RV business doing well despite rising fuel costs

Record prices at the gas pump could have put the brakes on the recreational vehicle business. But instead, area RV dealers say business is healthy and customers may be looking at their hobby as an escape from the stresses of the tough economy.

Quad-City dealers see customers buying RVs, upgrading to larger units and planning trips as they always have. But their trips might be shorter this year and fuel costs are definitely weighing heavier on their minds.

“We’re down 10 percent but it’s not from the folks who have experienced RVing,” said Mark Thompson, the president of Thompson Family RV. “It may be some new buyers are being more cautious because of consumer confidence and they’re holding back. It’s not that we won’t see them next year.” Read more...