RV Trade Digest

As gas prices go down, the RV business is going up. It's one bright spot in an industry that's suffered as much as any other in this economy.

Glen Takahara is buying an RV in San Jose, California "I basically want to hit the road and see the United States."

Kevin Smith is going to rent one for two weeks.

"It's convenient to rent because you don't have to pay for storage and you don't have to pay for upkeep."

Together, these men represent something RV dealers haven't seen much of in the past year: customers.

Rick Curts owns an RV business in California. "One plus for us this year are the gas prices, they're considerably lower than they were this time last year. I think people feel more comfortable getting into an RV."

The rental market is up 5 % over last year and leading the RV bounceback.

At family RV in San Jose the travel trailers were all booked for the 4th of July holiday weekend.
Curts says you don't have to go through an airport, you don't have to rent a car, you don't have to get a motel room.
An RV industry group says sales are starting to pick up with a 24 % increase forecast for 2010 due to improving economic conditions.

10 Connects and CBS News

RV Trade Digest Monday July 13, 2009