Interesting RV Facts You May Not Have Known
At Phoenix RV Park, your Willamette Valley rv resort of choice, we cater to the needs of the intrepid traveler as they continue their journey through Oregon. As one of Oregon’ premiere RV parks, we always enjoying hearing the stories of those traveling through as they spend time docked in one of our highly rated, five star lots. Whether you’re an RV veteran or one of the newest members to the club, you know the joys and the freedom that comes with owning a recreational vehicle. However, how much else do you know about RVs, their drivers, and impact on the U.S. economy?
As we celebrate all things RV here at Phoenix RV Park, we thought to share with you a few interesting facts you may not already know about RVs.
What Qualifies as a Recreational Vehicle?
While someone who travels around in VW van might enjoy a lot of recreation in the vehicle, it doesn’t mean they drive an RV. When it comes to the actual RV designation, there exists two primary categories: motorhomes and towables. The primary difference between the two being that motorhomes are motorized, while towables are towed behind a primary vehicle.
There are three different types of motorhomes on the market with Type A as generally the largest, Type B the smallest, and Type C falling somewhere in between in terms of size. Types of towable RVs include folding camping trailers, truck campers, and expandable trailers.
Economic Impact of RVs
In the U.S., there are over 12,000 RV related businesses currently in operation that generate an estimated revenue of over $37.5 billion annually. The industry employs over a quarter of a million U.S. workers, and has a total annual payroll that exceeds an estimated $4.9 billion.
The RV industry ranks as one of the most American of industries in any field. Over 60 percent of all recreational vehicles are made in Elkhart County, Indiana, and another 15 percent are produced in California and here in Oregon.
The RV Traveler
According to a 2011 study from the University of Michigan, the number of Americans driving RVs has reach record numbers, with roughly 8.9 million households now the proud owner of an RV.
The Michigan study found that the average RV owner is 48 years old, married, and has an annual household income of around $62,000 a year. The majority of RV owners own their home and choose to spend the majority of their disposable income on travel and leisure. The average RV owner will spend approximately three weeks a year on the road.
Even though the popular perception of RV owners is one of retirees spending their golden years traveling across country, the majority of RV owners actually fall between the ages of 35 to 54. Over 11 percent of all households headed by individuals between these age groups own an RV, compared to 9.3 percent with household heads 55 and over.
Where do RVers Travel?
The U.S. has over 16,000 privately and publicly owned campground sites located nationwide. With an RV park always close by, Americans take the opportunity to visit this country’s beautiful vistas, stunning landmarks, and scenic national parks.
Like Phoenix RV Park, many of these campgrounds offer scenic views of their own that allow RVers to enjoy the beauty of nature in a setting that still allows them to enjoy all of today’s modern conveniences.