The joys of RV life: recreational vehicles open up new horizons - Statistical Data Included

Whether planning an ambitious journey along the Alaska Highway or a getaway to the nearest lake resort, more travelers are discovering the flexibility, convenience, security, and even luxury of seeing the U.S.A. in their RV--a vacation lodge on wheels. Senior citizens with time to roam in their motorhome and busy families using a foldout camper on weekend breaks are becoming an increasingly visible part of the scenery on America's roadways.

If it seems that you noticed more recreational vehicles than ever on your last visit to a national park or theme park, it's because one in 12 U.S. vehicle-owning households now owns an RV, according to a recent University of Michigan study. That's nearly seven million households, an increase of 7.8 percent over the past four years. Aging baby boomers are driving the gain.

Moderate gas prices and low interest rates are fueling RV sales, and in the post-September 11 climate, many Americans are seeking greater control of their trips. The trend toward domestic destinations also pumps up the RV market.

David Humphreys, president of Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), says, "Consumers are choosing RV travel not only because of fears of flying and desires to avoid airport hassles. More importantly, they want to slow down and enjoy time with their families, take charge of their own travel schedules, and experience .the freedom of traveling the country and escaping stress in the great outdoors."

Indicators of the boom in RV travel include increased orders for 2002 models, a 30-40 percent surge in RV rentals, and increased attendance at RV shows around the country.

Many folks who have never pitched a tent like the idea of traveling in the comfort of an RV and staying at campgrounds. Some RV resorts are almost fancy. In Mesa and Gold Canyon, Arizona, Cal-Am Properties' four resorts (for those 55 and older) offer amenities ranging from swimming pools and 18hole miniature golf courses to state-of-the-art fitness and computer centers. Weekly social calendars list more than 100 activities, from dinner dances to sports tournaments.

Motorhome interiors also can be quite upscale. Many of these "rolling condos" feature color-coordinated draperies, upholstering, and carpeting, along with kitchen appliances like ranges, microwaves, and refrigerators. A deluxe "home away from home" will have a living/dining area, bathroom with shower, queen bed, television, and plenty of closet and cupboard space. Some units even have storage beneath the floor.

As with new automobiles, RVs are increasingly energy-efficient. Every part of the RV from engine to door handles has been "put on a diet" so that the final product is lean. Tubular framework is in use; fiberglass has replaced wood; aluminum has replaced steel; water heaters, air conditioners, and furnaces are lighter. Lower, sleeker front-end designs to overcome wind drag reflect the new emphasis on aerodynamic styling.

Sunline's Solaris Lite travel trailers measure 20 to 25 feet and can be towed by SUVs and some minivans. (The full-size Solaris model measures 26 to 30 feet.) Sunline, based in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country of Lancaster County, touts the stylish and sporty Advancer Lite as its "luxury lightweight" towable unit, which comes with upgraded conveniences such as double-door refrigerators, oak counters and tabletops, and four-speaker stereo system with CD player. The floorplans in many Sunline vehicles can be adapted to accommodate those with special needs.

Also popular with first-time RV buyers are mini-motorhomes like the Chinook Concourse, which has undergone many design modifications since its debut in 1971 as the first one-piece fiberglass motorhome. Easy to handle and loaded with amenities, the Concourse is dubbed the "Sports Car of Motorhomes." In fact, the 21-foot Class C motorhome set the world speed record for motorhomes in 1998, reaching 99.776 m.p.h, in an event sanctioned by the Southern California Racing Association. In 2000, Chinook, a division of Trail Wagons Inc. of Yakima, Washington, introduced its roomy, 24-foot Destiny.

Although the initial financial outlay for a recreational vehicle definitely puts it in the "major purchase" category, there is real economy in traveling in an RV. In a cost comparison study by PKF Consulting, RV camping vacations were found to cost up to 42 percent less than driving the family car, staying in hotels, and eating in restaurants.

Nearly half of all RV owners finance the purchase of their vehicle with monthly payments tailored by the dealer, local bank, or other lender. Loans for both new and used large RVs extend up to 15 to 18 years. The average down payment is 9 percent. For most RV buyers, the interest on their loan is tax-deductible as second home mortgage interest.

Depending on the type of RV you choose, the cost can be less than a compact car or more than a three-bedroom house. Towables, designed to be towed by a car, van, or pickup truck, are less expensive than motorized units.