RV Sales Down Because Of High Gas Prices

As gas prices continue to skyrocket, those who rule the road with huge RV's may be cutting back in the future. The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that RV shipments declined 9.5 percent in 2007, after five consecutive years of record growth.

In the Desert Southwest RV experts say things are steady. Mike Green who owns RV World in Yuma says they're a little off the mark but are not facing some of the hardships that others are in different parts of the country.

Even though sales might be down, the true test to see how the economy will play out will be at places like this one. RV Parks. Don Gammons at the Cactus Gardens says it's too early to tell and see if any of these spots are going to be filled by winter.

"They won't really see any impact of the gas prices maybe until the latter part of August, first part of September." Gammons says. But Green doesn't have to wait until then. He adds that Yuma is destination city where people want to come. Read more about why RV Sales Down Because Of High Gas Prices.

Motorhome

A common misconception with most new RV buyers is they rate the floor plan as the most important aspect in their RV purchase. It is estimated that over 90% of new RV buyers focus more on floor plans than anything else. With experienced or educated RV buyers it is estimated that over 90% focus on the chassis or frame, drive train, engine, suspension and exterior construction when selecting a particular brand. Bottom line, what's underneath your motor home, travel trailer or fifth wheel is the most important aspect and should take top priority in your decision process.

To get the most out of RVing you need to ask yourself some important questions. What are the things you enjoy doing most? If it's off-road pursuits, then you'll want to consider a toy hauler, which can hold your favorite toys like an ATV or motorcycle. If you enjoy sightseeing at state and national parks, a motor home might be the way to go. With a record number of RV communities and parks being built to accommodate the RV lifestyle a Class A or C motorhome may be the answer.

Some are predicting fewer sales this year because of the problems with the economy. The industry may see a 10% to 20% drop overall in RV sales, but this could be the BEST TIME to purchase an RV in my opinion. Most RV dealers will have high inventories and I expect many dealers will slash their prices to make sales.

Winnebago Ratings

Winnebago Industries does not manufacture any trailers or fifth wheelers. Beside their two primary lines of Winnebago and Itasca, they do manufacture three specialty lines of vehicles. These are the Ability Equipped line of Disabled Accessible Motor Homes; the Protector line of Command Center vehicles for Law Enforcement and Emergency Applications, and; the Med One line of mobile Medical Clinics. Read more about Winnebago Ratings.