Many RV owners are pleased with their purchase, and sales aren’t slowing down; however, certain owners believe that rising travel costs and an increasing number of crowds have made RVing more challenging, a report said.
Manufacturers have had to boost production to meet the increasing demand. Wholesale RV shipments reached 600,000 last year, up 19% over the previous record in 2017, as per the RV Industry Association (RVIA).
However, the increase in RV owners has resulted in additional headaches for certain RVers, the report continued.
Rising prices play a large role—not just gasoline, but also campgrounds and RVs themselves.
A 2021 report from J.D. Power discovered that standard hitch travel trailer prices averaged 33% higher in calendar year 2021 than 2020. The report states that new and used inventory “still lags demand” and notes that buyers can expect strong pricing to continue in the first quarter of 2022.
Rising demand has also caused wait times at repair shops to increase. Supply chain problems added salt to the wound, Ken Allen, service director at Johnnie-Walker RV, located in Las Vegas, told USA Today.
In the end, more people are pleased with their purchase such as Rebecca French. “I would never discourage anyone from trying (RV travel). It’s one of those things – if you don’t try, you’ll never know. … Don’t hesitate. Life’s too short,” she said.
The ones who regret their purchase are happy to have tried the RV life yet advised potential buyers to explore options prior to making a purchase.
This story originally appeared on USA Today.