Exploring recreation vehicle travel in the wake of the pandemic: The RV lifestyle

The world of travel and leisure is experiencing a significant shift, with a surge in interest in RVing becoming more mainstream. This trend, often associated with the concept of #VanLife, has seen a nearly 98% increase in Class B motorhome (conversion van) sales, according to recent reports.

One company capitalising on this trend is Boho Camper Vans, based in Tempe, Arizona. In early 2020, they secured a deal on ABC's Shark Tank with a valuation of over $1.5 million. As of March 2021, Boho Camper Vans have a year-long waiting list for new builds and a full rental calendar on their growing fleet of rental vans.

The surge of interest in RV rental might be lifting the business of traditional RV rental companies like CruiseAmerica, rather than solely cutting into it. However, some entrepreneurs are buying up small fleets of RVs to rent out on Outdoorsy, an AirBnB-like platform for RV rentals, potentially posing a challenge to traditional rental companies.

Outdoorsy saw a nearly 4,500% increase in bookings during 2020, indicating a growing preference for RV travel. This trend is not limited to the United States; the RV Industry Association reports that RVs expand domestic travel opportunities and help maintain social distancing.

The cost of a camper van can range between $70,000 and $100,000. The average Ram ProMaster or Ford Transit vans can cost anywhere from $38,000 to over $50,000. For those who want to get in on the RVing trend but may not be able to afford the upfront cost, the trend democratizes RV life. Some people might be more inclined to buy an RV knowing they can make payments by renting it out, while others might have the opportunity to rent something they might not have been able to afford with a traditional rental service, thanks to platforms like Outdoorsy.

Interestingly, the trend of RVing for socially distanced vacations was previously associated with wealthy families and nomadic retirees. However, the current circumstances have made RVing a more accessible and appealing option for a wider demographic.

It's worth noting that most towns have an RV dealer, and they may be struggling to keep their vehicles on the lot due to increased demand. Despite this, as of the beginning of 2021, there were no clear public records or named companies or individuals who specifically adapted traditional mobile home rental businesses to align with the Outdoorsy platform rental trend. Existing traditional mobile home rental enterprises largely continued their operations without explicitly shifting to peer-to-peer rental models like Outdoorsy during that period.

International travel is expected to remain difficult for many people for the next several years, making domestic travel options more appealing. With the rise of the RV trend, it seems that the future of travel and leisure might just be hitting the road.

Exploring recreation vehicle travel in the wake of the pandemic: The RV lifestyle