As baby boomers retire, the RV industry has seen an increase in sales. For many people, nothing compares to the independence and flexibility of enjoying the open road in a recreational vehicle (RV). There is certainly a lot to be said about taking your hotel with you wherever you go, and the hotel cost savings can more than pay for the upfront cost of an RV.
RV travelers realize the cost savings of these types of trips. There are no hotel rooms to reserve and dining in your RV can save you a huge amount of money compared to eating at restaurants every day. Having a fifth wheel or travel trailer, while you can unhitch your RV from your truck, saves you from having to reserve a rental car. For those in RVs, many travelers will tow a vehicle behind them.
When considering the purchase of a recreational vehicle, you will be faced with three options; a fifth wheel that is pulled by a pickup and connects to a wheel inside the truck bed (hence its name fifth wheel), a travel trailer that is usually pulled by a truck with a rear hitch or a motor home. All three types of RVs have their pros and cons, and each point will need to be considered based on your needs and budget. Another consideration for the RV lifestyle is the price of gasoline. However, it is still cheaper than staying in hotels and eating in restaurants every night.
Traveling in a recreational vehicle or motor home is often a good option for those who want to travel to different locations; however, it may be less suitable for those who visit the same place year after year. Travelers who visit the same place every year may find it cheaper to buy a vacation home. Buying a vacation home and renting it out when not in use can be a great way to save money on accommodation and build capital for the future.
Many RV travelers come to love the freedom of the open road and the easy-care lifestyle. Traveling cross country and stopping at various parks along the way is a wonderful adventure. The traveler can choose to stay a day or as long as he wants in a particular place.
A well-known fact in the RV community is free camping at Walmart. In most states, you are allowed to camp in a Walmart parking lot for as long as you like. I’m sure you’ve seen RVs lined up in the Walmart parking lot on at least one occasion. This is a win-win situation for the traveler and Walmart. The traveler has a well-lit place to camp for the night, at no cost, and Walmart receives income from the RV owners who frequent the store. However, there has recently been an uprising among camp owners against Walmart’s free camp policy. Therefore, we recommend that you check with your local chamber of commerce before deciding to stay a week at Walmart.