As the RV industry continues to spike in popularity, RVIA stated more people are investing in a unit for the first time. The association provided an infographic to detail more about new RV buyers.
The survey, commissioned by RVIA, included 800 renditions completed online via an outbound solicitation. Surveys were sent to a cross-section of U.S. residents via online panel sources.
The largest new buyer generation is reportedly millennials at 38%. next is Generation X at 31% and boomers at 22%. The lowest new buyer number was found in Generation Z, which made up 9%.
The survey reported 64% of respondents said they were white or Caucasian, 14% were black or African-American and 6% were Asian. Nine percent of the group were Hispanic or Latino and 7% of surveyed new buyers reported as “other.”
Most new buyers are married, the infographic stated, with 67% saying they have a spouse. The median age within the group was 41. The average income was $90,700.
When it comes to buying an RV, respondents reported an average $75,000 budget. Millennials spent the most, RVIA stated, coming in at an $82,000 average. In the aftermarket, 88% of surveyed buyers bought some type of RV part or accessory, with 56% purchasing three or more products.
The reason new buyers are eyeing RVs is tied, with 33% reporting a desire to travel in comfort and the same wanting the chance to explore. Twenty-seven percent are looking for outdoor recreation “basecamp” when participating in activities. Regarding work, 22% cited a remote ability as their reason for buying, with 17% saying their reasoning was the ability to travel and take online classes. Only 16% of new buyers cited “restrictions on other travel due to Covid” as their reason to purchase an RV.
New buyers have the highest interest in state parks as their ideal campsites, with 19% saying they prefer in-state locations over the 15% reporting national parks as their destinations. RV resorts and private campgrounds were tied at 16% of respondents.
Travel details include 55% of surveyed new buyers reporting traveling less than 200 miles to their destination, and 45% travelling more than 200 miles. Fifty-three percent of new buyers traveled to a specific location and stayed for several days, compared with 39% who reported traveling from destination to destination, rarely staying more than one night in a single spot. When traveling with companions, 49% said they are taking trips with three or more people. Twenty-five percent of respondents said they used an RV for work travel.
