Even With Rising Gas Prices, RVing Remains A Budget-Friendly Vacation Option

With average fuel prices topping $5 per gallon nationwide, the cost for most goods and services are increasing. But even in the face of rising prices, consumers haven’t abandoned vacationing, and are still looking for a way to get out and travel this summer. The good news is that RVs offer consumers the opportunity to vacation while also providing greater control over travel costs.

Research has shown that when faced with rising fuel prices, consumers don't stop getting outdoors, they adjust their travel behaviors, instead travelling shorter distances to recreate. With RVs available at nearly every price point, RVing and camping remain one of the most affordable ways for individuals and families to get outdoors and enjoy a healthy and active outdoor lifestyle.

“For Americans considering an RV purchase, high gas prices can look like a barrier to entry, but the fact is an RV affords much more control on travel costs while still allowing the freedom to travel,” said RV Industry Association President & CEO Craig Kirby. “Cost-conscious RV owners regularly take steps to reduce the miles they drive – and thereby control the cost of ownership. By shortening their trips and using an RV as their homebase for outdoor adventures, vacationers can enjoy all the outdoors has to offer on their own budget.”

Survey after survey has shown the limited impact of fuel prices on RVing. In a recent KOA survey,  32% of respondents said gas prices had no impact on their camping plans, while 30% said they would take fewer trips and 29% said they would camp closer to home. THOR Industries surveyed RVers to find the impact of rising fuel prices on their future RV purchase intent. Their survey showed 67% of those who have RVed in the last two years reported rising fuel costs have increased their likelihood to purchase an RV in the next five years, or has no impact.

These results are not surprising because of the control RVing allows over travel costs, including the ability cook your own meals and determine when and how far to drive. For those looking to rent an RV, many rental companies offer delivery services, providing convenience and the chance to save on fuel costs.

According to the most recent Vacation Cost Analysis from the RV Industry Association, the average cost per day of the 4-person camping vacation using a lightweight travel trailer, the most common type of RV, was found to be about 31% less expensive than the average daily cost of comparable 4-person car/hotel combination vacations and about 50% less than the average daily cost of a comparable 4-person air/hotel vacation. The data also indicates that while fuel costs are a component of the overall vacation cost, it is not significant enough to materially affect the outcome of the analysis.

With the summer vacation season in full swing and many looking to explore the great outdoors, RVing remains a budget-friendly option for Americans.