The Future of RVing

[livelylittlecam]

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? For example--I think we will see greater numbers of campgrounds in the Northeast begin to stay open year round. Today's RV's can handle winter camping--so I think campgrounds need to catch up.

Have at it guys and girls--would love to hear your opinions!

Best--Jeremy

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

atreis wrote:
Care to place a bet as to whether or not the trend will continue (and they'll be down another .80 next year at this time), or reverse and they'll go back up (not $5, but back into the $3.5-$4 range again)?

Since we are parked until this park hosting assignment is over in early Jan, and have to make a 4,800 mile trip from far west Texas to Connecticut via Fort Lauderdale in Jan-Apr ---

I'm betting I'll be paying above $3 by Feb 1st for gasoline.

That's just how my luck runs.

Already we are seeing stories about oil companies shutting down rigs in west Texas which are drilling for new oil. Companies in North Dakota canceling plans to drill, cancellations of scheduled new offshore wells, etc.

Most of the new drilling in the US requires oil prices above $60-70 per barrel to be profitable.

We've got a slight oversupply right now, it will be gone and back to under supply before spring in my opinion.

[C-Bears]

The U.S. is producing more of it's own oil than ever before. We have always refined most of it anyway. I think prices will linger around $2.00 something a gallon for gasoline and right at $3 something for diesel for a long time.

But then some states, and for sure the federal government will step in and raise the fuel taxes. Their excuse will be that our nations roads and bridges have to be repaired and the only way is to raise these types of taxes.

Then of course you will see fuel prices right back up to $3.00 - $4.00 range, but more of it will be local/state/federal taxes.

[Dutch_12078]

atreis wrote:
Care to place a bet as to whether or not the trend will continue (and they'll be down another .80 next year at this time), or reverse and they'll go back up (not $5, but back into the $3.5-$4 range again)?

Betting on low fuel prices is a nice way to lose a lot of money. Good luck.

There's too many variables to bet on it, but my best guess from the available data is that gas prices will continue to drift lower going into the new year, and then level off as demand catches up with supply and crude prices reach equilibrium with shale oil production costs. As that happens, I expect we'll see some pricing bounce back, but my guess is that gas prices will stay below the $3.00 national average level for at least the next few years as new supplies come on line, not allowing for any unexpected inflationary increases for unrelated issues. A side effect of the gas supply and pricing situation is that propane wholesale prices have also dropped significantly. A few days ago I had 250 gallons of propane delivered to my cottage tank at $1.64/gallon.

[tsetsaf]

Long term I believe the "RV" industry is in trouble. Absent the boomers in 25 years the next generation can not afford retirement and will be facing an entirely different tax and regulatory system. The eco-boomers will "camp" and travel but in a much different manner.

Depending what you think about climate change the argument that northern states will stay open in winter may pan out... problem is that society will be too stressed to relax like that.

Google has introduced their self driving cars. The early adopters will be trucking companies. Use of interstates will change as a result likely with designated "automated lanes". Dumb drivers (you and I) will need to spend more time on secondary roads.

In about 11 months cars will fly and Marty Mcfly will join us from 1985 😉

Then again I just read and responded to this on my phone!

[atreis]

BulldawgFan wrote:

midnightsadie wrote:
TWO THINGS HAPPENING. one the way of the huge class A,s will slide backwards some,, why ,fuel ,cost, size. and #2 smaller class rv,s will pop up fuel effient engines, will become the norm in rv,s. fuel will not always be $2.bucks a gal . when this little spurt of cheap fuel is over . $5.bucks a gal will be the norm.the baby boomers are dying off.

Fuel prices down $0.80 from where they were last year this time. National average.

Care to place a bet as to whether or not the trend will continue (and they'll be down another .80 next year at this time), or reverse and they'll go back up (not $5, but back into the $3.5-$4 range again)?

Betting on low fuel prices is a nice way to lose a lot of money. Good luck.

[C-Bears]

I think the simple fact that the Babyboomer generation has started to retire and will continue to do so for next several years, will cause a huge spike in RV sales and advancement.

I can see the trend getting "bigger and better" while fuel stays low. But if fuel goes up and stays there it will effect the RV development.

We use a CG in central Illinois that keeps about 22 of their sites open all winter. They have frost free heads on their exposed water outlet for each site. They simply cut the top off of a plastic 55 gallon drum, install a heat lamp inside, and turn if over on top of the water outlet. Of course anyone using one of these sites has to utilize a heated water hose.

As horrible as last winter was they never had any water lines freeze up. It may be a slow progression, but I think you will see more winter camping spots open up.

[bukhrn]

free radical wrote:

livelylittlecampers wrote:
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? For example--I think we will see greater numbers of campgrounds in the Northeast begin to stay open year round. Today's RV's can handle winter camping--so I think campgrounds need to catch up.
Have at it guys and girls--would love to hear your opinions!
Best--Jeremy

Why the heck would anyone want to go camping in the winter?


Im sure there are few adventurous fanatics who like to get off the beaten path and go skiing hunting exploring the outback and the Northern woods etc,
Me..,I like to sit by the fireplace and take it easy..
Or go south,,to soak up the sun..

I see more rigs becoming hybrid electric in the future,also powered by hydrogen or methanol fuel cells so noisy gas generators won't be needed anymore..

Because it's a nice time of year, for it,in Fla., AZ, or S. Texas. :B

[BulldawgFan]

midnightsadie wrote:
TWO THINGS HAPPENING. one the way of the huge class A,s will slide backwards some,, why ,fuel ,cost, size. and #2 smaller class rv,s will pop up fuel effient engines, will become the norm in rv,s. fuel will not always be $2.bucks a gal . when this little spurt of cheap fuel is over . $5.bucks a gal will be the norm.the baby boomers are dying off.

Fuel prices down $0.80 from where they were last year this time. National average.

[Cloud_Dancer]

Winter camping is great,.....after you arrive at the proper lower latitude.

[Veebyes]

Must be the boater in me but I would pay for a smaller much better quality rig with much more water & battery capacity for dry camping. There is nothing wrong with dry camping in comfort.

I know, I am bucking the trend which still follows the American 'bigger is better' mantra. I don't want room enough to square dance in the middle of the 5er. I want a usable galley so that cooking is not a chore of moving stuff around to prepare a meal. I want at least 100gal freshwater tankage. I want commercial grade running gear under the trailer, not barely meets spec stuff. I want the 12V system on circuit breakers, not fuses.

Unfortunately most of what I want is unseen & it is not cheap. Most want the bling & they want it cheap. Then they complain about how cheaply made the unit is.

[tekman741]

I was listening to Ron White the comedian when he was doing a gig at Foxwoods in CT. He had a class A or something along that line and he took the dog out for a walk his wife ask what's the temp out he replied there isn't one(it was O*F) That was in late 90's 2000's. His rig must have been well insulated. Could not imagine doing that in a TT. i maybe closed minded but i bet the market for winter camping is very tiny in the North East.

[dewey02]

Given the great variety of responses, you can write your article and podcasts with whatever you want and some will agree and others will disagree.
Based on your comment about an increase in year round camping in the north east, and that newer RVs can handle winter so much better (both of which I disagree with), I personally would not put much credence in your article or podcast. But that is just me. Others may love it.

[noe-place]

The economy will be the ultimate determining factor whether or not rv sales continue to thrive. As long as gasoline/diesel stays remotely available folks will be on the roads. I see a niche for smaller rv's with improved mpg. becoming more popular. But even then it all comes down to $$$$$$$.

[free_radical]

livelylittlecampers wrote:
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? For example--I think we will see greater numbers of campgrounds in the Northeast begin to stay open year round. Today's RV's can handle winter camping--so I think campgrounds need to catch up.
Have at it guys and girls--would love to hear your opinions!
Best--Jeremy

Why the heck would anyone want to go camping in the winter?

Im sure there are few adventurous fanatics who like to get off the beaten path and go skiing hunting exploring the outback and the Northern woods etc,
Me..,I like to sit by the fireplace and take it easy..
Or go south,,to soak up the sun..

I see more rigs becoming hybrid electric in the future,also powered by hydrogen or methanol fuel cells so noisy gas generators won't be needed anymore..

[amandasgramma]

dahkota wrote:

midnightsadie wrote:
the baby boomers are dying off.

Baby boomers are between 50 and 70. I hope they aren't all dying off...

I agree.... I was thinking more along the line of RV parks providing in home nursing care for all of us baby boomers 🙂 🙂