Recent fluctuations in regional fuel costs have impacted travelers in northeastern Pennsylvania as prices climb. Within a day, gas prices in Lackawanna County rose from $4.39 cents to more than $4.45.
According to an article by 16 WNEP, the sharp increase in fuel expenses has sparked varied opinions among attendees at the Northeast PA RV show held at PNC Field in Moosic. “Thank god I don’t drive a motorhome,” said Marques Gower from Shavertown.
Drivers of larger, heavy-duty trucks are particularly conscious of the heavier financial burden needed to fill up their vehicles. “They’re getting bad, because my truck’s diesel so it’s really crazy … what it costs to fill that thing up, 35 gallon tank,” said Mike Shelhamer from Berwick.
To address consumer concerns about fuel usage, manufacturers have begun creating more efficient and adaptable travel trailers.
“They’ve actually made their framework a lot lighter so you can tow them in with a hybrid, like Lexus or any hybrid, Ford, Chevy, Toyota, doesn’t matter, and make it fuel efficient that way,” said Wayne Lehto, a general sales manager at Colton RV.
Even with the introduction of lighter models, consumers who tow large trailers frequently must account for the higher fuel expenditures in their budgets.
“I’m budgeting it in; it’ll be more than we expected it to be. It really went up in the last couple of weeks, but we traveled before when it was even higher, so it’s something we’re used to,” said Jeff Mosier from Wilkes Barre.
Despite the temporary financial setback, many retirees are committed to continuing their outdoor travel plans.
“It is what it is, I mean, I’m not happy about it, but we’re not going to let it stop us from enjoying ourselves because we’re just recently retired, so we’re going to go out and still have a good time,” said Shelhamer.
“Little more pain at the pump, so to speak, but we’re going to enjoy it even more when we get out there.”
Rising and unpredictable fuel costs are directly impacting consumer choices and travel behavior. The industry must prepare for a shift in demand towards lightweight, fuel-efficient towable units as consumers try to cut travel costs while continuing their outdoor activities.