As recreational vehicles enjoy a surge in popularity amid a sputtering economy, offering RV repairs, maintenance, parts and accessories could present opportunities within the aftermarket.
Richard Coon, president of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), recently answered some questions regarding the particulars of the category.
What exactly is an RV? What are the vehicle classifications?
A motorized or towable vehicle that combines transportation and temporary living quarters for travel, recreation and camping. RVs do not include mobile homes, off-road vehicles, snowmobiles or conversion vehicles. RVs are sold by recreation vehicle dealers.
RVs come in two major types: towables and motorhomes. Towable RVs include folding camping trailers, travel trailers, 5th wheel trailers and truck campers. Motorhomes come in three types: Type A (typically the largest and most luxurious), Type B (smaller units sometimes called “van campers”), and Type C (built on a van or truck chassis and often has a sleeping area above the driver’s seat).
What is the scope of the RV ownership marketplace?
RV ownership is at an all-time high — 8.9 million families own at least one RV, up from 7.9 million in 2005.
What are some of the demographics of RV owners?
The average age of an RV owner is 48 years old, down from 49 years old in 2005. Average income is $75,000. Nearly 80 percent of RVers are married. The largest group of RV owners is 35 to-54 years old.
Are there particular areas of the country where RV ownership is especially prevalent?
RV ownership is strong nationwide. Ownership levels are highest in the West and the South.
When repairs are necessary, what are the service center channels that RV owners typically utilize?
According to a recent survey of RV owners, 42 percent have their unit serviced at an independent service center. About 40 percent of RVers have their unit serviced at an RV dealership.
How often do RV owners specifically request a technician with certification in RV repairs?
Sixty percent of RV owners request a certified RV technician when they take their unit in for service.
Powersports is another category cited experiencing growth; are these enthusiasts also embracing RVs? What are some of the units designed to help facilitate powersports activities?
RV manufacturers make an array of units designed for the power sports enthusiast. These units are called Sports Utility RVs (SURVs) or “toy haulers.” SURV designs can be found in travel trailers, 5th wheels and Type A and C motorhomes. These units have a garage area designed to securely transport power “toys.” Once at the destination, the RV owner can lower the ramp, pull the toys out and convert the garage area into a living space. SURVs have been popular for the past decade.
As recreational vehicles enjoy a surge in popularity amid a sputtering economy, offering RV repairs, maintenance, parts and accessories could present opportunities within the aftermarket.
Richard Coon, president of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), recently answered some questions regarding the particulars of the category.
What exactly is an RV? What are the vehicle classifications?
A motorized or towable vehicle that combines transportation and temporary living quarters for travel, recreation and camping. RVs do not include mobile homes, off-road vehicles, snowmobiles or conversion vehicles. RVs are sold by recreation vehicle dealers.
RVs come in two major types: towables and motorhomes. Towable RVs include folding camping trailers, travel trailers, 5th wheel trailers and truck campers. Motorhomes come in three types: Type A (typically the largest and most luxurious), Type B (smaller units sometimes called “van campers”), and Type C (built on a van or truck chassis and often has a sleeping area above the driver’s seat).
What is the scope of the RV ownership marketplace?
RV ownership is at an all-time high — 8.9 million families own at least one RV, up from 7.9 million in 2005.
What are some of the demographics of RV owners?
The average age of an RV owner is 48 years old, down from 49 years old in 2005. Average income is $75,000. Nearly 80 percent of RVers are married. The largest group of RV owners is 35 to-54 years old.
Are there particular areas of the country where RV ownership is especially prevalent?
RV ownership is strong nationwide. Ownership levels are highest in the West and the South.
When repairs are necessary, what are the service center channels that RV owners typically utilize?
According to a recent survey of RV owners, 42 percent have their unit serviced at an independent service center. About 40 percent of RVers have their unit serviced at an RV dealership.
How often do RV owners specifically request a technician with certification in RV repairs?
Sixty percent of RV owners request a certified RV technician when they take their unit in for service.
Powersports is another category cited experiencing growth; are these enthusiasts also embracing RVs? What are some of the units designed to help facilitate powersports activities?
RV manufacturers make an array of units designed for the power sports enthusiast. These units are called Sports Utility RVs (SURVs) or “toy haulers.” SURV designs can be found in travel trailers, 5th wheels and Type A and C motorhomes. These units have a garage area designed to securely transport power “toys.” Once at the destination, the RV owner can lower the ramp, pull the toys out and convert the garage area into a living space. SURVs have been popular for the past decade.
About the Author
James Guyette
James E. Guyette is a long-time contributing editor to Aftermarket Business World, ABRN and Motor Age magazines.