Economic reports may find inflation falling to early 2021 levels, but a new survey reported that consumers are pulling back dramatically on Labor Day weekend and fall RVing plans this year.
Amid sizzling summer days’ transformation into crisp fall nights, 27 million Americans plan to go RVing this fall, according to RVIA’s Fall Travel Intentions Survey conducted by Cairn Consulting. The total is down 29% from the 38 million Americans who planned to RV last fall.
This Labor Day Weekend, 7.3 million Americans are planning RV trips, down 55% from the 16.1 million Americans who planned to RV over the 2023 holiday weekend.
The Consumer Price Index, which tracks consumer price inflation, was 3.7% in August 2023 and fell to 2.9% in July 2024. The July 2024 total is the lowest level since reaching 2.6% in March 2021.
The survey found where consumers chose to stay while traveling this fall changed from 2023.
The report revealed that RVing surpassed rental properties as the preferred accommodation for Labor Day travelers. More than half (51%) of participants said they would be staying in a borrowed, owned or rented RV, while 35% said they would stay at a rental property. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of Labor Day RV travelers plan to road trip for their vacation.
RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby said, “The allure of the open road and the freedom of RV travel continues to resonate with travelers of all ages.”
Although the number of RVers traveling in the fall is down from 2023 levels, the survey found the number of all leisure travelers planning to travel this fall rose to 122 million individuals, up 1.7% from 120 million last year.
One-third of millennial leisure travelers said they want to take an RV trip in the coming year, while 32% are considering an RV purchase.
According to the report, baby boomers and millennials favor fall RVing for the unique fall experiences while Gen X RVers seek an escape from everyday life. Gen Z consumers are attracted to pleasant fall weather.
Tailgating will remain a popular attraction for RVers. This fall, the survey found 3.5 million people planning to tailgate. More than half (59%) will tailgate at festivals and 54% will partake at concerts. Over half (58%) will be at college football games and 57% will tailgate at professional football games.
RVIA said, “While younger generations are more likely to tailgate overall, older generations maintain their enthusiasm for tailgating at high-level football games and concerts.”
