In case you haven’t noticed, the world has changed rather dramatically since March 2020. International travel has become a distant memory. Words and terms such as self quarantine, the new normal and travel restriction are simply a topic of everyday discussion. Every day the list of closed businesses grows. What hasn’t changed is American’s love for adventure, for travel, and after weeks of “house arrest” the rediscovery of the great American road trip. And the road trip vehicle of choice is the RV, trailer, camper or motor home as evidenced by records in both sales and rental.
According to a recent AAA study, road trips will constitute 97 percent of summer travel. A confirming study by the RV Industry Association noted that an estimated 46 million Americans plan to take an RV trip in the next twelve months. The AAA study also indicated that the 4th of July holiday could result in record setting campground reservations as well as a dramatic increase in traffic congestion. With concerns about air travel, motels, restaurant closures, and related COVID-19 travel restriction, the RV is becoming more popular than at any time in history as Americans seek a safe way to vacation. Further fueling the popularity of RV travel are fuel prices that are the lowest they have been in years.
The RV Share rental network has reported an astounding 1000 percent increase in site traffic since early spring. At many dealers through the county sales are outpacing an ability to restock. On many levels this represents a rare bright spot during a time of crisis. Marathon is on track to see a sales increase of at least 30 percent this year. To date Winnebago has surpassed all projections. Year to date Airstream sales are up by more than 10 percent. This has dramatically restricted the availability of vehicles for rent and in some markets has resulted in a weeks long wait for buyers. Numerous campgrounds are setting records, and some of the more popular locations are now booked months in advance.
Still, there are a myriad of out of the way overlooked campgrounds awaiting discovery. Some, such as the RV park in Hualapai Mountain Park south of Kingman, Arizona or the award winning campground at Grand Canyon Caverns near Seligman, Arizona on Route 66, are ideally suited to beat the heat and adhere to social distancing guidelines. They are located at higher elevations that assure cooler temperatures. And both are located at the heart of an outdoor activity wonderland. As an example, Hualapai Mountain Park boasts dozens of miles of trails that lead high into the mountains where stunning vistas are the reward.
Are you ready to take to the road? Are you ready to discover (or rediscover) the great American road trip? Stop by Trotter’s RV Sales and Service today!
Written by Jim Hinckley of Jim Hinckley’s America
