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Each December the Recreation
Vehicle Industry Association hosts an enormous trade show
in Louisville, Kentucky. It's not open to the public, but
if you work in any aspect of the RV industry, whether it's
as an RV manufacturer, a dealer, a parts supplier or as a
publisher of an RV magazine, attendance at this show is an
absolute must. Not only do you have the chance to literally
see it all under one roof, but you have a unique opportunity
to observe first-hand how things are going in the industry
overall.
By all accounts, things are going very well indeed as the
December 2003 show attracted the highest attendance ever -
a total of 13,371 people from all facets of the RV industry,
which is a seven percent increase over the previous year.
Exhibit space was also at an all-time high, as the latest
RVs and accessories filled more than 765,000 square feet of
floor space. Comments from show exhibitors and attendees were
universally positive. "This show was without a doubt the best
ever" ... "sales were great across the board from folding camping
trailers all the way up to high-end Class A motorhomes" ...
"our best year ever" ... it went on and on.
So what does this mean for you and me?
For starters, it confirms that RV manufacturers are selling
more new units than ever as more people discover the RV lifestyle
each year. The advantages of owning an RV are obvious. Whether
you have a young family and enjoy touring with a fold-down
camping trailer, or prefer the luxury of a fully-equipped
fifth wheel or motorhome, you can explore North America for
a fraction of the cost of a traditional trip with flights,
restaurant meals and hotel accommodation. Our tech editor,
Garth Cane, likes to point out he can do a two-month, 5,000
kilometer round trip RV vacation for the same amount most
couples spend on a two-week holiday. If you have a family
of four, the savings basically double.
Of course, when you travel by RV you escape the inevitable
delays, security checks and other inconveniences that go hand-in-hand
with flying anywhere these days. This is particularly important
to families traveling with children. And being able to eat
proper meals prepared in your own kitchen not only further
reduces the cost of a holiday, but it assures you will be
eating as well on the road as you do at home.
But beyond that, the buoyant atmosphere at the Louisville
trade show simply reaffirms that there has never been a better
time to buy an RV. Interest rates remain low, and the Canadian
dollar has gained strength. Purchasing power for Canadians
hasn't been this strong in two decades.
Over the next couple of months exhibit halls, arenas and convention
centers across Canada will host RV shows where everyone can
go see the latest stuff. Go see what they have to offer, and
bring a friend. These shows provide a great opportunity to
visit several local dealers in one day, and to see a broad
range of different types of RVs, including the one that's
just right for you. (Top)
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