Reuters: As Fuel Prices Surge, RV Drivers Take Shorter Trips, Get Vehicles Delivered

Recreational vehicle renters in the U.S. are planning trips closer to home or having fuel-gulping motor homes delivered to their final destination in an effort to cut down on fuel costs as travel remains a top priority even during record inflation.

At the height of the pandemic, recreational vehicle, or RV, vacations exploded in popularity for Americans eager for the great outdoors and socially distant experiences. But this summer, with diesel and gasoline prices at record levels, some RV travelers are changing their itineraries to try to save money.

Some travelers opting to spend their summer on the road are now ditching long-haul trips for those that typically span around 100 to 150 miles (160 to 240 km).

"We're seeing cancellations from people coming further away, but then those reservations are filling up with people that might be more in the region or local," said Toby O'Rourke, chief executive of Kampgrounds of America (KOA), a franchise brand of campgrounds across the country.

Online RV rental site RVshare said about 58% of its renters factored fuel prices into their plans this summer, while around 16% of travelers said increased gas prices have hindered or halted their plans, according to its travel sentiment survey.

So the company is now offering fuel rebates totaling $500,000 to customers to help ease their worries about pump prices.

MORE DOLLARS, FEWER MILES

The Smith family started living in their RV full-time during the pandemic, and planned this year to drive from Florida to Maine, and then journey to California. But, with gas prices rising now, the Smiths are reconsidering their trip west.

"When we first planned it at our mileage per gallon, we figured it out to be about $1 for every three miles. We (now) envision the dollar bills just flying out the window," said Michelle Smith.

In addition to motor homes that travel under their own power, RVs include trailers towed by a pickup truck or a car. Some are fueled by gasoline, some by diesel.

Read the full article from Reuters here.