RVs better than holiday homes: survey

Travelling around in a caravan is perceived as being easier on the wallet, not to mention more sociable and less restrictive, than owning a holiday home, a new online survey commissioned by Jayco has revealed.

Of the 1005 Australians who responded to questions on RV holidays and travel habits,  56 per cent indicated they would rather rough it on the road in a campervan, caravan or motorhome than purchase a holiday home.

Sixty two per cent said buying a caravan was a much more cost-efficient option than buying a holiday house, while just under 50 per cent would prefer an RV holiday because they can get out and meet new people on the road.

Penny pinching trended throughout the survey, with 63 per cent of the respondents stating that the cost of hotel accommodation deters them from going on holidays, and 64 per cent said they would go on more holidays if they owned a caravan.

The survey also revealed that even though they’re cost conscious, Aussies are still spending on travel with more than 60 per cent forking out between $1000 and $2500 per person when they go on holiday.

Jayco, which claims a 46 per cent share of the RV market, says the survey results echo the steady increase in RV sales since 2009.

“Sales in 2011 increased by 14 per cent. The young couple market in particular has continued to grow as more and more of us want to experience the relaxation and affordability that comes with an RV holiday,” said Jayco’s marketing director, Andrew Ryan.

He said that RV holidays were becoming a more cost effective option for people wanting to get out and see more of Australia.

“Purchasing an RV allows you the freedom to get out and go where you want, when you want, compared to a traditional hotel holiday,” Ryan said.

“The maintenance costs compared to owning a holiday house are also substantially less, making owning an RV a more achievable dream for many Australians.

“Modern day RVs are comfortable to live in, with all the proper amenities including running water, a fridge, microwave and depending on the model you have, a shower and toilet.”