After several weeks of staying home to curb the spread of the new coronavirus this spring, many Americans are eagerly hitting the road for their summer vacations.
But travel looks different this year as the pandemic persists: Instead of getting on planes and staying at hotels, many are looking to the outdoors as a safe space to socially distance.
It’s a major reason why recreational vehicles (RVs) are flying off the lots, according to dealers and businesses like U-Haul that serve RV customers.
“We’re hearing from dealers that they had record sales in May and broke record sales in June,” says Monika Geraci, senior manager of marketing strategy and operations at the RV Industry Association.
Blake Perez, hitches and towing accessories brand manager at U-Haul, estimates the company is seeing a 150 percent increase in RV usage based on the performance of RV-related business lines like fifth wheel hitches, weight distribution kits and bracket kits.
Click here to read the full report from Ellen Kriz in LP Gas magazine.
U-Haul is also seeing more propane sales to RV customers, says John Barnett, propane program manager.
Since most RV appliances run on propane – whether it’s a propane-powered cooktop, furnace, grill, refrigerator, hot water heater or generator – higher RV sales inevitably lead to higher propane sales, he explains.
