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Lots of leg room, no layovers

Irritation at airlines helps boost RV sales heading into a giant RV show in Tampa.

By CHRISTINA REXRODE
Published January 17, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Times photo: Melissa Lyttle] Frontier RV Sales Manager Heather Hernandez said that the Hyperlite model is hip, sporty and attracts a younger buyer.

The boating industry is sinking and auto sales are slowing, but the RV business seems to be sitting pretty.

The country's biggest recreational vehicle show opens today at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Dealers and manufacturers there say 2006 was a good year, even without FEMA boosting demand for trailers - which it did after the hurricane-heavy seasons of the previous two years.

Through November, manufacturers had shipped almost 370,000 RVs, putting 2006 on track to beat the 2005 record of 384,000 units.

More than 1,300 recreational vehicles are on display at this year's Florida RV SuperShow, and "recreational vehicle" is an encompassing term. For $3,000, you can hitch a folding camping trailer to your van or pickup. If you have a couple million dollars to drop, you can hide from the world in a 45-foot motor home with big-screen plasma TVs and a full-sized fridge.

RV shipments have posted gains for five consecutive years. Industry insiders say the inconvenience of flying is one reason. Lost luggage, late flights and higher ticket prices were recurring themes in airline travel this past year, and the liquids ban didn't help.

"On an RV, you can throw in your golf clubs, throw in your hunting knife, throw in your fishing equipment," said David Kelly, marketing director for the Florida RV Trade Association. "The airlines keep telling you, 'No, no, no, and by the way, take your shoes off.' "

RVing is also starting to tap a younger crowd.

A 2005 study by the University of Michigan found that the under-35 demographic is posting the largest gains in RV ownership. With that in mind, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association plans to air "Go RVing" commercials during the upcoming season of American Idol.

SURVs, or "toy haulers," which have gained popularity in the past couple of years, are attracting younger buyers. SURVs have little garages in the rear, where four-wheelers, motorcycles and even Mini Coopers can be stored in between campground visits.

Heather Hernandez, who works in sales for Frontier RV, pointed to the Hyperlite travel trailer, with sporty graphics on the outside and a flat-panel TV inside, as a big seller among younger crowds.

"When I pictured an RV in the beginning," said Hernandez, 22, "I pictured my grandparents."

RVs remain popular because, as a general rule, they are more resilient than other vehicles to fluctuations in gas prices. That's partly because RVers can enjoy their vehicles even when they're not using gas.

Bob Phebus, director of sales and marketing for Marathon Coach, said RVs have two advantages over boats: There are more places to store them and more places to take them.

"They're not getting out and building resorts on the water," Phebus said.

Fast Facts:

If you go

What: 2007 Florida RV SuperShow

When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Where: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N U.S. 301, Tampa

Cost: A two-day pass costs $8, children younger than 6 are admitted free

For information: Visit www.frvta.org/supershow.asp

Coming Monday

We invite you to take Drive, the Times' new weekly page on automotive news, reviews and tips, for a test drive.

By the numbers

8-millionNumber of U.S. households that owned a recreational vehicle in 2005, an increase of 15 percent over 2001.

45,000 Number of visitors expected at the Florida RV SuperShow, which opens today.

$14.4-billionRetail value of RV shipments in 2005.

$1.53-million Cost of Marathon Coach's XLV2S, a 45-foot motor home with several flat-screen TVs, a dishwasher and a full-sized fridge.

$600 Cost of filling up the XLV2S motor home.

Sources: Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, University of Michigan, Florida RV SuperShow

[Last modified January 17, 2007, 00:26:15]