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RESTON, Va. — Like many Americans, RVers are looking for ways to conserve fuel, but staying home this summer isn’t one of them. Reducing the distances they travel (45%) and spending more time in one place (52%) are the top ways RV owners will adapt to higher prices at the pump, according to the latest Campfire Canvass, a biannual survey of RV owners by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA).


“This latest research confirms what we found last summer — higher gas prices won’t stop RVers from traveling, but they will make adjustments,” said Richard Coon, president of RVIA. “In times of high fuel prices, RVers tend to spend more time enjoying the campground and less on the road. Whether they travel five miles or 500, their outdoor experience can be the same.”


The April survey found that two-thirds of RV owners intend to use their RV more this summer than last, and nearly a third plan to use it the same amount. A surprising 37 percent say fuel costs will not affect their RV travel plans. “Current gas prices compared to those a year ago would add only $40 or $50 to a driving vacation of 800 miles round trip,” said Coon. “That’s not likely to significantly alter travel plans.


“Furthermore, RVers consistently report that their RVs provide so much more than mere transportation; they allow their families to get out and enjoy all this country offers – and do it in comfort of their own home,” said Coon.


RV owner Frank Washer of Islip, N.Y., agrees. “We do so much more than just drive with our RV. Our motorhome is just that, our home. The kids sleep in their own beds, get a snack from our refrigerator and use our own bathroom, so we don’t have to stop at a rest stop that’s less than appealing. It’s also our garage, as we bring along our ATVs.”


Families like the Washers are getting more than creature comforts while away from home; they’re also getting the most bang for their vacation buck. Even when fuel prices increase, RVing remains the least expensive mode of travel.


According to research by travel and tourism research firm PKF Consulting, a family of four can spend 26-74 percent less on RV trips compared to other vacation types due to significant savings on air, hotels and restaurant costs. Fuel prices would need to triple from their current level to make RVing more expensive for a family of four than other forms of travel, PKF found.


Other key findings from RVIA’s Campfire Canvass:


· Almost 70 percent of RVers will be on the road during the summer holidays of Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.

· Camping is the favorite activity families will enjoy during their upcoming RV trips. Taking scenic drives (72%) and hiking/walking (67%) also ranked high on the list of favorite activities of RVing families.

· Sitting around the campfire at RV parks and campgrounds does more than take the chill out of the night air. Eighty percent said RVing strengthens family bonds. Nearly 73 percent said that going RVing has resulted in a closer relationship with their spouse.

· More than half of all RVers also said they’d enjoy outdoor activities and sports. In fact, two-thirds of the respondents said they are more physically active on RV trips than on other vacations.

· Ninety-one percent of respondents said their RVs will allow them to take more weekend trips or mini-vacations this summer. This is ideal for busy families looking for ways to accommodate their hectic everyday schedules with a balance of fun, physical activity and freedom.

· “RVing allows us to pick up and go anytime to almost anywhere,” says Mary Athman of Waite Park, Minn. We’re just not home any weekend during the summer. The RV is always stocked with food, clothes, linens — you name it. It makes it very easy for us to change our everyday scenery.”


Would-be RV travelers can order a free “getting-started” DVD or CD-ROM at GoRVing.com or 1-888-Go RVing. They can also surf the website for lists of Go RVing dealers and campgrounds in their area, as well as RV shows, publications, rental sources and clubs. Or write to: RVIA, P.O. Box 2999, Dept. P, Reston, VA 20195.


RVIA (rvia.org) is the national association representing more than 550 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.

RV Roadtrips is a high-definition series centered on the hobby of RV travel.
With so many popular RV destinations in the US, each episode is devoted to a particular region, with featured roadtrips such as: The Beach, The Lake, The Desert, The Grand Canyon, The Sporting Event, etc.

Host and RV-expert Gary Bunzer hooks up with real RV families headed to these various regions and their adventure serves as the backdrop for valuable "How-To RV" information. Projects cover issues such as: dinghy towing, battery maintenance, folding tent trailer canvas care/awning care, electric brake maintenance, etc. Think of it as home improvement on the road!!

Once at the campsite, you'll learn how the featured model RV is set up, how to maintain it while at the campground, as well as personal How-to RV advice
from the featured RVers themselves. Then Gary makes a series of house
calls to other RVers at the park, to see if he can solve their maintenance dilemmas.

Hit the road with RV Roadtrips! See more about the show at DIYnetwork.com.

A Quiet and Powerful Cleaning Solution for Recreational Vehicle Owners.

Louisville, Ohio – Joining the ranks of distributed audio, plasma screens and global positioning systems, central vacuum systems are proving to be amenities that travelers are choosing not to live without. With the new and improved Dirt Devil® CV950 central vacuum system from H-P Products, Inc., recreational vehicle users can enjoy the freedom and fun of the road while spending quality time in a clean and healthy traveling home.

The new Dirt Devil® CV950 has been revamped and updated to last 50% longer than the previous model while providing RV-ers with 15% more cleaning power. The CV950 quietly and efficiently eliminates the allergens, dust and debris continuously tracked into the vehicle.  Preventing germs, allergies, and illnesses with its deep cleaning power, the unit, much like a home-installed central vacuum system, has proven to be beneficial in an increasingly health-conscious age. 
 
The lightweight, 14 pound Dirt Devil® CV950 offers an impressive one-gallon dirt storage capacity.  A high-performance motor and optimum filtration deliver powerful cleaning performance every time you decide to hit the road. The CV950 can be discretely installed under seats, in a closet or in storage compartments, conserving living space to be enjoyed by the family. 

The unit is accompanied by a space-saving tool kit housing a line of high-quality accessories, including: a rugged 7-foot hose expandable to a maximum length nearing 30 feet; a 2-piece wand set; rug tool; a crevice nozzle; upholstery and dusting brushes; and a handheld turbine brush. Powerfully eliminating dust and odors from the vehicle, the new CV950 is equipped to clean any surface or space within close quarters of the RV

Available at RVupgrades.com --> Dirt Devil CV950