toedtoes wrote:
You mentioned that these are things pushed by the RV industry as "must haves" and that is the marketing scam.
However, I think these are more often pushed by other RVers than by the industry. I have not had a dealer, retailer, or repair shop tell me that any of the above are required - I haven't had any even mention them. But, I have read forum thread after forum thread filled with other RVers stating that these are non-negotiable, must have or your RV will fall apart, items.
So, is it really the industry that has a marketing scam going? Or is it simply people making choices and then trying to justify them at every opportunity?
Yes it us the RV industry, but your conception of the "industry" is a bit limited. One of the largest parts of the industry are the aftermarket and accessory manufacturers who actually outnumber the actual RV manufacturers about ten to one.
These are the parts of the RV industry that are pushing these products through Fear and envy marketing tactics. The retail outlets take this on as religion because it increases sales.
Of course some are honest and will tell you you don't really need that $800 sway bar and others are happy to sell it to you.
But never doubt that this is an industry that understands thoroughly the psychology of it's demographic and caters to it with a vengeance.
Now you are right that many RV'ers are literally evangelistic in their belief that whatever they have bought is ABSOLUTELY necessary and the right decision and do push those products as well. But to my mind this is more about shoring up their own doubts about whether that $800 purchase was REALLY worth it and needed.
