RV Usage Stats, Data, & Trends in the USA

RVs have been popular for years, but U.S. demand for these versatile motorhomes just continues to grow. It’s no longer just retirees that are taking advantage of the RV life. In fact, the ages 35-54 crowd has now moved into the top spot in terms of market share!

Some Eye-Popping RV Stats in the U.S.

• Americans are the largest market segment for RV purchases worldwide
• The RV industry is big business. It provides over $114 billion a year to the U.S. economy, including over $18 billion in sales.
• According to the RVIA, 98% of all RVs sold in the U.S. are also manufactured here. Which states top the charts in terms of sales? Indiana is #1 with $6.8 billion in sales. This isn’t surprising, as several major RV manufacturers are located in Indiana. California comes in at #2 with $2.2 billion, followed by Texas at #3 with $1.8 billion.
• Over 11% of U.S. households own an RV
• Over 40 million Americans go RVing on a regular basis
• Over half of all RVers bring pets with them when they travel
• The average American RVer spends around 4 weeks in their RV each year
• Around 1 million Americans live in recreational vehicles full-time

Why Buy an RV?

Those who don’t own a motorhome really can’t understand. It’s not just an RV; it’s a special way of vacationing, and for some it’s even a special way of life. Here are just a few benefits of owing an RV:

• A family of 4 can save between 21-64% in travel costs over other traditional methods of vacationing
• 90% of RVers say that RV trips are the best way to vacation with children
• You have the freedom to bring your pets with you
• Go where you want, when you want, without having to worry about trying to book space in a hotel or condo
• Life on the road can really be a lot of fun when you’re driving a rolling house around!

How Do Folks Use Their RVs?

RVs aren’t meant to just sit in your backyard – they’re meant to be enjoyed out there where you want to be! Here are some fun RV usage stats in the U.S.:

• RVers log an average of 4,500 miles per year
• 90% of RVers take 3 RV trips a year in addition to going on a “regular” vacation
• 20% of RVers like to take advantage of less traditional camping spots
• RVers love to explore the great outdoors, and many like to camp somewhere with hiking opportunities nearby
• According to Wandering RV and the RVIA, here are the top 10 most popular RV destinations in the U.S.:
  • Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
  • Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
  • Redwood National Park, California
  • Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
  • Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
  • Fairbanks, Alaska
  • Yosemite, California
  • Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
  • Key West, Florida
  • Walt Disney World, Florida

What to Do with an RV When You’re Not Out on the Road?

The typical American RV owner only spends about a month out on the road each year. What happens to your motorhome during those other 11 months? For your motorhome to stay in top condition, you really should house it underneath a reliable metal RV cover to keep it safe and protected. Get Carports is here to help you take good care of your RV investment, and we have a nationwide network of distribution facilities.