Author: RV Trader Staff

  • RV vs. Air Travel: Which is the Better Family Getaway in 2025?

    RV vs. Air Travel: Which is the Better Family Getaway in 2025?

    Family vacations are meant to be fun, not financially stressful. (Right?) So, in 2025, more travelers are asking the same question: Is it cheaper to RV, or fly and stay in a hotel? The RV vs. air travel debate is not entirely new, but numbers change year to year.

    So, which trip is the better value this year?

    Well, we crunched the numbers from trusted sources to compare a seven-day RV road trip with a traditional airplane-plus-hotel vacation for a family of four. The results in the RV vs. air travel contest? RVs are rolling ahead in the value department. 

    Let’s look at how it breaks down.

     

    RV Vacation: Freedom on Four Wheels

    A family RV adventure offers more than just scenic views — it delivers big savings too. Here’s a breakdown of the major costs.

    Expense Estimated Cost Notes
    RV Rental $1,400 – $2,100 Based on $200 – $300/day for Class B/C Rentals 
    Campground Fees $210 – $350 $30 – $50/night for private sites (Harvest Host)
    Fuel $300 – $600 Based on 10 mpg over 1,000 miles (GetRoadTrip)
    Groceries/Meals $300 – $500 Cooking from the RV saves on dining
    Attractions $200 – $400 Think national parks, museums, outdoor activities
    Insurance & Fees $150 – $300 Rental add-ons, cleaning, mileage caps
    Misc. Supplies $50 – $100 Linens, propane, kitchen items

    Total: $2,610 – $4,350

     

    Key Perks

    • Cook your own meals
    • Camp under the stars
    • Flexible itineraries and fewer crowds
    • Extra quality time en route

     

    Air + Hotel Vacation: Familiar but Costly

    Flying gets you there fast, but those speed perks come with a price. Here’s the seven-day estimate.

    Expense Estimated Cost Notes
    Airfare $1,200 – $2,000 $300 – $500 per person (Bankrate)
    Hotel $1,400 – $2,100 ~$200 – $300/night for suite or two rooms (Budget Your Trip)
    Rental Car/Transport $300 – $600 Average daily rate ~$86 (Zubie)
    Meals Out $700 – $1,000 ~$25–$35/person/day (Pacaso)
    Attractions $300 – $600 Parks, tours, museums
    Luggage/Resort Fees $100 – $200 Hidden charges add up

    Total: $4,000 – $6,500

     

    Watch for:

    • Baggage fees
    • Resort surcharges
    • Lack of kitchen = $$$ on food
    • Time loss at airports and security

     

    The Verdict: RVing Saves Big

    Trip Style Total Cost Why It Works
    RV Trip $2,610 – $4,350 Lower cost, more flexibility, scenic detours
    Air + Hotel $4,000 – $6,500 Convenience, city-based entertainment

    A family RV vacation can cost 30–40% less than a traditional trip while offering more outdoor adventure, bonding time, and budget control. If you love the idea of waking up next to a lake, roasting marshmallows under the stars, and skipping TSA lines — RVing might just be the upgrade your next vacation needs.

  • RV Pricing Trends from 2024 – Will the Shift Continue in 2025?

    RV Pricing Trends from 2024 – Will the Shift Continue in 2025?

    Looking back at 2024, RV buyers showed clear preferences when it came to pricing. Lower-cost models surged in popularity, high-end RVs held steady, and mid-range models struggled. This pricing trend left a noticeable gap in the market, raising the question: Will this shift away from the mid-range continue in 2025, or will changing economic conditions push the industry in a new direction?

    For sellers and buyers alike, understanding these trends can provide key insights into what to expect in the months ahead. Here’s what the data from 2024 reveals and what it could mean moving forward.

    High-End RVs Held Their Ground

    While lower-priced RVs saw the most growth, high-end models around $100,000 saw a modest 5.30% increase in sales.

    The big question for 2025 is whether changes in consumer confidence will slow this trend, or if advancements in RV equipment and design will drive even more growth in the luxury segment. With manufacturers continuing to introduce high-tech, amenity-packed models, and financing options evolving, high-end buyers may be even more willing to invest in premium RVs. If the market remains favorable for wealthier consumers, we could see the luxury category continue to expand while mid-range demand remains uncertain.

    The Mid-Range Market Struggled

    While entry-level and high-end models performed well in 2024, mid-priced RVs faced a downturn, with the following price ranges seeing a decline from 2023:

    • $30,001–$35,000: down 22.19%
    • $40,001–$45,000: down 15.90%
    • $50,001–$55,000: down 16.75%
    • $55,001–$60,000: down 21.28%

    This trend suggests that many mid-range buyers either opted for lower-priced models to save money or stretched their budgets for a high-end purchase. Financing challenges may have also played a role, as rising interest rates made mid-priced models less attractive compared to budget-friendly or uncompromising luxury options.

    Going into 2025, this segment may face continued pressure unless economic conditions shift. If financing rates ease or manufacturers introduce new models with enhanced value at these price points, we could see a rebound in demand.

    Will 2025 Bring a Shift?

    While 2024 clearly favored RVs at either end of the price spectrum, the question remains: Will 2025 continue this trend, or will mid-range sales make a comeback?

    A few factors could influence this:

    • Interest rates and financing options: If financing becomes more accessible, more buyers could re-enter the mid-range market.
    • Inflation and fuel costs: Economic factors may continue pushing buyers toward affordable options.
    • RV lifestyle trends: The demand for compact and lightweight travel may keep budget-friendly models in high demand.

    As the market adjusts, sellers should stay informed and be ready to adapt. Whether demand stays steady or shifts in a new direction, now remains a strong time to sell before more inventory enters the market.

    Thinking of Selling? Now’s the Time

    If you own an RV in a high-demand price range, listing sooner rather than later could help you secure a sale while demand remains strong. Even for mid-range RVs, the right pricing and listing strategy can make all the difference in attracting buyers.

  • Celebrating World Kids Coloring Day on the Open Road!

    Celebrating World Kids Coloring Day on the Open Road!

    Keep the kids in the lines while you stay in your lane. Print and play with our World Kids Coloring Day RV sheet!

     

    Hey there, young artists and explorers! It’s time to hit the road and embark on a colorful journey through the vast landscapes of imagination. Like a toddler with a Crayola heading for a clean wall, World Kids Coloring Day is fast approaching. To mark its celebration on May 6 (on paper, not the wall), we’re revving up for an RV-themed adventure!

    Just like navigating the open roads, there’s something truly enchanting about the simple pleasure of coloring. So, grab your favorite coloring supplies and let your imagination roam free — but, you know, hopefully within the lines.

    And remember, sharing is caring! Whether you proudly display your masterpieces on the fridge or share them with friends and family online, let your artwork shine as brightly as a campfire under the stars. Let’s paint the world with joy, one stroke of color at a time!

    So buckle up, adventurers, and get ready to roam with RV Trader as we celebrate World Kids Coloring Day on the open road. Here’s to fair skies, smooth trails, and happy coloring to all!