The Future of RVing
I am developing an article and podcast segment about the future of RVing/camping. I wanted some of the expert input from the RV.NET audience. What trends do you see developing in the coming years? ...
Forum Discussion
I am surprised by the high level of cynicism and outright misinformation in so many posts. To say nothing of the blatant Baby Boomer Bashing by some...
Winter camping in the North East....No. For most of the reasons already stated but the most obvious...Why? When there is so much more to see and do in the West and South during the winter. Weather considerations aside.
Europeanization of systems and products, floorplans and technology will continue and get more prevalent and cheaper. This is very desirable.
DOWNSIZING is already a big trend among many and will continue to grow. The limits placed on you when you have a 40-45 foot Bus/MH are too great..there are just too many places you cant go and the price of everything is much higher.
Power systems and plumbing will evolve to be more like those on a Sailboat, more robust, longer lasting and of higher quality.
Parks are facing land use vs cost vs ROI (Return on Investment) issues nearly everywhere. This means many will close or not upgrade...while in other locations it will be the opposite. This will be a wash in my opinion.
The closest Economic model for the RV Park is the Drive-In Movie Theatre. I think you will see an emphasis on Customer service, upgrades in Technology and some clever ways to make the weather not such a big deal.
I do NOT think that existing Motel/Hotel chains will move into the RV business by adding sites at existing properties. That would require way to much land space at very high prices.
I do expect WAL MART to look into adding RV spaces.
And as for the poster that said that Baby Boomers only want comfort and huge MH's and dont care what things cost...I've never heard such blatant BS.
As for the Baby Boomers Dying out..UH UH Think again. We are a huge and dynamic economic force with an average lifespan that will take us beyond any past generation. And we are just beginning to enter the retirement curve and it has several years to go before it peaks. We will drive the RV Market for some time to come. At the same time that market is designing and building smarter and smaller cool products meant to appeal to the young family...The industry hasnt lasted this long by being stupid or ignoring their future.
To the OP...I hope when you post requests like these you are truly looking for a wide range of opinions and not just an echo chamber for already decided upon ideas.
I think a much more interesting Podcast/Article would be centered on the great shift in lifestyles that is taking place among so many who are RVing full time Giving up home and unnecessary possessions to seek a simpler easier and hopefully more rewarding life. THIS is the big trend as I see it. And one that has significant social and economic consequences far beyond those of Eastern RV Parks opening for the winter...in all due respect.
Winter camping in the North East....No. For most of the reasons already stated but the most obvious...Why? When there is so much more to see and do in the West and South during the winter. Weather considerations aside.
Europeanization of systems and products, floorplans and technology will continue and get more prevalent and cheaper. This is very desirable.
DOWNSIZING is already a big trend among many and will continue to grow. The limits placed on you when you have a 40-45 foot Bus/MH are too great..there are just too many places you cant go and the price of everything is much higher.
Power systems and plumbing will evolve to be more like those on a Sailboat, more robust, longer lasting and of higher quality.
Parks are facing land use vs cost vs ROI (Return on Investment) issues nearly everywhere. This means many will close or not upgrade...while in other locations it will be the opposite. This will be a wash in my opinion.
The closest Economic model for the RV Park is the Drive-In Movie Theatre. I think you will see an emphasis on Customer service, upgrades in Technology and some clever ways to make the weather not such a big deal.
I do NOT think that existing Motel/Hotel chains will move into the RV business by adding sites at existing properties. That would require way to much land space at very high prices.
I do expect WAL MART to look into adding RV spaces.
And as for the poster that said that Baby Boomers only want comfort and huge MH's and dont care what things cost...I've never heard such blatant BS.
As for the Baby Boomers Dying out..UH UH Think again. We are a huge and dynamic economic force with an average lifespan that will take us beyond any past generation. And we are just beginning to enter the retirement curve and it has several years to go before it peaks. We will drive the RV Market for some time to come. At the same time that market is designing and building smarter and smaller cool products meant to appeal to the young family...The industry hasnt lasted this long by being stupid or ignoring their future.
To the OP...I hope when you post requests like these you are truly looking for a wide range of opinions and not just an echo chamber for already decided upon ideas.
I think a much more interesting Podcast/Article would be centered on the great shift in lifestyles that is taking place among so many who are RVing full time Giving up home and unnecessary possessions to seek a simpler easier and hopefully more rewarding life. THIS is the big trend as I see it. And one that has significant social and economic consequences far beyond those of Eastern RV Parks opening for the winter...in all due respect.
