RVers: Who's RVing?

Here is an interesting article on RVers, with demographics and RVing trends. Especially these days, as the baby boomer generation approaches retirement, lifestyle choices such as fulltime RVing or extended stay RV travel grow in popularity.

The Road Scholar is reprinted with permission from Woodall's Regional Publications. For more info, visit www.woodalls.com.

The Road Scholar: Retirement, RVers – and Uncle Sam

Looking forward to more of the RV lifestyle while you finish up your working career and begin retirement? Keep in mind that migrating into retirement may involve dynamic financial and medical considerations, but, fortunately, RVers have exciting choices.

Increasingly popular options for retirees who enjoy RVing are extended trips or full-timing. Post-retirement careers are not uncommon for retired RVers, but many will continue to prefer the traditional “good life,” or full retirement. Those who choose either lifestyle – if they are considering extended trips or fulltime RVing – will want to carefully consider and plan for their medical needs, retirement income, and particularly, potential policy changes by the United States federal government that affect retirees. Enjoying the RV lifestyle in retirement requires planning ahead much like an extended RV trip. Planning up front avoids and reduces problems along the route. .



RV Trends

If you’re noticing more RVs on the road, it’s probably because RV sales reported by RVIA were 107,200 at the end of the oil embargo period in 1980 and 173,100 in 1990. Sales broke through to 300,000 in 2000, and were reported at 370,100 for 2004. Changes in travel needs and the flexibility to easily change locations and travel itineraries have resulted in more and more people choosing RVs for not only for transportation, but also vacationing and lodging.

The average age of the population of the United States continues to increase, resulting in a record number of people reaching retirement age in good health. Rising incomes, availability of low interest long-term loans and interest in family RVing over other vacation and recreation options are pluses that have helped popularize RVing. The baby boomer generation is also at the peak of earnings and is nearing retirement.

It should also be noted that as RVs were becoming more popular, RV manufacturers began adding new options such as increased RV size, slideout “rooms,” vehicle leveling systems, diesel-powered engines and high-end entertainment systems. RVers can also count on the availability of inexpensive wireless communications, powerful laptop computers and Internet access while away from home. Many consider using their RV as a permanent or second home.

According to a 2001 study commissioned by the RV Industry Association (RVIA), nearly one in 12 vehicle-owning households in the United States owns an RV, representing almost 7 million households. The ownership rate in the 35-to-54 years of age is approximately 9% and almost 10% of are 55 and over. Sales have continued to increase since 2001, indicating that the ownership rates have also increased.

Fulltime and Extended-Stay RVer Demographics:



Many of the fulltimers in the 1970s and 1980s chose the RV lifestyle to enjoy the opportunity to travel extensively and reduce living costs. Many fulltimers during that time sold their homes, and the most popular RV types were travel trailers and fifth-wheels. Mark Nemeth of the Escapees Club, tells us that it is difficult to get firm numbers on the number of full-timers, but there is no doubt that more RVers are into extended RVing. Those RVers – many of whom are retired – maintain a home base and use the RV for extended trips down south in the winter, or north in the summer. Fulltime and extended RVing allow RVers to visit multiple locations, enjoy the seasons, recreation and amenities, and to work part time as they travel or pursue new careers.

There has also been a gradual shift into larger and higher-end RVs. Increased RV size and power needs create the need for larger sites, 50-amp electric power and better roads. Such facilities and sites are now widely becoming available throughout the United States. For instance, one of the big changes over the last 10 years is the increased popularity of extended-stay RV resorts, which offer many and varied recreational facilities that may include beaches, tennis, golf, boating and more, depending on the locale. More resort owners strive to provide extensive clubhouse facilities and services, telephone lines and high-speed Internet access for their guests.

Fulltimer and extended-stay RVers have the choice of seasonal rentals, long-term and lifetime leases, or buying individual RV sites in the areas they prefer. We recommend staying at a resort for several seasons before committing to any long-term obligations. The reason is that canceling or ending an RV resort lease before its contractual end may be difficult or expensive after you have signed on the dotted line.

Many RVers who are comfortable with extended-stay RVing anticipate that rising home values will offset RV depreciation and provide the ability to return to their home. This is not only a good hedge against inflation, but is also a good option if, for example, a retirement situation or other event makes the return to a permanent living arrangement more attractive than RVing for extended periods.

Employment Opportunities for Fulltimers and Extended RVers:

Many RVers find seasonal employment at any number of RV resorts and campgrounds, state parks, national parks and RV-related businesses such as Camping World and RV dealers. Changes in the labor market over the last 10 years resulted in more people taking early retirement and/or seeking new careers and livelihoods. Artists, writers, and crafters of all persuasions find the environment of nature helps them to develop and use their skills. As always, nature and travel are great sources of inspiration.

Dramatic technology developments in wireless communications, mobile computing and Internet access enable many to work from home or the RV instead of an office. Companies with multiple locations across the country provide the opportunity to change locations while staying with the same employer.

A New York Times article by Milt Freudenheim, titled: “More Help Wanted: Older Workers Please Apply,” reported that a number of employers, including Home Depot, Wal-Mart, JoAnn’s Fabrics, and Borders, try to provide employment for older workers at many locations across the country. Such flexibility provides the option of full or part-time work in multiple locations. The article also mentioned the AARP Foundation’s Featured Employers Program, which provides information about companies that recruit older workers. Information about the program is available at www.aarp.org/money/careers/findingajob/featuredemployers, including employers with job opportunities that include health benefits, training and flexible work schedules.

Article Copyright 2005. Woodall Publications Corp., 2575 Vista Del Mar Drive, Ventura, CA 93001.

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