According to the RV Industry Association, one in 12 households or approximately nine million U.S. households own an RV — and there are plenty of good reasons why so many people own a recreational vehicle.
If you’re considering investing in an RV, here are seven reasons why investing in a recreational vehicle might be a good move for your family.
1. Affordability
When you choose to RV, it’s like you have a mini home on wheels at your disposal. Depending on your RV’s size, you’ll have sleeping and lounging areas, a kitchen where you can store and cook food, as well as a shower and toilet — all the basic comforts of home for an affordable price.
Fees for staying in RV parks range from a modest $22 to $39 per night on average, depending on whether the park is public or private and its location, which is much less than staying in a motel or hotel. According to the RVIA, a family of four can save almost 60 percent by traveling in RV vs. other options.
2. Options
Whether you’re interested in a pop-up camper or a motorhome, you have plenty of options. There are tons of different brands, RV classes and sizes and floor plans. It all depends on how big your family is and what you would like to able to achieve with your RV.
If you’re worried about the expense of maintaining a drivable RV, don’t. For example, Good Sam motorhome coverage offers an affordable pay-as-you-go extended service plan. The plan will cover the cost of many of the major RV components in the event of a breakdown — even if you’re out on the road.
3. Opportunity for Family Bonding
The way most RV campgrounds work is that you have a campsite with a picnic table and often, the campsite will feature a fire ring where you can roast wienies or make s’mores. You and your family can spend time inside of your camper when you like or go outside.
When the weather permits, you can play board games, lawn games or sit around the campfire and enjoy one another’s company, which is a great opportunity for bonding. If the weather is not so great, you can move inside and watch a movie or play a game.
4. Opportunity to Destress
The ability to get away in your home-away-from-home without having to worry about lugging your bags into an impersonal hotel room where you sleep in an unfamiliar bed is one way to lower your stress levels.
Also, camping in an RV will likely put you in a setting in the middle of nature with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Different studies have shown that spending time in nature can lower blood pressure as well as stress hormone levels.
5. Opportunity to Enjoy the Outdoors on Your Terms
If you haven’t experienced camping in a state or national park, you’re missing out. Imagine being able to park your home-away-from-home right in the middle of nature’s playground. Each morning, and all day long, you’ll have opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, birdwatching, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and more right outside your front door.
Not only that, you’ll have the opportunity to sightsee around the area you’re staying while not worrying about the expensive cost of a nightly hotel room.
6. Opportunity to Make New Friends
If you’ve never stayed in an RV campground, you’re in for a treat — especially if you like to make new friends. Campsites are often close enough together that introducing yourself seems natural, unlike if you’re staying in a hotel. Imagine being able to go hiking or kayaking with your new friends or sharing an outdoor dinner.
Some campers even decide to return to the same spots year after year, which opens up the possibility to see your new friends and catch up on an annual basis.
7. You Can Bring Your Pets
Although some RV parks may have restrictions on pets, many welcome RVers who have pets along for the adventure. When making reservations, be sure to ask about the park’s pet policy so you won’t be caught unaware once you get there.
The best part is that you’ll be able to have your pet along with you during many of the activities the park offers. Note that most parks require your pet to be on a leash when outdoors, and you’ll need to pick up pet waste to keep the area clean for other campers.
