Save Money by Vacationing by Consign RV

People trying to take more vacations while saving money can accomplish these goals by traveling in a consign RV, one study reveals. This study sized up the money spent on vacations taken using a variety of means, and vacationing in a motorhome came out on top for most budget-friendly families, in spite of the lagging economy and unsteady cost of fuel.

According to this research, (which was done for Recreation Vehicle Industry Association by a travel consulting firm), vacationing via recreational vehicle results in a cheap vacation by anywhere from 23 to almost 60 percent, especially when compared with vacationing using other vehicles. This research was done using a baseline of a four-person family who owned their own recreational vehicle. The statistics were different for a couple, which could net a savings of just over 10 percent to nearly 50 percent.

Taking into account the money spent on fuel and ownership of the recreational vehicle, the research still revealed that taking trips in a motor home is a cost-saving strategy compared to traveling by plane or family vehicle, booking lodging like hotels or inns, and dining out. Many RVers discover they can save even more by purchasing a used consign RV.

As Richard Coon, the president of RVIA indicated, “The study puts numbers to what RV owners have known for years – if you want to save money on travel, go RVing. With the opportunity for frequent getaways to spend quality time outdoors with family and friends, RV ownership is a great value.”

The results of the research were based on families that included two children and two parents, and another for a single adult couple. The cost of vacationing by RV to nine different vacation spots was calculated. These destinations included locations in Missouri, Massachusetts, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, California, Michigan, and Wyoming.

Analyzed for the study were many different common recreational vehicle models, such as those that come with trailers for camping (both the folding trailers and the lightweight trailers), those that are compact in shape, and Types A and C. These theoretical trips were calculated at 3 days, one week, and two weeks in length, and the distances for each round trip were used. Potential increases in fuel expenditures were also factored in.

The president of the consulting firm doing the research indicated that RV vacations were more economical than the other vacations analyzed, regardless of trip duration, trip distance, or region of the country where the vacation took place. As the data indicated, while fuel costs were a component of the overall vacation costs, they were not significant enough to materially affect the outcome of their analysis.

The Class A RVs, which are the roomiest and most upscale of motor homes, were measured against expensive options using other kinds of vehicles and accommodations. Type A RVs were shown to cost less than these other options by nearly 50 percent.

For a four-person family, the price of fuel would have to be four times more expensive than current prices in order for recreational vehicle vacations to be as costly as other travel means. For two adults without children, fuel prices would have to be more than twice what they are now. The cost of fuel has an impact on all forms of travel, as seen with airlines, who tack on extra fees and charges whenever this cost goes up.

Motor home owners agree with these findings, due to their experience seeking the cheap vacation. This conclusion is in line with a survey done of motorhome owners, which revealed that the vast majority often saved at least 10 percent, but often more, when they traveled using their motorhome. A smaller percentage indicated that travel with an RV provides them with a cheap vacation and at least 25 percent savings.

Other benefits to traveling with a motorhome not related to cost were not measured.

As the president of the consulting firm remarked, “RVing allows families a unique travel experience that offers appeal for those seeking to foster an increased sense of togetherness, control, flexibility, and convenience to travel whenever and wherever desired. Typically the budgetary constraints of raising a family, coupled with the trend of taking shorter vacations close to home, match quite well with a desire to experience a cost-conscious vacation with few hassles. RV ownership provides an attractive choice for meeting all those requirements.”