Thor Industries released its “2020 THOR North American RV Consumer Survey Report” and the findings echo what many other members of the RV industry have seen in the past couple of months. People are looking at RVing and the great outdoors for their summer vacation plans, and “summer” may just end up lasting into fall this year.
The report is the first comprehensive survey to come out since the coronavirus hit the continent. They received responses from almost 20,000 random RV owners and prospective buyers. Out of those surveyed, 79% of RV owners said they plan to use their RV as much as or more than they used last year.
With summer plans in limbo, it’s not surprising that the study found half of those planning to vacation in 2020 are scheduling those trips in October.
The fall is usually the time many weekend RVers think about storing their RV away until next spring or summer, but this season may last well into the cooler months as cooped up people adjust their plans to get their camping fix.
The survey found that prospective buyers are looking to purchase an RV between May and September. Knowing that the traditional purchase experience may not be feasible when they are looking to buy, consumers seem to be willing to make some adjustments when purchasing their first or next RV. Over half of prospective buyers said they would be willing to purchase an RV virtually.
The report also concluded that two things stand in the way of RVers hitting the road right now. Many are looking to see the spread of COVID-19 significantly reduced, and others are waiting for RV parks to open.
Overall, it looks like more than usual are looking to trade in their summertime air travel and hotel buffets with road trips and campfire cookouts in the fall this year.
Levi Henley is a freelance writer and has also been full-time RVing with his wife and pets since 2015.