There are approximately 9 million American households that own an RV—up 16 percent since 2001. Here are some additional facts and statistics:

  • The RV markets saw continued growth in 2014 with wholesale shipments finishing the year at 356,735 units, a gain of more than 11 percent over 2013, according to Recreational Vehicle Industry Association’s (RVIA) survey of RV manufacturers.
  • Michigan is the third top destination for RV shipments; receiving 4.65 percent of the new RV delivery market, behind Texas (8.6 percent) and California (6.3 percent).
  • A recent vacation cost comparison study showed that a family of four can save 27 to 62 percent on vacation costs by traveling in an RV, even after factoring in ownership costs and fuel.
  • For a family of four, gas would have to be more than $12 a gallon before vacationing loses its economic advantage, according to PKF Consulting, Inc.
  • According to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, there are over 1,300 licensed private recreation vehicle parks and campgrounds in Michigan, which represent more than 145,000 campsites.
  • Buyers aged 35-54 are the largest segment of RV owners, according to the 2011 University of Michigan study commissioned by RVIA.
  • A study by Michigan State University shows that 10 percent of all pleasure travelers in Michigan are campers.
  • The RV rental business remains impressive with more than one-third of RV rental dealers reporting increases 10-19 percent of rentals across the country, according to the RV Rental Association.
  • There are more than 12,000 RV-related businesses in the U.S. with combined annual revenues of more than $37.5 billion.
  • The RV industry currently employees an estimated 525,000 people in manufacturing, suppliers, dealers and service departments.