Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
RV Trip Planning Discussions

Go Back   iRV2 Forums > iRV2.com COMMUNITY FORUMS > iRV2.com General Discussion
Click Here to Login
Join iRV2 Today

Mission Statement: Supporting thoughtful exchange of knowledge, values and experience among RV enthusiasts.
Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 09-06-2020, 09:48 PM   #43
DHE
Senior Member
 
DHE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Chapin S C
Posts: 112
While many more RV’s are being sold to new bees due to the pandemic it will be a buyer’s market for used ones in two to three years as many will feel that camping/glamping really isn’t for them. Will be a good time for some really good deals then.
DHE is offline   Reply With Quote
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Old 09-06-2020, 10:12 PM   #44
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 75
Quote:
Originally Posted by TexasJeff View Post
Totally agree here. I think its a fad that will go by the wayside in a few years. We seen it with western wear and disco in the 70s, mullets and moustaches in the 80s, etc... 5 yrs maybe, or less. People will want out from under their payments, esp with motorhomes. I believe we will see a glut in resale inventory. The upside is we all can upgrade, if we want, at fire sale pricing.
I don't really consider it a fad, because RVing isn't new itself, just more people jumping in. It was fun before for the old guard, and is still fun. I do agree that there are more people jumping in than will be left after a couple years, but sometimes with these sorts of things, it spurs interest in others for years to come. For example, all my wonderful outdoor family pics I post on social media have spurred a lot of questions from people who see how much fun we're having. They might be competition in the fruitful used market everyone is anticipating in 2-3 years.
epeddy1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-06-2020, 10:24 PM   #45
Senior Member
 
D Gardiner's Avatar


 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 1,203
Not sure RV sales are going to boom for 5 years, per the article, but I agree that things are changing rapidly.

Finding RV spots in 2018 was difficult, 2019 was worse, but getting reservations for camping in 2020 and 2021 is getting me down. Makes me wish for the mid 90's where pulling up to an RV park without reservations (nearly always) without issue what-so-ever.

We have reservations for Joshua Tree N.P. (Jumbo Rocks Campground )in late December (we had choice of one site) everything else was booked. The trick will be reserving our overnight spots to and from Joshua Tree.

It is not all doom and gloom however, after reading about a Quality Inn Suites Hotel in Tallahassee, FL. The owner has begun offering RV dry camping in the back of their parking lot for a minimal change.
https://overnightrvparking.com/siteO...rtner=rvtravel
While dry camping to some is less than ideal, sometimes a nice quiet place to park for the night and leave in the morning, for low cost, is acceptable. Especially when traveling back home and not wanting to overnight at truck stops or rest areas.

I see this as a win/win. The hotel gets to help a traveler, and makes a few dollars in the process. Perhaps it will keep a hotel going while rooms are close to empty. The RV owner gets a quiet place to pull in for the night for minimal cost.
Hopefully this will catch on (at least until things calm down) and make life easier on us travelers.
__________________
Always bring your A game.
1996 Flair 29V, 454 TBI, 4L80E. Your life is your story, don't let someone dictate your story.
D Gardiner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-06-2020, 10:26 PM   #46
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 75
Quote:
Originally Posted by epeddy1 View Post
I know that we found last minute accommodations in Door County, WI, because a brand new campground opened up.

I think the supply will follow the demand curve, just like any other industry. Might be slow if there's uncertainty in the persistence of the boom, but if it does persist, the campgrounds will expand, service shops will open, etc.
Just a couple of anecdotes to add.

As I mentioned, we got a spot this weekend at a brand new campground in Door County, WI (a very popular Labor Day weekend destination). The owners of a gas station built it in back on some useless flat property. Nothing fancy in terms of the scenery, but full hookup and a place to crash after a day of activities, and a decent central location on the peninsula (just south of Sister Bay for those familiar with the area). Probably will never happen again, but our spot had literally never even been used. Still fresh paint and grass in the fire pit! And a handful of empty spots still leftover, holiday weekend, RV boom and all (pic below was taken Saturday, plenty of space).

On the flip side, saw a retiree-aged newbie have some issues. We had a very windy day, and lucky for me I've consumed hundreds of hours of YouTube videos and saw the "common mistake" of leaving the awning out when you leave for the day. This other guy missed that video and it was destroyed when he got back. He said "I hope this awning is covered under the warranty." I didn't want to make his mood worse, but I doubt it. He also had his stinky slinky wrong, where his flow was uphill. He might be one of the newbies who ends up quitting.Click image for larger version

Name:	20200905_124833.jpg
Views:	32
Size:	116.0 KB
ID:	300082
epeddy1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2020, 12:19 AM   #47
Senior Member
 
TriMoot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Melbourne Beach, FL
Posts: 1,945
Blog Entries: 2
All I know is...there are very few used Class A’s here in Spokane and they want WAY too much for them!

We’ve been looking for about a year, we’ve pretty much nailed down what we want but can only find ones in our price range down south in AZ, NM, TX and FL. BUT...thanks to the pandemic we’re not really wanting to fly and buy just yet.

Our local dealerships have little to none used class A’s.

I called one, AppleWay, two. TWO! Both overpriced.

I stopped at RnR in Liberty Lake, none...zero used. Amazing.

Last year both lots were FILLED.

And of COURSE we decided to full time (as of Aug last year) and are looking for a DP and there are very few.

Timing....sigh.

So unless one falls into our lap in the next 30 days, we’ll be driving our gas rig to Florida this October. [emoji851]

And yes we’ll be looking on the way down but that has its own set of issues.

Life is fun.
__________________
___________________
2005 Newmar Essex 4502
1997 Suzuki Sidekick JX, Spokane, WA (Hoping to replace this soon)
1997 RexAir 32' Ford F53 Chassis, Banks system.
TriMoot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2020, 04:03 AM   #48
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by birdhunter View Post
Many here (me included) believed that this insanity will end with the virus as people decide this isn't for them and return to their normal patterns. The industry has a different view as you can read. Wishful thinking on their part?

https://rvbusiness.com/koep-kelley-w...in-five-years/
For almost purely selfish reasons, I believe this is a fad, if it isn't partial hype.

The question of hype comes up when I see my local Camping World nearly full and some of my local Trailer sales lots overflowing, and a nearby RV Specialty repair entity (which has admittedly been swamped with work for 2 years pre-covid) which also sells an inventory of newer used DP type A's with about half a dozen waiting for buyers. I also have a very healthy distrust of the National Media and how it can easily drive a mis-perception and influence people who don't question things.

Its selfish, because I have been researching the RV life since 2016. All it takes is one incident in a West Texas Hilton Branded Motel full of oil field workers that may or may not have involved bedbugs to get a spouse on board with the idea.

My wife retired last year, I am working at an "encore" job that I can leave at any time, and we expect to be making the buy in about a year after some family obligations resolve themselves... of which the plandemic is a large part.

Over the course of that time, I've investigated seriously and discarded at least 5 different models for various reasons, but for each one, I managed to get my DW into one to meet her approval and to try it on for size. Now I have set my aim on a gas Class A, and can't find the Model within a days drive and according to RV Trader there are currently only 12 of them within the 4 year age range I am looking for sale on the continent. Its been this way for a few months now, and I suspect some of it may have something to do with the new year models slowly coming out.

I have... quite literally... hundreds of pins saved on Streets of free or dry Camping locations or less than $40 campgrounds. Yes, I know there "is an App for that" and that will be put to good use later, but for now it is partly amusement and a time killer. Did I mention my "encore" job?

I think and admittedly selfishly believe that the majority of the Pandemic Buyers are not going to be interested in putting in the work and are going to be too used to the instant gratification that many of the job jumper generation have become accustomed to.

I only hope they don't destroy and damage their new toys before I can snag one at a discount.
Creekeris01 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2020, 05:32 AM   #49
Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by birdhunter View Post
I think you are spot on, especially in the Rocky Mountain States here since a very large proportion of camping opportunities here if not the majority our government facilities or land and not a land, are those not going to be increasing, but the feds are shutting some of them down and dramatically limiting stay times due to some of these massive numbers of newbies trashing things. That's a fact.There are plenty of articles and YouTube videos about this out there, including many about full-timers quitting as a result.
Sales of new units have exploded and decimated inventory....but where to go?? New private campgrounds take years to develop...and gobs of $$$....will the newbies still be camping by the time the developers jump thru all the hoops required by municipalities to build new spots. Doubtful....there will be a glut of campers/MH for sale all at inflated rates because we KNOW they’ll be upside down on the loans...Yep, I’m discouraged as it is getting harder to find a site and I’ve been looking out months in advance. But I do feel this is all temporary and will come to a screeching halt when you can’t get a reservation and the payments keep coming....MHO
RonandSueH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2020, 08:58 AM   #50
Senior Member
 
Jake21's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 3,289
Fortunately, we have school. Campgrounds will start to open up. Here in SoCal, we have not had a problem getting a site anywhere. Even on the coast. Weekends tend to fill up but on Sunday afternoon the parks are less than 50% full. Maybe it is worse in other areas. Main thing is keep planning for the major weekends and of course, July 4th.

I tend to agree with most here. Wait a few years and there will be a ton of inventory on the market.
Jake21 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2020, 09:36 AM   #51
Member
 
Forest River Owners Club
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Boring, OR
Posts: 35
Also look for more 'office' features and attributes in future RVs for those who can continue to telework until retirement.
IBCNU is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2020, 10:42 AM   #52
Member
 
chucklesg's Avatar
 
Outdoors RV Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Sierra Vista AZ
Posts: 83
RVing future?

Few have mentioned the quality issues that have plagued this industry for years. And now the better repair shops are swamped, plus difficulty in getting parts from China (hello Lippert). I would think these issues will be discouraging to newbies unless they know how to fix things.

The idea of empty hotel parking lots merits consideration as many casinos currently offer parking, often asphalt, and no services, but space for an over night or two, a buffet dinner and breakfast, and deductible losses!

Last, something I have done and will continue to do, is look south to Mexico as they are starting to have newer parks, great beaches, and some real culture and great food!
__________________
While the early bird gets the worm, the second mouse gets the cheese!
chucklesg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2020, 10:53 AM   #53
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Shreveport, LA
Posts: 472
New RV

Quote:
Originally Posted by EcoRick View Post
We fall in the newbie category buying our first gasser in March, pre-pandemic and liked it so much we just upgraded to a new diesel. Having bought a new RV I never anticipated the break in period and how much can go wrong or has to be repaired. Also did not anticipate the lack or qualified service options. Couple that with the post Covid quality Issues we’ll see with MH’s coming online I agree that this will frustrate many new RV’ers. .
I can only imagine you pain in paying megabucks on to find its not perfect. My rule of thumb is NEVER buy an RV under ten years old, it will take about that long to get it right. By then all the model specific bugs will be well documentation and available on the internet. You don't have to be the first one to plow that field.

In reality, I have had three homes constructed to my design and specifications. All three had items that had to be addressed, my contractors were excellent and made everything right. Nothing comes out prefect from the launch pad.
__________________
Bruce Deville, KE5CPL
Carol Venable (wife) KI5CSA
Mostly retired, 2000 RexHall Rose Air
BruceDeville is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2020, 11:45 AM   #54
Senior Member
 
baraff's Avatar
 
Winnebago Owners Club
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 2,750
I suspect the fallout from the pandemic has not fully hit yet. I think there will be massive layoffs coming, as employers realize they don't need fancy office space and they can trim workforce, and they discover business travel is unnecessary. I predict this happening in late 2020 thru 2021.
This translates to, "what do we get unload first". Rv's, boats, fun/luxury cars, second homes will be the first to go.
While I'm certainly not hoping this is the case, I think it's coming. And the RV industry will cycle, as it always does.
__________________
Burns & Diane
2005 Winnebago Aspect 26A/2012 Subaru Impreza toad
Illinois! - Where the politicians make the license plates......
baraff is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2020, 12:34 PM   #55
Senior Member
 
National RV Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Melbourne, FL
Posts: 465
Quote:
Originally Posted by baraff View Post
I suspect the fallout from the pandemic has not fully hit yet. I think there will be massive layoffs coming, as employers realize they don't need fancy office space and they can trim workforce, and they discover business travel is unnecessary. I predict this happening in late 2020 thru 2021.
This translates to, "what do we get unload first". Rv's, boats, fun/luxury cars, second homes will be the first to go.
While I'm certainly not hoping this is the case, I think it's coming. And the RV industry will cycle, as it always does.
Yeah, I hope you are wrong but I fear you are right. My company has been discussing the need for B&M offices since a lot of us have been working from home. I'm sure many others are as well. I would not want to be invested in commercial real estate right now. We also know the airlines will be having a large layoff after October 1st. Time will tell.

Al
__________________
SeaBreeze LX 8321
FLRosebud is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2020, 07:19 PM   #56
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 11
I’m hoping to benefit from some newbie not sticking with it for long. I may be a newbie myself but see RV’ing as a natural progression from my tent camping and traveling lifestyle. My wife and I are getting older and so looking at RVs as a way to continue in more comfort. I’ll be watching the used sales listing for a good deal.
Denalidan is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
camping



Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Four Winds Five Thousand :: 2001 Four Winds (now Thor) Five Thousand 081547111 iRV2 Owners Registry 0 09-24-2019 09:18 AM
Did your kids continue the camping tradition as adults? 4ina4x4 iRV2.com General Discussion 33 05-01-2019 06:31 PM
Experience with tires older than five years Bikeboy57 Newmar Owner's Forum 26 04-20-2009 06:54 PM
Five Years Young!! Happy Anniversary Nor'Easter! Doris Northeast Region 7 05-15-2005 02:27 AM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:01 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.