The "Toys of Summer" from Winnebago Industries

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What a $380,000 RV Looks Like - CNBC

CNBC’s Phil LeBeau reports on the red hot RV market. Dealers are seeing pent up demand driving sales.

In the meantime, more proof that the economy is getting stronger. More Americans are Winnebagoing it everywhere. Just like in the movie “Spaceballs.” RVs are no longer a joke folks. Economists look at recreation vehicle sales to gauge disposable income. It’s just one of the toys of summer we’re featuring all week long.

Phil LeBeau is out at Camping World in Island Lake, Illinois. Phil? Reporter: Mandy, I want to give you some sense of how hot RVs have become within the last year. Look at the growth in sales. This is nationwide. We’re going to see them top 300,000 this year. Growth up at least 38%. And the reason why, you’ve got a couple of things working here. Clearly, the economy has improved. That’s why dealer lots are seeing more traffic than ever before. But also, seeing month-to-month growth in sales due to pent-up demand and moderate gas prices are also helping.

The RV makers are also saying that the people buying now are looking for more connectivity and more comfort. That’s why they’re going for top-of-the-line detailing with all of the RVs that they’re buying. Mike Ruth, General Manger of Camping World said, “They’re looking for, again, the flat-panel TVs, the electronic gadgetry, that the industry has to offer. I mean, it’s very much a little bit of showmanship when they get to the campground of what their RV can do.“

Reporter: Talk about RV envy, take a look at shares of Winnebago over the last five years, in particular the last year and a half has been particularly strong for shareholders of Winnebago. Mandy, if you wanted to buy this, complete with the three smart TVs, flat-screen TVs and stainless steel appliances, take a guess at the price. Oh, I couldn’t even guess. This is top of the line, right? Are we looking at $80,000 - $90,000? More? I’ve got no idea. Reporter: Add $300,000 to that. $380,000 and this baby could be yours. Really? That’s incredible. Reporter: Really. Unbelievable. Ok. Well, Happy Trucking. Phil Lebeau: Thank you very much. Thanks to all of you for watching Street Signs.