There is nothing like a global shutdown to bring vacation plans to a screeching halt. But when one door closes, another opens. Many have redefined their 2020-compliant vacation plans to include something we could all use a little more—the Great Outdoors. That’s why RVs and campers have been popular in recent months, and experts see no end in sight.

 RV sales skyrocketed

Like most sectors, the RV industry took a big sales hit in April and May as the country headed into lockdown. But as restrictions began to ease, Americans emerged from their homes with a renewed sense of adventure, eager for some fresh scenery and ready to hit the road and drive far away from the place they had been pent up in for the months prior.

Patrick Industries, an Indiana-based manufacturer of RVs, reported that the company saw an 11% increase in shipments compared to the same period of the previous year.

Andy Nemeth, Patrick Industries’ CEO, told shareholders, “We experienced a strong resurgence in production rates, particularly in the RV sector,” before also mentioning “the need for inventory as a result of retail resilience and a notable increase in consumer demand, in particular, with new buyers.”

Considering the commitment and investment in purchasing an RV, that’s a significant increase.

With uncertainty ahead, RV life is becoming more attractive to many.

Surge in rentals

Sales aren’t the only thing surging; RV rentals are skyrocketing, too.

RV rentals are not only a popular choice but also a safe one. According to RVshare, a platform that facilitates peer-to-peer RV sharing, RV bookings tripled over the summer compared to last year. Even popular rental weekends like Labor Day saw a 50% increase in bookings, indicating a high level of trust and confidence in the safety of RV travel.

One of the most reassuring aspects about renting an RV or camper is the impressive range of offerings that can fit everyone’s needs and budgets. Some rentals start at just $50 a night, and if you have a vehicle that can tow a trailer, you could save not only on the rental but also on gas.

With a variety of styles and sizes to choose from, RV travel offers a convenient solution for various needs. Whether it’s a couple embarking on a long-awaited cross-country trip or a family seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of home life, the flexibility and comfort of an RV can cater to all.

Laps of luxury

Not much of a camper? Prefer ‘the finer things in life’?

That’s alright, because let us tell you… RV life has come a long way in the last decade.

These days, luxury RVs are not just a mode of transport; they are a lifestyle. They are reminiscent of celebrity tour buses with all the trimmings. Showers with glass partings, flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet, double-door fridges, and marble countertops have all been spotted in some incredibly premium model rental listings on outdoorsy.com, another peer-to-peer RV rental site.

Unsurprisingly, luxury RVs cost much more than your garden-variety Winnebago. Some of the listings for luxury RVs on outdoorsy.com go as high as $1,000+ per night. Treat yourself.

We’ll enjoy the great outdoors through tinted windows from the comfort of a premium leather Laz-Z-Boy. thank you very much.

Current gas prices mean there’s no time like the present.

Gas prices have dropped in recent months, which is good news for those interested in RV life. Gas prices are a major factor in the total cost of an RV trip. Some larger model RVs can average as little as four miles per gallon, adding up quickly on a long road trip.

Gas per gallon nationwide is hovering around $2.20, compared with $2.60 a gallon a year ago. That’s shy of a 20% discount on the transportation cost for your 2024 RV road trip vacation. That money can stay in your pocket…or go 20% further than your budget might otherwise allow.

But you should know

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when planning your next (or first) RV adventure:

• Insurance: Your standard auto policy might not cover you if you have an accident while driving an RV. Be sure to check first. If your policy doesn’t offer coverage, most RV rentals provide (and require) insurance. Services like RVshare and Outdoorsy have insurance built into the rental process.
• Popular destinations require tickets. Due to a sharp increase in visitors, some big-name parks like Yosemite and Utah’s Zion National Park have adopted a ticketing system to optimize visitors’ experiences. Wherever you decide to go, check in advance if your destination requires booking in advance. If you don’t, you might be turned away when you arrive. (Talk about a tense, silent ride home. Nobody wants that).
• Driving an RV requires getting used to it, especially the more significant, extended models. If it’s your first time, it might be worthwhile to drive around the neighborhood or less busy areas near your home to get the hang of it. Remember, driving on the freeway is easy, but roads can get pretty narrow and windy depending on the park you go to.

Hit the road, Jack

Best of all, in these crazy times, RVs and campers offer a means of stepping back for a minute and remembering what life is all about. Studies have shown that getting out into nature can do marvelous things for our mental and emotional well-being – something most would welcome in light of… well, 2024.

Vacations are important, and 2024 shouldn’t take that away from us, either. Who knows? Maybe a first-time renter will become a first-time buyer, sell their house, and pursue a nomadic life.

If that doesn’t work out, you can always list it on sites like RVshare and Outdoorsy. It’s a win-win.