In 2006, national RV wholesale shipments totaled 390,500 units-the best annual total in the past 30 years.
Total RV shipments in 2006 were 1.6 percent higher than 2005-the fifth consecutive year shipments grew.
The $14 billion-a-year industry earned near record revenues in 2006.
Nearly one in 12 U.S. vehicle-owning households now own an RV. That's nearly 8 million households-a 15 percent increase over the past four years and a 58 percent gain since 1980.
There are approximately 8.2 million RVs on the nation's roads. By 2010, RVs will be owned by 8.5 million households-an 8 percent increase.
Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) estimates there are as many as 30 million RV enthusiasts nationwide, including RV renters.
The RV rental business is a $350 million industry and grew by 36 percent in 2005, according to the U.S. Census of Retail Trade and the RV Rental Association.
Of those who camped as children, 95 percent said it had a positive effect on their adult lives, helping them develop an appreciation for the outdoors and insight into different people and places.
Twenty-five percent of RVers report accessing the Internet while on the road.
The Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC) is celebrating its 65th anniversary, making it one of Michigan's oldest trade associations. MARVAC is a statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging growth in the recreation vehicle and private campground industries while contributing to the quality of Michigan tourism. For more information, visit MARVAC's Web site, www.marvac.org. MARVAC, 2222 Association Drive, Okemos, Mich. 48864-5978; 517.349.8881.
For additional information, please visit our All About RVing section of this web site. Here you will find various articles spotlighting the people and places that makeup the RV and Camper lifestyle.
