Survey: Summer RV Usage Expected To Rise
More than 22 million Americans will travel in RVs this summer, according to a survey of RV owners by Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). The Campfire Canvass survey found that 83 percent of RV owners plan to use their RVs more than or as much as last year.
Affordability is a key reason for increased usage, with 88 percent agreeing that RVing is a cost-effective way to travel and 81 percent saying that RV vacations cost less than other forms of travel even when fuel prices are higher (88 percent said fuel prices will not affect their summer plans). Nearly 85 percent of respondents agree that traveling by RV can save 25 percent or more over other types of travel.
Other reasons for more RV journeys include:
- Flexibility to take more mini-vacations (67 percent)
- Opportunity to enjoy outdoor activity and nature (59 percent)
- Chance to spend more quality time with family (52 percent)
- Escape stress/pressure (48 percent)
When they venture out, 67 percent of RVers bring a pet along. Most are dog people (93 percent); 14 percent bring cats.
According to the survey, top reasons for purchasing an RV within the past three years included:
- To see America (89 percent)
- Best way to travel (85 percent)
- To keep active (81 percent)
- Most affordable way to travel (71 percent)
- Bargain pricing (68 percent)
Forty-four percent said they’re considering another RV purchase. Of those potential buyers, 33 percent are considering a purchase within the next year; 39 percent in one to two years. Among those not considering another purchase, 86 percent said they’re happy with their current RV.
The online survey of 421 RV owners was conducted by RVIA and Cvent and has a margin of error of 4.8 percent.
Pleasureland RV Opens Surplus Store
PleasureLand RV Center in May 2017 opened a Brainerd, Minnesota, surplus store that caters to do-it-yourselfers who want to update or remodel RVs. The store also carries items for those who plan to renovate a cabin or build an ice house.
The revolving inventory includes overstock and discontinued furniture, appliances, TVs, stereos, doors, windows, furnaces, and light fixtures. The store is at 16599 State Highway 371 N. in Brainerd; (218) 454-7802; www.pleasurelandrv.com.
Keep Childen Safe Around Water
With summer in full swing and pools and swimming areas open at campgrounds and parks, it’s a good time to remind everyone who travels with young children to ensure their safety when around the water.
The American Academy of Pediatrics supports swimming lessons for most children 4 years and older, while noting that not all will be ready to swim at the same age.
“For some children, the idea of getting in the water and trying to swim can be a bit frightening,” said K.J. Hales, author of It’s Hard to Swim, the second picture book in an educational series called Life’s Little Lessons by Ellie the Wienerdog (www.elliethewienerdog.com). “But with proper reinforcement, they can overcome their fears and discover just how much fun swimming can be.”
The pediatrics association offers these water-safety tips:
- Never — even for a moment — leave small children alone or in the care of another young child while in bathtubs, pools, spas, or wading pools, or near irrigation ditches or standing water.
- Empty water from buckets and other containers immediately after use.
- To prevent drowning in toilets, young children should not be left alone in the bathroom.
- Closely supervise children in and around water. With infants, toddlers, and weak swimmers, an adult should be within an arm’s length. With older children and better swimmers, an adult should be focused on the child and not distracted by other activities. Bath seats cannot substitute for adult supervision.
- Parents, caregivers, and pool owners should learn CPR.
- Do not use air-filled swimming aids (such as inflatable armbands) in place of life jackets. They can deflate and are not designed to keep swimmers safe.
- All children should wear a life jacket when riding in a boat. Small children and nonswimmers should also wear one at water’s edge, such as on a riverbank or pier.