NEW YORK—While recreational vehicles, also known as RVs, may get gas mileage comparable to or even worse than SUVs, these mobile homes have seen increasing usage in spite of rising gas prices, according to a Tuesday release from the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.
"In spite of gas prices, renting an RV is still much less expensive than flying," said Richard Coon, president of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. "And when you figure in the airline hassle factor, including long security lines, delayed flights, and lost luggage, it's easy to see why RV rentals are on the rise."
The RV rental market is seeing double-digit increases in reservations, according to the Association. At campgrounds, where RVs can hook up water, electricity, and stay for as little as $10 to $15 a night, bookings are also higher this summer.
Denise Coggins, an RV owner from the suburbs of Detroit, Mich., said the great thing about RVs is saving so much money on lodging because of the relatively cheap campground rates.
"You used up your money on gas, but now you are hooked up with water and electricity," said Coggins, who frequently vacations in Stratford, Canada. "For a bed and breakfast [in Stratford] you will be paying $125 to $145 a night, maybe more."
Compare that to $10 to $15 a night at an RV campground and the savings outweigh the increased cost of gasoline.
Families can expect to pay about $1,500 a week to rent an RV. In addition, based on a 700 mile trip (the average for an RV rental) at about 10 mpg, fuel will cost about $315 (based on $4.50 a gallon). On average, a campground reservation for six nights will cost about $195.
"A lot of families come in to rent an RV and are actually surprised that they can get away for a week for $2,000," said Joe Laing at El Monte RV, a nationwide RV rental agency. "Whether it's a father and son on a bonding trip or a family of six seeing the sights, $2,000 for everything is a great deal."
RV renters really save money on meals. The average RVing family of four spends $38 a day on food. Compare that to a family of four staying at a hotel with no way to store, prepare, and cook meals; for them, the cost of food can easily hit $150 a day.
"RV vacations give you more control over your budget," says Bob Caldarone of Cruise America, another national RV rental agency. "They are a cost-effective and stress-free way to take a vacation."
"With an RV, you can expand your horizons. You are not limited to a structured vacation at a resort," Coggins said.
Today's RVs offer all the comforts of home and more: full bathrooms, complete kitchens, master bedroom suites, home-entertainment centers, basements, and walls that slide out at the touch of a button to increase living space.
Campgrounds, with bookings up five percent from last summer, have kept up with the times, too. The grounds include hiking trails, fishing ponds, and ice cream socials. Some campgrounds also include wireless Internet, gourmet coffee, cable TV, and Internet-based reservation systems.
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