A Glance at The Changing Trends in the RV Market Segment

Technological progress is rapidly invading every industrial segment today. The RV market segment is no exception, where the industry is experiencing a transition phase. This is the phase of experimentation and modification thereby leading to the emergence of changing trends in the entire RV industry. Gone are the days when RVs were considered luxurious commodities. Today, perspectives have changed making them commodities of comfort and even necessity for some!

Surveys conducted in some parts of the US and Canada show how RV sales have been on the rise since 1999. Around 7% of Canadian households own an RV. This percentage has risen for most of them prefer to tour the country in an RV. Besides, RV travel is the best option to travel with your family and friends as it betters communication with our dear ones. Majority of the US and Canadian citizens possessing an RV, are married with an annual household income of $68.000. The average age of RV buyers varies from 34 to 55 years and is the one of the fast growing segments today. Another survey conducted in North American found that around 57% of the campers were Rvers and most of them had opted for RV travel on the pretext of having a family reunion or a get together. There is also a growing demand among RVers for entertainment and recreational facilities, including hi-tech equipments like flat screen TVs, surround-sound CD and DVD players with individual headphones, satellite dishes etc. As such manufacturers are now concentrating to style the RVs with the latest gadgets and transform them into utility vehicles.

Analyzing the trends closely, it has been observed that sports utility RVs are becoming very popular with the new generation of RV buyers. These RVs provide easy storage facilities as well as a range of adventure equipments to facilitate cross-market opportunities between RVers for on-road and off-road motorbikes, canoes, ATVs, snowmobiles and jet skis. Besides, highly upgraded RVs are now being manufactured, along with added facilities of continuous Internet access and electronic mapping or Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Relaxation and entertainment form a major part of the agenda of any RV travel. Hence, the new RVers do not like to compromise on any means of entertainment. From flat screen TVs to satellite radio, the new generation of RVers has a gala time for enjoyment throughout the day.

Of late, a niche segment in the RV industry has cropped up. Such segments comprise "women-only" groups, shared interest groups and a number of invalid and senior travelers. For travelers in wheelchairs, some manufacturing companies design the rig that allows wheelchair entry through a rear power lift gate. RV travel has thus effectively tried to include travelers from all walks of life. Noticing the changing trends in this industry, even the US government has made few arrangements in support of RV travel. Seven US States (Michigan, Oregon, Louisiana, Tennessee, Washington, Florida and Texas) have adopted the 'RV Friendly' Yellow Circle symbol on the highway signage on the directions of the US Federal Highway Administration. This symbol is indicative of the camping and lodging facilities that would be made available to RVers at different spots. Such facilities make RV travel hassle free enjoyable.

These changing trends in the RV market segment are indicative of the growth of the industry. This is indeed good news for both the manufacturers and the customers. The 'feel' of home is hardly negated with equipments suited to the travelers need. No wonder then, the