RV Sales Strong In Spite Of High Gas Prices

I was looking around today to see how much high gas prices have affected the sales of RVs. I was expecting to find that sales had dropped significantly since in the mainstream automotive sales, sales of large SUVs like hummers have absolutely plummeted.

However, what I learned surprised me. Not only have RV sales failed to plummet, they've actually gone up slightly compared to last year despite record high gas and diesel prices.

I think that it has to do with the fact that for many people, RVs really aren't a means of getting from point A to point B. Instead, it's a way of life for some people. Us campers tend to be passionate people, and even if we have to camp a little closer to home, it's still worth it to get out into the outdoors and get away from the day to day grind, and to get the heck out of the congested cities so many of us find ourselves living in today.

Also, part of the reason (and I'm speculating here) about why RV sales have remained strong is the demographic of the people who purchase RVs. If you think about what a Class A RV costs - they start at over $100,000 - then it makes sense that the people who can afford to buy an RV would simply not be as affected by gas prices as a typical person who is struggling to make ends meet. Many people who purchase RVs are people nearing retirement who want to travel around the country. They've built up significant nest eggs and have plenty of money to do what they want to do and for them money really isn't an issue.

I'd be interested to hear what your thoughts are on why RV sales have remained strong. Disagree with me? Have something else you'd like to say? Please post it by clicking on the comments link below.