Even though temperatures across the country are dropping, RVDA Chairman and Walnut Ridge RV co-owner Nathan Hart said buyers continue to visit his dealership and purchase RVs.
“Retail is not dead. We are still selling and buyers have been in,” Hart said. “When the weather is decent, then we have quite a few customers come in. When the weather is poor, it is a little bit slower.”
According to the RVIA, the RV camping season is over for many travelers in the northern states, however, 65% of RV campgrounds remain open for business.
In a 2022 RVIA study, 78% of RVers said a cold-weather-equipped RV is important, demonstrating people in cooler climates want to continue RVing into the winter months.
“RVing is still one of the most cost-effective ways to travel,” Hart said.
Hart’s Indiana dealership has seen a lot of customers trade in their smaller RVs for larger models “because they are enjoying it,” he said.
Data gathered by Kampgrounds of America (KOA) also shows Americans are not shying away from winter camping. KOA said 8.2 million households are planning to camp this winter, up from 6.9 million in 2021.
RVIA said RVers looking for comfortable warm days and cooler nights travel to Florida, Arizona, Texas and Southern California. States such as Alabama, Louisiana, New Mexico, Nevada and South Carolina are typically cool in winter, however, they are still great camping options to explore as are state and national parks and local attractions, the organization said.
The cost of vacation travel is also a driving factor in the continued growth of RVing year-round. RV vacations cost 50% less than comparable hotel and plane ride trips and a third less than hotel and car ride trips, RVIA said.
While RV sales are a little bit slower, Hart said he expects a decent year for RV sales.
“I still think we are a great value. People love the RV lifestyle,” Hart said
He said there are some market headwinds that nobody can control but they will stay focused on what they can and stay positive.
“We are cautiously optimistic. We are going to know more once we get to the shows in January and see what is happening on the retail front,” he said.
