Who are RVers?

They are your neighbors, there are a lot of them, and they are probably a lot younger than you thought they were.

The quote below is from a Recreation Vehicle Industry Association study done in 2001, so the figures are no doubt much higher by now.

"U.S. ownership of RVs has reached record levels, according to a 2001 University of Michigan study commissioned by Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.

Nearly one in 12 U.S. vehicle-owning households now owns an RV. That's nearly 7 million households, a 7.8-percent gain during 1998-2001, and a 38-percent gain during 1980-2001.

Todays typical RV owner is 49 years old, married, and has an annual household income of $56,000. That's higher than the median for all households, according to the study.

RV owners are likely to own their homes and spend their disposable income on traveling an average of 4,500 miles and 28-35 days annually.

More RVs are now owned by baby boomers than any other group, and this is also the fastest growing segment of the RV market.

Nearly 10 percent of those 55 and over own an RV, slightly exceeding the 8.9 percent ownership rate of 35-to-54 year olds.

Approximately 7.2 million RVs are on the nation's roads, according to the Michigan study.

RVIA estimates nationwide there are as many as 30 million RV enthusiasts, including RV renters.