Recreational Vehicle (RV) Sales on the Rise
As baby boomers retire, the RV industry has seen a surge in sales. For many people, nothing beats the independence and flexibility of enjoying the open road in a recreational vehicle (RV). There’s certainly a lot to be said for taking your hotel with you wherever you go, and the savings on hotel costs can more than pay for the initial cost of an RV.
RV travelers realize the cost savings of this type of trip. There are no hotel rooms to book and dining in your RV can save you a tremendous amount of money compared to eating out at restaurants every day. Owning a fifth wheel or travel trailer, while you can unhook your RV from your truck, saves you from having to reserve a rental car. For those in RVs, many travelers will be towing a vehicle behind them.
When considering the purchase of an RV, you will be faced with three options; a fifth wheel that is pulled by a pickup truck and is attached to a wheel inside the truck bed (hence its name fifth wheel), a travel trailer that is usually pulled by a truck with a rear hitch or a motor home. All three types of RVs have their pros and cons, and each point should be considered based on your needs and budget. Another consideration for the RV lifestyle is the price of gasoline. However, it is still cheaper than staying in hotels and eating in restaurants every night.
Traveling in an RV or motor home is often a good option for those who want to travel to different places; however, it may be less suitable for those who visit the same place year after year. Travelers who visit the same place each year may find it cheaper to buy a vacation home. Buying a vacation home and renting it out when not in use can be a great way to save money on accommodations and build capital for the future.
Many RV travelers come to love the freedom of the open road and easy-care lifestyle. Traveling cross country and stopping at various parks along the way is a wonderful adventure. The traveler can choose to stay one day or as long as they want in a certain place.
A well-known fact in the RV community is free camping at Walmart. In most states, you are allowed to camp in the Walmart parking lot for as long as you like. I’m sure you’ve seen RVs lined up in the Walmart parking lot on at least one occasion. This is a win-win situation for the traveler and Walmart. The traveler has a well-lit place to camp for the night, free of charge, and Walmart receives revenue from those RV owners who frequent the store. However, recently there has been an uprising among campground owners against Walmart’s free camping policy. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the local chamber of commerce before deciding to stay a week at Walmart.