservations. In fact, RV dealers are experiencing an equal or higher number of rental bookings compared to last year. Your dealer management system should help you keep track of which units you have available and when, making it easy to respond quickly to any customer inquiries. 

RV trips continue to gain popularity for many reasons, including:  

• Unwinding and relaxing 

• Exploring the outdoors 

• Experiencing natural beauty 

• Saving money on travel costs 

• Having the ability to bring pets along 

Other notable factors that draw consumers to the RV lifestyle include flexibility, versatility, and campground availability.  

Rising Interest in RV Ownership

Both new and former owners are considering an RV purchase in the near future. For example, within the next five years, 58% of previous RV owners may reenter the market. These customers may just be missing the RV lifestyle or searching for a newer model that fits their current needs.  

A few common motivators of RV ownership are:  

• Looking for a unit with different features 

• Having past camping experiences 

• Desiring a new camping method 

Consumer Purchase Habits

• The popularity of RVs varies by type. Depending on how each buyer intends to use the RV, customers may want a more spacious motorhome that can fit their whole family, or a unit that can be towed by their current vehicle. The top three most-used RVs include conventional travel trailers, fifth-wheel travel trailers, and Class C motorhomes. When it comes to consumer preferences on new or used RVs, 71% of buyers purchase new units.  

• Most RV buyers make their purchases in person. While online purchases have taken the world by storm, sales across the RV industry remain traditional. According to Go RVing, 94% of buyers purchase their RV in person. However, dealers’ online presence remains important for brand awareness and consumer research. The sale may end in person, but customers’ consideration phase is largely online. 

Conclusion

By staying on top of industry trends and consumer preferences, your dealership will be better prepared to face whatever comes your way. As customers prepare for one-off summer trips or full-blown RV ownership, you’ll know what they’re looking for and how to support them effectively.