Survey reveals RV industry trends

The latest Campfire Canvass survey conducted by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association reveals that more people are buying RVs for the first-time, when compared to last year's sales.

The survey found that 16 percent of respondents purchased their first recreational vehicle this year, compared to 12 percent last year.

"For the past eight years, I kept telling myself, 'I'm going to buy a camper, I'm going to buy a camper,'" said survey participant Jason Houle. "Even though the economy was an issue, I asked myself, 'What am I waiting for?' So I bought a folding camping trailer in May. I got a killer deal."

The affordability of travelling in an RV was cited as a major benefit to the lifestyle. The survey found that 79 percent of RVers say they save between 15 percent and 75 percent travelling in an RV, compared to other vacations.

"We have six kids and we love to camp," said Houle. "The RV allows us to do it affordably. We can cook onboard and we have plenty of sleeping space for the whole family."

Despite the continuing economic problems, the survey found that RVers are still passionate about travelling. Those surveyed travelled an average of 26 days this spring and summer, and 34 percent of RV owners say they'll travel more this fall and winter than last year.