RV Usage Stats, Data, & Trends in the USA

What Does RV Stand For?

RV stands for Recreational vehicle often abbreviated as RV is a motor vehicle or a trailer with a living quarters designed for accommodation. RVs have been popular for years, but USA 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!

RV Stats in the USA

• 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?

RV is 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 RV owner 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.:

• RV log an average of 4,500 miles per year
• 90% of RV owner take 3 RV trips a year in addition to going on a “regular” vacation
• 20% of RV owner like to take advantage of less traditional camping spots
• RV owner 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

How to Keep RV Safe?

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.