The recent boom in RVing popularity sparked numerous reports on consumer demographics throughout the industry, with many finding a shift toward younger buyers a consistent trend.
Recognizing these changes, Equal-i-zer Hitch released a new “Know Before You Tow” checklist and expressed excitement in welcoming new and younger RVers to the lifestyle.
“I grew up creating memories in a tent trailer with my siblings and parents and have been grateful to create these same memories with our own children in our travel trailer,” said Lori Gilson, a multi-generational RVer and Equal-i-zer marketing manager. “There is nothing like being together around a campfire and sharing a smaller space at night with your family. I am thrilled to see the demographics changing in the RV industry. This means many more families will be able to experience the joy and togetherness that RVing creates.”
While RVing has historically been populated by an older, retired generation, reports show that millennials are becoming the top buyers of RVs (RV Travel). According to IDS 2023 RV Industry Trends Reports, the current breakdown of RV buyers is as follows:
- Baby Boomers – 22%
- Gen X – 31%
- Millennials – 38%
- Other generations – 9%
Equal-i-zer said IDS shows the median age for RV buyers is 33 years old, which is a 13-year age drop since 2010. A major reason for this shifting demographic is the pandemic, which limited travel throughout the world, causing Americans to find new ways to vacation. Between January 2020 and 2021, 31% of RV survey respondents claimed they were first-time RVers, all between 31 to 54 years old (Condor).
New technology and online advertising are additional reasons millennials are showing interest in RVing, the company said. With the boom of social media, many campsites, National Parks, RVers and dealerships are promoting this nomad lifestyle, highlighting a new, adventurous way of living to a younger generation.
Along with the age change, camper diversity and gender demographics are also evolving. The 2022 North American Camping Report showed that 54% of new campers identified as non-white, with a 158% increase of camping in Black communities. There has also been a rise in female RV buyers according to a RV Trader’s report. Between the years of 2021 and 2023, female RV buyers have increased by 10.6% (USA Today).
Jason Harper, product engineering manager, encouraged new trailer owners to follow safe towing tips, and use a correctly adjusted weight distribution hitch with sway control.
“Getting used to towing a new trailer can take some time and practice. We’ve created a “Know Before You Tow” checklist that trailer owners can follow to ensure their Equal-i-zer hitch is set up correctly and optimized for the safest tow,” said Harper. “If trailer owners follow these steps, they will have a safer, more comfortable ride, and ensure they are enjoying the best protection for their journey.”
With so many demographic changes in the RV industry, it shows that RVing is not only being recognized as a fun and enjoyable vacation option, but is also becoming more accessible to people throughout the United States, the company said.
