Less Young People Camping?
It has been a belief of mine for a long time that each generation has it “tougher” than the previous generations. My parents were what I consider to be “middle class.” Mom had her own beauty shop...
Forum Discussion
Caveman Charlie wrote:livelylittlecampers wrote:
I recently read in USA today that 1/3 fewer young people are getting their driver's licenses today than in the early 1980's. I have also read in numerous places that the American car companies are struggling to get young people to buy cars. Doesn't seem to bode well for the RV industry.
That being said, I think that part of the problem is that the RV Industry doesn't really bother advertising to younger consumers. Most of the trade publications also do not feature articles about families RVing. I remember reading a review of a Jayco Bunkhouse Travel Trailer in Trailer Life and I was excited because I was interested in the model--but the reviewer used the bunkhouse to store his luggage and his cameras. After reading the review I had no idea if the model would be good for my family--kind of ironic, huh?
Very interesting thread to me--an RVing Dad in his mid 30's. Thanks for the thoughtful discussion.
Best--Jeremy
I know a fair amount of young people that never get there license. And, I live in a rural area. They just get rides from family and friends. It cost so much to get a license now and they have the attitude of "Why bother to get a license when it will just get taken away anyway". So, the just don't get one in the first place.
Then you have to add in the high cost of a new vehicle or the high cost of maintenance on a used vehicle these days and for many of them they just don't want to spend the money. Gone are the days when you could pick up a cheap old car and work on it yourself with a few simple tools to keep it running.
I think this trend will continue as the reurbanization of cities takes place and public transportation in North America starts to catch up to the rest of the world. North American style suburbs require vehicles as there is no such a thing as a market for miles around. As city planning improves the need for everyone to have a car will decrease. In my opinion a good thing. Houses in the 40's 50's and even 60's were 600 to 900 square feet. Now they have to be 2000 plus a double car garage. No wonder they are so expensive. In my opinion a good thing.
