Media Resources

The RV Industry Association is the information and analysis leader for the RV industry. To interview or connect with industry leaders and experts, please contact our Public Relations team at news@rvia.org or 571-665-5852.

What is an RV and who are the owners?

• An RV is a vehicle that combines transportation and temporary living quarters for travel, recreation, and camping. The two main categories of RVs are motorhomes (motorized) and towables (towed behind the family car, van or pickup). RVs are not housing.
• 8.1 million U.S. households own an RV.  The profile of these RV owners is undergoing a transformation, with a notable increase in younger and more diverse owners. The median age of RV owners has declined from 53 in 2021 to 49 in 2025, with 46% of owners now falling within the 35-54 age range. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in first-time owners, who now comprise 36% of all RV owners.
• Growth audiences make up 30% of current RV owners, representing Hispanic-Americans, African Americans, Asian-Americans, and LGBTQ+.
• The median number of days an RV is used per year has increased to 30, a 50% increase over the 20 days of usage from the 2021 study. This suggests a deepening engagement with the RV lifestyle and a greater appreciation for the experiences it offers.
• The top three motivators for purchasing an RV include simply unwinding and relaxing (58%), spending time in nature (57%), and visiting locations with natural beauty (53%). Interestingly, 43% of RVers also cite the ability to bring pets as a crucial factor in their decision.
• Younger buyers are increasingly attracted to RV ownership as a means to accommodate remote work and alternative lifestyles. 22% of RVers have indicated that someone in their home currently works remotely and among those working remotely, 54% indicate that work has been done from an RV.

Factors behind RV ownership trends

• Flexibility, comfort and convenience — RVs offer a convenient, hassle-free way to see America. With fully-equipped kitchens and baths, rooms that slide out at the touch of a button, central air and heat, flat-screen TVs, surround-sound stereos and more, today’s RVs provide travelers with all the amenities of home while on the road or at the campground. Innovative new products offer an optimal mix of size and amenities, including lightweight trailers, fuel-efficient motorhomes and the use of green technologies such as solar panels and energy-efficient components.
• Affordability — RV vacations are more affordable than travel by personal car, commercial airline, or cruise ship.
• RVs have uses as diverse as the people who own them - In addition to vacation travel, owners use RVs for tailgating, travel with pets, business, outdoor sports and other leisure activities, and families that frequently vacation by RV say it creates an increased sense of togetherness and helps strengthen family relationships.
• Lifestyle trends — RV owners overwhelmingly said in recent surveys that their RVs make it easier to take more frequent weekend getaways or mini-vacations that accommodate busy family schedules. RVers can enjoy the mountains, beaches, parks, popular tourist attractions and small towns whenever they want, without giving up the comforts of home. With sport utility RVs, RV travelers can easily bring their ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles or other outdoor vehicles. In addition to travel, camping and outdoor recreation, RVs are used year-round for a variety of other purposes, like music festivals, events and tailgating at sporting events.
• Campground Growth — With more than 20,000 public and privately owned campgrounds nationwide, RVers are free to roam America’s roads for a weekend — or months at a time. Privately owned RV parks and campgrounds are found near popular destinations, along major tourist routes and even in metropolitan areas. The RV Industry Association is currently working with government agencies to modernize publicly-owned campgrounds to accommodate today’s RVs.

RV shipments and sales data

• RV Wholesale Shipments — RV shipments finished 2024 333,733 shipments.
• Economic Impact — The RVs Move America Economic Impact Study shows the RV industry has an annual economic impact of $140 Billion, supporting nearly 680,000 jobs, and paying more than $48 billion in wages. This is a 23% increase in economic output in the past three years. In addition to the economic impact, the RV industry pay $13.6 billion in federal, state, and local taxes.
  • The $140 billion total annual RV industry economic impact includes:
    • $73.7 billion generated by RV manufacturers and suppliers
    • $35.7 billion by RV campgrounds and related travel
    • $30.5 billion by RV sales and service activities

How can I learn more about RVs?

• RV Types One Sheet — Check out this one pager on RV types, terms, and average prices.
• Reports & Trends — Check out our data and GoRVing.com for information on RV travel trends, vehicles types, events and lists of RV dealers and campgrounds across the country.
• Visit a Brand or RV dealer website — Find an RV on Go RVing.
• Visit an RV dealer — Check out Go RVing to find a local dealer.
• Attend an RV show — A variety of RVs of all shapes, sizes and costs are displayed at hundreds of RV shows around the nation.  Show dates and locations are searchable at Go RVing.
• Rent an RV — There’s an abundance of RV rental and sharing options nationwide. Renting and sharing allows potential buyers to try RV travel and determine which vehicle types best suits their needs. Check Go RVing for the nearest rental outlet.