Recreation Vehicle Industry Association
1896 Preston White Drive/PO Box 2999
Reston, VA 20191-4363

RESTON, Va., May 2, 2007 — Recreation vehicle owners are pumped up about the upcoming travel season and plan to use their RVs more this spring/summer than they did last year, according to a new study.

Despite fluctuating fuel prices, the latest biannual Campfire Canvass survey of RV owners, conducted by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), reveals that 76 percent of RV owners intend to use their RVs more this spring/summer than last year, and 20 percent plan to use theirs the same amount. Only 4 percent say they’ll use their RVs less.

Nearly half (48 percent) say fuel costs will not affect their RV travel plans. Of those who said their plans would be affected, 60 percent will adjust to higher fuel prices by traveling to destinations closer to home. Fifty-six percent said they’d stay longer in one place.

“Americans love RVs because they provide freedom, flexibility and control,” says Richard Coon, president of RVIA. “Whether RV owners travel five or 500 miles, they enjoy all the amenities and benefits that RVing offers.”

Busy Families Planning Shorter, More Frequent Getaways

Many families are taking shorter, more frequent getaways in their RVs to accommodate their busy schedules. According to the survey, 91 percent of RV owners are planning three or more short RV trips (1-4 days) this spring and summer.

“Our RV is always packed and ready to go when the spirit moves us,” says Rod Littleton, 36, of Knightstown, Ind. “Even with current gas prices, traveling is less expensive with our lodging and meals right with us. My family and I love RVing so much we look for excuses to get away even for short day trips.”

Even families who can’t get away don’t have to stop RVing. “With our 3-year-old and 6-year-old daughters, we’re expected to go camping every weekend during the summer,” says Dennis Carey, 42, of Lindenhurst, IL. “But if for some reason we’re unable to go, we’ll spend weekend nights in our motorhome parked in our driveway to please our daughters. It’s fun even if we can’t make it to a campground.”

RVers Plan to Visit National Parks

America’s national parks are among the most popular destinations for RV trips this spring/summer, according to the survey. More than 100 national parks were mentioned, with Yellowstone, Yosemite and Zion the most popular destinations for RVers.

RVs Allow Travelers to Bring Anything Onboard

RV owners appreciate the control that RVs offer in today’s travel climate. Unlike air travelers, RVers can bring anything they want onboard, including pets. According to the survey, 57 percent of RV owners bring pets along on trips. Most RVers traveling with pets are bringing dogs (88 percent), but some are also bringing cats (18 percent) and other pets such as parakeets, parrots, ferrets and even horses.

RVing Brings Families Closer Together

RVing also strengthens family relationships, according to the survey. Eighty-four percent of the married respondents said RVing has brought them closer together, while 85 percent said RVing has contributed to a greater family bond.

Favorite Activities

RVers enjoy an array of activities while traveling in their RVs. Favorites include: cooking out (76 percent), sightseeing (74 percent), and scenic drives (72 percent). Visiting friends and family was mentioned by 60 percent. Forty percent of RVers like to visit festivals and fairs. Other favorite activities include shopping, antiquing, and visiting theme parks or zoos.

Almost half (45 percent) plan to use their RV to enjoy outdoor sports and activities with hiking (53 percent), fishing and hunting (52 percent), and biking (32 percent) mentioned as favorites.

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (rvia.org) is the national association representing more than 500 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.

For more information, visit GoRVing.com

Festivities pull in 15 new members

HEMET, Calif. — Nearly 80 coaches and approximately 155 members attended the Workhorse Chassis Motorhome Club’s first ever West Coast Rally in Hemet March 21-25.

“The rally was one of our best turnouts,” said Workhorse RV marketing manager Bill Walmsley. Workhorse enthusiasts experienced Golden Village Palms Resort sun and motor home fun. Live entertainment, social gatherings, catered meals and tours to neighboring attractions were just a few of the many activities. The event even drew in other campers. “There were 15 people who liked the rally activities so much they signed up to be club members,” said Walmsley.

One highlight was a Workhorse-sponsored Ride & Drive with a Georgetown 359 by Forest River, which is built on the all-new Workhorse UFO™ chassis. “Since Workhorse is the customer’s advocate to the RV industry, we wanted to give the opportunity to WCMC members to test the Workhorse UFO™ and get their initial reactions directly,” said Walmsley. “We wanted to know if any improvements needed to be made and to see what the consumer liked about it — and they really loved it.” Drivers commented that the Workhorse UFO™ offers the benefits of a pusher at the cost of a front engine gas chassis — the best of both worlds. “It truly is a crossover RV,” Walmsley said.

Other activities included a technical service seminar led by Workhorse National Service Director Alan Stegich. Discounted oil changes were provided by Bill Fulkerson’s Mobile Oil Change, and free motor home weighing was offered by Keith Shoemaker of Redlands Truck Service, Redlands, Calif. Also, Giant RV of California assembled an impressive display of new motor homes for club members to view.

As for tours, a caravan to a Beaumont, Calif., casino and an outlet mall were thoroughly enjoyed by the RVers. “Some money was won and … some money was lost,” chuckled Ed Gray, club president. “We had a lot of fun, though.” Another tour gave club members a chance to wind the earth’s clock backward when they experienced the Western Center for Archeology & Paleontology. Back at the resort, live entertainment included the Hemet High School Jazz Band.

“The best part about the rally was the fellowship we had with the members,” Gray said. He was also thankful for the number of volunteers who worked together to make the rally a huge success, with special thanks to Western Rally hosts Dan and Sue Moynahan.

The next WCMC rally will be in Urbana, Va., Oct. 2-6, 2007. Although registration is not currently available on the Web site, a registration form will be mailed to all club members shortly. For more information about the Workhorse Chassis Motorhome Club and to become a member, visit www.wcmc.workhorse.com.

Workhorse Custom Chassis
Workhorse Custom Chassis is ISO 9001 certified and a leader in the manufacture of chassis for motor homes, walk-in trucks and buses. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Truck and Engine Corporation. For additional information call 877-294-6773 or visit www.workhorse.com.

International Truck and Engine Corporation is the operating company of Navistar International Corporation. In addition to Workhorse brand chassis, the company produces International® brand commercial trucks, mid-range diesel engines and IC brand school buses, and is a private label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. A wholly owned subsidiary offers financing services. Additional information is available at: www.internationaldelivers.com.

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