RV traveler? U.S. ownership

RVIA - Media - RV Fast Facts RV Quick Facts What is a recreation vehicle (RV)? An RV is a vehicle that combines transportation and temporary living quarters for travel, recreation and camping. Two main categories of RVs are motorhomes (motorized) and towables (towed behind the family car, van or pickup). Type A motorhomes are generally the largest; type B motorhomes or van campers are the smallest and type C motorhomes generally fall in between. Types of towable RVs are folding camping trailers, truck campers, conventional travel trailers and fifth-wheel travel trailers. The annual retail value of RV shipments is $14 billion. There's an RV for every taste and budget. Prices for new RVs are typically $4,000-$13,000 for folding camping trailers; $4,000-$26,000 for truck campers; $8,000-$65,000 for conventional travel trailers; $48,000-$140,000 for type C motorhomes and $58,000-$400,000 for type A motorhomes. Who is the RV traveler? U.S. ownership of RVs has reached record levels, reveals a 2005 University of Michigan study commissioned by Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). Nearly one in 12 U.S. vehicle-owning households now owns an RV. That's nearly 8 million households–a 15 percent increase during 2001-2005 and a 58 percent gain during 1980-2005. Today's typical RV owner is 49 years old, married, with an annual household income of $68,000–higher than the median for all households, according to the Michigan study. RV owners are likely to own their homes and spend their disposable income on traveling–an average of 4,500 miles and 26 days annually, RVIA surveys show. A leading force behind RV ownership's upswing is the enormous baby boomer generation, supported by strong ownership gains among both younger and older buyers. In fact, high RV ownership rates now extend across a 40-year span from age 35 to 75, the study found. More RVs are now owned by those age 35 to 54 than any other group, according to the University of Michigan study. Nearly 9 percent of U.S. households headed by 35-to-54 year olds own an RV, slightly exceeding the 8.6 percent ownership rates of those 55 and over. Those under age 35 posted the largest gains in RV ownership over the past four years. Approximately 8.2 million RVs are on the nation's roads, according to the Michigan study. RVIA estimates nationwide there are as many as 30 million RV enthusiasts, including RV renters. Why do people choose and use RVs? Flexibility and convenience – RVs offer a convenient, hassle-free way to see America. RV travelers enjoy the freedom and flexibility to go where they want, when they want–without the worry and stress of inflexible schedules, advance reservations, airport lines and luggage restrictions. Comfort – With fully-equipped kitchens and baths, rooms that slide out at the touch of a button, central air and heat, plasma TVs, surround-sound stereos and more, today's RVs provide travelers with all the amenities of home while on the road or at the campground. Family appeal – RVing is a uniquely enjoyable way to travel as a family. In fact, families that frequently vacation by RV say it fosters an increased sense of togetherness and helps improve family communication. RV owners say that strengthening family relationships is important for their pleasure trips. Affordability – RV vacations are more affordable than travel by personal car, commercial airline or cruise ship, according to vacation cost-comparison studies by PKF Consulting. Even factoring in RV ownership costs, and considering resulting tax benefits, a family of four can spend up to 74 percent less when traveling by RV. Lure of the outdoors – RVers can enjoy the mountains, beaches, parks, popular tourist attractions and small towns whenever they want, without giving up the comforts of home. With the new sport utility RVs, RV travelers can easily haul their ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles or other outdoor vehicles right on board. Versatility – In addition to travel, camping and outdoor recreation, RVs are being used year-round for a wide variety of other purposes, like shopping, tailgate parties at sporting events, pursuing special interests like horse, dog and antique shows and other hobbies. Rentals available – Renting an RV is a popular way to "try before you buy." The RV rental business is a $350 million industry and grew by 36 percent in 2005, according to figures compiled by the U.S. Census of Retail Trade and the RV Rental Association (RVRA). Where do RVers travel? With more than 16,000 public and privately owned campgrounds nationwide, RVers are free to roam America's highways and backroads for a weekend or months at a time. Privately owned RV parks and campgrounds are found near popular destinations, along major tourist routes and even in metropolitan areas. These campgrounds appeal to travelers by offering a variety of activities to keep the whole family happy, including swimming pools, game rooms, playgrounds and snack bars. RV travelers seeking a resort atmosphere are especially attracted to the growing number of luxury RV resorts with facilities such as tennis courts, golf courses and health spas. Facilities at public campgrounds tend to be simple, but offer great scenic beauty. Public lands are popular for hiking, fishing, white water rafting and many other outdoor recreational opportunities enjoyed by RVers. What does the future hold for the RV market? Changes in the frequency and duration of vacations favor the RV industry. Americans are traveling shorter distances and on weekends with less planning, according to recent studies. For RV owners, this is a convenient travel pattern. Primary RV demand remains very good and the potential for future sales is bright, according to a 2005 University of Michigan study. Among U.S. households that have never owned an RV, more than one in six expressed interest in purchasing an RV in the future. Both parents and empty-nesters are strong potential buyers of RVs, and promising future prospects are emerging among younger, ethnically diverse consumers, reveals a Harris Interactive study commissioned by the Go RVing Coalition. Generation Xers, exhibit interests in outdoor activities that are highly compatible with RVing, the study found. Ownership and demographic trends favor substantial RV market growth, according to the University of Michigan. As baby boomers have been entering their prime age range — 55 to 64 — with the highest ownership rates, according to the Michigan study. The number of RV-owning households in the U.S. is projected to rise to nearly 8.5 million by 2010–a gain of 15 percent between 2001-2010, outpacing overall U.S. household growth of 6 percent. How can I learn more about RVs? Surf the web – Check out the RVIA and Go RVing websites ( rvia.org and GoRVing.com ) for information on RV travel trends, vehicles types, show listings and lists of RV dealers and campgrounds in your area. Order a free DVD or CD-ROM – Visit GoRVing.com or call 1-888-Go-RVing for a free RV "getting-started" DVD or CD-ROM. Visit an RV dealer – Check the yellow pages or the website of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association, www.rvda.org , for local dealership listings. Attend an RV show – A variety of RVs of all shapes, sizes and costs are displayed at dozens of RV shows around the nation. Show dates and locations are searchable at rvia.org . Rent an RV – More than 460 RV rental outlets are located across the country. Renting allows potential buyers to try RV travel and determine which vehicle types best suits their needs. Check the yellow pages under "Recreation Vehicle–Rentals" for the nearest rental outlets. Obtain an RV buyers' guide – Visit a local bookstore or library. Who can talk about the RV experience? RVIA offers a diverse roster of expert RV media spokespersons: Recognized travel authority and RVIA President Richard Coon ; RV historian David Woodworth ; award-winning travel expert Harry Basch ; travel filmmaker and lecturer John Holod ; "Millionaire" game show winner and RVing author Brad Herzog ; and former New York City executives Sandy MacGregor and Marilyn Abraham , who found "life" in an RV. For more information about these media spokespeople, visit www.rvia.org/media or call RVIA Public Relations, (703) 620-6003 ext. 306. Back to "For The Media" search | sitemap Recreation Vehicle Industry Association 1896 Preston White Drive, P.O. Box 2999 Reston, Virginia 20195-0999

RV campgrounds more than

RV Family Travel and Camping Testimonials Go RVing Search Reconnect with Family Cool For Kids Easy on the Pocket Freedom & Control Convenience & Comfort Lure of the Outdoors Retire In Style Meet RV Families/Testimonials Pursue Your Passions Print this Page Meet RV Families/Testimonials We'd love to hear about your RVadventures. If you'd like your story to be considered for posting on ourwebsite for other RVers to read, please send it to us. Please note that bysending us your personal RV testimonial, you are giving us your permissionto post it on the site. Click here to Submit Your Own Testimonial. Joel & Jerrie Crawford Joel Crawford is now on his eighth RV and he says they just keep getting better. He and his wife, Jerrie, along with their dog, Beau, love to hop in their 35-foot Type A Motorhome and take off on the spur of the moment. Its an easy escape. You dont have to pack or unpack, Joel says. We keep the RV loaded. We keep our clothes in there all the time, so we just put the perishables in and were gone. Its a convenient way to travel. Im retired, so most of the time we get away in the middle of the week when nobody else is getting away, Joel says. A lot of times we just go up into the mountains and hide for three or four days. Joel became an RV owner in his thirties when he got tired of borrowing his parents RV and decided it was time to get one of his own. And, over the years, he and Jerrie have traveled the southern half of the United States from coast to coast and up the east side of the Rockies and down the west side, border to border. Joel said the conveniences of their RV make it seem like they were never away from home. Its a trouble-free way to travel. The Crawfords 10 grandchildren are RVing fans, as well. Joel and Jerrie have taken them to Disney World, Opryland and Dollywood, to name just a few places. A lot of people think an RVs hard to drive, but thats just not true. You get used to it. For me, it was always there. It was in my blood. And dogs are fans of the RV, too. The Crawfords once had a dog named Chuck who had an amazing ability to read road signs, they say. Chuck would look out the window, and every time he saw a road sign for a rest area, hed jump off the seat and wait by the door, Joel says, laughing. And Beau just likes to get up on the dash and bark at the trucks. Joel & Jerrie Crawford, Lawrenceville, GA Tim & Lynne Polley Tim Polley has been RV camping his entire life. And now hes introducing a third generation of Polleys to the experience. I started RV camping with my parents. We started out with a folding camping trailer, then moved up to a 16-foot travel trailer and then to a 24-foot travel trailer with all the amenities, he says. And then I got married. My wife, Lynne, and I both love being outdoors. We started tent camping, but as we got older, it was taking an entire day for our weary bones to recover. So, about a year ago, we bought a folding camping trailer of our own. Its great for comfort. And it provides better protection from the weather. I dont want to forget to mention how important our dealer was in assisting us to pick the right trailer for us and helping take care of our service issues. They have been a very vital part of Lynnes and my RV experience. So far, theyve used their RV for trips through Iowa and Illinois. One highlight from their RV excursions so far? A two-week visit to Colorado. The kids are enjoying the RV as well. It keeps them active and stops em from being couch potatoes. We are able to bring our bikes along with us, and so we can all go bike riding together. Were able to teach our kids about the outdoors. And teach them how to rough it a little bit. With RVing, youre able to develop a closeness with people. At night, my wife and I like to walk around the campgrounds. You say hello to the people there and start having conversations with each otherwhere youre from, what you do for a living. And from those conversations, you form friendships. I think you talk to people at RV campgrounds more than you would in everyday life. Tim & Lynne Polley, Moline, IL Geula Resnick (and friends) Geula Resnicks RV is NOT going to the dogs. But it IS going to the dog shows. After all, she bought her RV three years ago with the express purpose of going to dog shows. Geula shows Rottweilers. She and her husband, David, own three: Monty, Riley and Charley, along with two Manchesters: Redi and Lola. Geula says the motivation behind getting their RV was simple: The convenience, she says. Being able to have all the dogs with methose were the main reasons we got an RV. For the people, its more comfortable. And for the dogs it is, too. Without an RV, our dogs would to travel to the shows in crates, but this way, we can let them have the run of the RV. With an RV, youre able to bring the comforts of home with youfor you and for your dogs. The Denver resident uses her 28-foot Type A Motorhome to take her dogs (as well as friends and their dogs) to shows throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Arkansas and Nebraska. She has been showing dogs for about five years now and loves the pastime. She says that owning an RV has made the experience all the easierand more enjoyable. When we take our RV with us, well usually stay on the show site. Everyone parks together. Its a very social atmosphere at dog shows. RVs are a very popular mode of transportation among the dog show crowd. Out of about 100 members of our local Rottweiler club, I would say about 15 of us own RVs. And at a good-sized dog show, youll probably see anywhere from 40 to 50 RVs there for the weekend. I know people who have ordered custom RVs just to accommodate their dogs. Geula Resnick (and friends), Denver, CO Steve & Becky Miller Steve Miller and his wife, Becky, are RV veterans and have the friendships to prove it. In 1989, they purchased their first folding camping trailer so they could take family trips with their four-year-old son. But they soon realized that RVing isnt just a convenient way to travel with all the comforts of home. Its also a great way to meet new people and forge lifelong friendships with other RVers. It was at a campground in Myrtle Beach, S.C., that Steve and Becky met and befriended Bill, his wife, Jean, and their two children. And through them, they met Jerry, his wife, Joyce, and their grandson. The group hit it off and have been friends ever since. We have become friends with people we would not have met if we did not camp, Steve says. People we didnt even know when we purchased our first small camper have now become important to us. In 1994, with their son then nine years old, the Millers traded for a slightly larger towable RV. It was perfect for their trips to the Fort Wilderness Resort at Disney World, Williamsburg, Va., and Busch Gardens parks. Camping in our pop-ups has afforded us opportunities to go places we otherwise would not have gone, Steve says. When their son was almost 15 years old, the Millers were ready for another upgrade. That's when they bought the larger folding camping trailer they have to this day. This camper hasn't gone to Atlanta, Disney or Williamsburg, but it has continued the tradition of enabling us to be with friends that we have grown closer to over the years. Steve summed his feelings up best when he said, Vacationing any other way simply would not have yielded the same quality of life results. Steve & Becky Miller, Asheboro, NC ©2005 Go RVing, Inc.

Luxury RV

Motorhome Rental America - Luxury RV Hire throughout the United States Home | Models | Terms | Info | Fly-Drive | Availability Check | Book! | Shop | Contact Us Travel Guides & Maps USA Maps ... TravelGuides ... CampsiteGuides France Maps ... TravelGuides ... CampsiteGuides Italy Maps ... TravelGuides ... CampsiteGuides Germany Maps ... TravelGuides ... CampsiteGuides South Africa Maps ... TravelGuides ... CampsiteGuides Spain Maps ... TravelGuides ... CampsiteGuides Canada Maps ... TravelGuides ... CampsiteGuides Member of the Recreational Vehicle Rental Association Welcome to Motorhome Rental America! We have a huge fleet of motorhomes available, with locations all over the USA. We have tried to provide you with everything you need on this website. Our luxurious fleet is available to view , with some 3D Panoramic shots of our Class A Bus-style motorhomes. We have an Info section, which should answer most of your questions, but if it does not, please feel free to contact us - our contact details are available on the site . Our Terms and Conditions for hiring a motorhome are available online. we have an online, secure Booking System available for you to use. The Motorhome booking system uses SSL encryption, the industry standard, so your details are safe. We also have a Travel Shop , so if you are looking for Maps, Guidebooks or Campground Guides, check it out. Enjoy the sights and sounds of this amazing country, with Motorhome Rental America! Standard Locations CA, El Monte CA, Irvine CA, Oakland CA, San Bernardino CA, San Diego NE CA, Santa Ana CA, Santa Rosa CA, Torrance CA, Van Nuys CO, Denver FL, Miami FL, Palm Harbor FL, Punta Gorda GA, Augusta MD, Baltimore NM, Albuquerque PA, State College SC, Columbia TX, Cedar Hill TX, Dallas/Ft. Worth TX, San Antonio UT, Salt Lake City VA, Roanoke Fly Drive Locations CA, Dublin *SFO CA, Santa Fe Springs *LAX FL, Orlando *MCO NJ, Linden *NYC NV, Las Vegas *LAS WA, Bellingham *YVR No results found. Click here for amazon.co.uk

used motor home but

School bus conversion into a motor home School bus conversion into a motor home How to convert a school bus into a roomy, comfortable, heavy duty motor home. Learn more. After breaking three axles on our motorhome in as many years, we began looking for an alternative vehicle that would be comfortable, yet handle the heavy cargo load of our craft business. The solution we found was to convert an old school bus into a serviceable motor home. Used school buses can be purchased at state auctions of vehicles or in the classified ads of your local paper for around $1,000 or less, depending on the size. We chose the 27 foot model, but their are also available a 40 foot and 60 foot size. Later, we were sorry we didn't get the 40 footer. By the time we finished remodeling, the cost was comparable to a used motor home but we ended up with a vehicle that was not only more durable, but was customized to suit our specific needs. You are required by law to remove the warning flashers and the stop sign so we did this first. This was a matter of taking out a few bolts. By law you cannot leave it yellow, so we painted ours with spray paint that comes in a can. It didn't look too bad. Friends of ours painted theirs with house paint and a paint roller. The cost for this is about $200.00. A professional paint job we found was cost prohibitive, running around $2-5,000.00. Next we stripped out all but the driver's seat and two passenger seats. We turned the front passenger seat around and built a table in between the two seats. This gave comfortable seating for four passengers plus the driver. We built the interior closets and cupboards from 3/4" plywood covered with cedar closet liner where the surfaces showed and sold cedar boards for drawer fronts and cupboard doors. We also covered the ceiling with cedar closet liner after adding two inches of insulation to the ceiling and walls. In the back of the bus we installed a shower/toilet combination salvaged from an old camper in one corner. Next to that went a cupboard that houses the water heater. On the other side we built two single beds in bunk bed fashion. We built drawers under the lower bed for storage. In front of the shower we built storage shelves customized for the crates we use to carry our craft supplies. For the average family, this area could be used for two more beds. Across the isle we built a clothes closet with more drawers two high under the closet floor. At the front of the bus we built a six foot counter with a sink on the forward end and a counter top stove on the other. Next to that we added a broom closet. Under the counter we installed a refrigerator and more drawers. A hole was cut in the floor to run pipes to water tanks installed under the bus for plumbing. Over the counter we installed more cupboards. To fireproof this area, we covered the underside of the cupboards, the walls and the empty counter top with a special heat resistant ceramic tile. We cut a hole in the wall to install a fan and vent for the stove, and one in the ceiling for an air conditioner. On the outside of the bus we covered all the windows except one over the sink, two by the table and two next to the beds in the back with 1/8" steel before we painted it. Behind the refrigerator we installed a fuse box and breakers for electricity. We later wished we had put this somewhere more accessible. Over the table and seating area across from the kitchen counter we added more overhead shelves with doors for storage. You have to remember to duck when seating yourself, but after a few bumps on the head we learned this response became automatic. On the back of the bus we added a three foot steel deck for the generator and storage space for miscellaneous equipment like lawn chairs, gas cans and bicycles. There is also a storage compartment under each side of this deck. Under the bus along one side we built another storage compartment of steel with hinged doors we can lock. We use this to haul our plywood tables and tent for our craft booth. All in all this project took us about a month to complete at a cost of about $2,000.00. We are very happy with it, and since its rated to haul ten tons of cargo, we haven't broken any more axles. © 2002 Pagewise You are here: Essortment Home >> Do It Yourself >> Automotive:General >> School bus conversion into a motor home << Heat suffocation in a car Increase your gas mileage >>

Winnebago County Government InfoSource

Winnebago County UW-Extension Comprehensive Planning WINNEBAGO COUNTY Community Development HOME | CONTACT US | OFFICE MAP | SEARCH Home PROGRAM AREAS Agriculture Community Development Family Living Horticulture Nutrition Education 4-H Youth Development OFFICE RESOURCES Office Map & Directions Staff Directory OTHER RESOURCES Winnebago County Government InfoSource UWEX Cooperative Extension UWEX Publications Download a copy of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print information provided as PDF files. COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING - Local Planning is Underway Welcome to the Winn Tomorrow Planning Project web site. Winn Tomorrow is the promotional logo used for the Winnebago County Comprehensive Planning Project. Winn tomorrow stands for "Winnebago Citizens Planning Our Future". By reviewing this site, you will find valuable information regarding this on-going project, such as proposed future land use policies, meeting minutes and agendas, informational flyers that inform the public on planning issues and topics, links to related planning activities. In addition, the site allows anyone from the public to provide input via e-mail on the planning issues being discussed. So, feel free to browse the information, and BECOME INVOLVED! About the Plan - Click here for the November 2005 Final Recommended Plan! Final Recommended Plan, Proposed ordinance to enact the Plan, Plan Adoption Timeline and Plan Amendment Process County Board Public Hearing scheduled for January 10th, 2006 @ 6pm in the County Board Room, 415 Jackson Street, Oshkosh, WI. Ask a Question E-mail the planning staff Committees Comprehensive Planning Committees Community Information City, Town and Village Links and Survey Results Contacts County Departments, UWEX & Consultants Getting Involved Ways to Participate in planning Local Meeting Information Local Meeting Notices and Minutes Resources Other planning resources Timeline History of Comprehensive Planning in the County STAFF If you have any questions regarding Comprehensive Planning in Winnebago County, please contact: Jerry Bougie Winnebago County Planning Department Phone: 920- 236-4839 Email: jbougie@co.winnebago.wi.us Catherine Neiswender Winnebago County - UW Extension Phone: 920-232-1972 Email: CNeiswender@co.winnebago.wi.us 2003-2004 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, doing business as the Division of Cooperative Extension of the University of Wisconsin-Extension. If you have any questions regarding this site's contents, trouble accessing any information on this site, require this information in an alternative format or would like to request a reasonable accommodation because of a disability email: ckniep@co.winnebago.wi.us