The RV industry has enjoyed tremendous growth over the past several years as new technologies, new materials and new manufacturing techniques have made RVs more comfortable and affordable than ever. Besides, with the security concerns and hassles related to air travel these days, it's just less stressful to start your vacation when you leave the driveway. It's little wonder, then, that over the past few years RV sales have approached record levels. But with high gas prices grabbing their share of the headlines lately, some people have questioned how this might affect RVs.

As we all know, the retail price of regular unleaded gasoline has risen steadily over the past two years. According to Statistics Canada, in December 2002 the average price of regular unleaded gasoline across Canada was 62.9 cents per litre. By December 2003, the average price had risen to 71.9 cents, and it has continued to climb since.

Yet despite these steadily rising fuel costs, RV sales over that same time frame have also increased steadily. Recently released figures from the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, a large trade group representing U.S. RV manufacturers, confirm that shipments of fifth-wheels, for example, for the first quarter of 2004 were up more than 34 percent compared to the same period the previous year. Travel trailer shipments similarly increased by more than 14 percent, while motorhomes and park models are up by almost 26 percent and 16 percent respectively. Truck campers are up too.

The Energy Information Administration - the branch of the United States Department of Energy which analyzes everything to do with fuel demand and use - predicts that consumers will travel just as much, or even more, this summer than they did last year, despite the higher fuel prices. "People will still vacation," explains analyst Michael Morris. "Even with the higher cost of fuel, driving remains the least expensive way of doing so, especially for families."

This, of course, echoes what we have said for years. As fuel costs affect airplanes, trains and ships just as much as they affect motorists, RVs will remain the most economical way to vacation. And, as always, they allow you to slip away for three-day weekends and short trips whenever time permits. By being able to prepare your own meals in your own kitchen, you further reduce vacation costs and avoid possible issues with food allergies or food that just isn't as fresh as it should be.

In view of their numerous benefits, it's really no surprise that RV sales have continued to grow in the face of recent fuel price increases. In fact, one could argue that fuel price hikes make an even stronger case to own an RV. After all, can you even imagine what it costs to gas up a 747? (Top)