The increase in inflation and gas prices are starting to affect RV sales. The sales of trailers on the retail market are expected to slow down as prices have increased by 10% to 20%.
During the pandemic, a shift also occurred as most families bought fifth-wheel trailers. With parents back at work and their children back in school, sales dropped their record-setting pace.
The RV industry is currently shifting towards lighter travel trailers with higher gas prices. However, the cost has gone up from around $15,000 to $20,000 in the last couple of years.
One benefit for the RV industry is the increased costs for hotels and flights, keeping RVs and trailers a viable option for some travelers.
“Starting to do that local stuff maybe in a camper or travel trailer where you have more flexibility on where you can go and more control of it, I think has really helped actually,” Tanner Livingston, sales representative at Tiara RV Sales, said.
Sellers are suggesting first-time buyers begin with something smaller. They have many options available for RVs, such as ones that have solar panels, where there is no need to pay for more energy. They can also stay at state parks where camping is cheaper.
A motorized trailer can also be efficient in terms of fuel consumption. The mileage over time has increased from 10-to-15 millimeters per gallon.
“There’s so many options out there that we are pretty good to be able to match your budget and your wants and desires whether that’s in you, some use, things like that. It’s a lot easier these days to have more availability,” Livingston said.
A regular pickup or SUV can also tow smaller lightweight trailers, which reduces gas costs, unlike larger vehicles. Second-hand trailers can help save money.
This article originally appeared on WSBT.
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