The cost of gas may be changing how RVers approach their summer month plans, according to a news story appearing in the Canadian Press. Reporter Colette Derworiz wrote the article that suggests some people are changing their travel plans, even though recreational vehicles still are one of the most affordable ways to travel as a couple or with a family once hotels, gasoline prices or airline costs are factored in.
As the unofficial kickoff to summer camping season begins this weekend (Memorial Day), analysts say summer demand in the coming weeks has the potential to send prices even higher. This could shorten the drive some RVers are planning. Instead of driving to a spot that is eight hours away, they may look for something that is only two. Or another option is to stay longer at one campsite, instead of driving to different locations.
Rob Minarchi, vice-president of sales at ArrKann Trailer & R.V. Centre with outlets across Alberta, Canada, was quoted in Derworiz’s article saying there has been a lot of demand for RVs since the start of the pandemic and it hasn’t slowed down.
Minarchi said he hasn’t heard about anyone getting rid of an RV due to high gas prices.
“What we’re seeing is a lot of people are just camping a little closer,” he said. “If they were going to do a five-hour trip, now they are going to do a one-hour trip … I think it actually ties in a little bit with COVID and staying close to home.
The price of fuel could add $100 or $200 to the cost of an average camping trip, he added.
However, according to the article, some campgrounds are starting to notice some cancellations, but gas prices are a minor factor in those instances.
