There was a time during yesteryear when anyone who heard the term, “RV,” would conjure up an image of owners that would inevitably be stereotyped as older, retired and ready to step into a motorhome and waltz away from society.
But, hold the phone, Jackson! Recent findings indicate that one of the reasons that the RV industry is thriving as much as it is, is because the RV consumers are getting younger and younger. This, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). According to them, the most proliferous group of RV owners of late are the 35-44 group. That means that they are almost as numerous as the 45-54 group. The RVIA anticipates a continued drop in the average age of RV owners as they continue to realize the many benefits of RV travel; especially when you can rent one so easily from Cruise America.
RV manufacturers have recognized this trend, and are doing what they can to encourage the movement. They know, however, that in order to attract the younger buyers, there were a few changes that needed to be made. As an example, and due to the 40-50 crowd’s interest in physical fitness, today’s RVs are built with features like bike racks, kayak racks and other items that encourage healthy living.
Another area that’s evolving to please the younger crowd are the RV parks. So many of them are now offering a variety of physical fitness amenities, such as fitness centers, walking routes and hiking trails. Some parks are now offering rental bikes, kayaks, etc.
Some RV parks also cater to the fitness of the older generations, installing shuffleboard courts, pickleball, pools, dancing parties, and other means of getting up and moving. Additionally, they provide activities for the kiddos, so these modern-day RV parks can be very enjoyable to visit for the entire family.
Another thing that appeals to the younger RV crowd is the reduced costs involved in acquiring an RV. There are so many models to choose from that it’s possible to get the recreational vehicle that is just right for your needs. Banks are becoming more willing to finance an RV purchase, so that even couples in their late 20s are buying into the RV lifestyle.
Since the recession’s low in 2009, the RV industry has celebrated a year-over-year growth of 11%, which equates to a 116% overall growth over the last decade. Past performance has proven that as the recreational vehicle industry continues its unprecedented growth, the demand from the younger crowd grows right along with it. Surely there are changes to come that nobody has imagined.
One thing is sure: As long as the industry makes advances, Cruise America will stay on top of the progress, making sure that we can make you as comfortable as possible in your top-of-the-line class C RV rental or purchase.