I know that we have definitely put buying another class A on hold. We will keep ours and will still drive it to Florida in the winter and to the local beaches and mountains in the summer.
I don't think we will be doing any big trips unless fuel does come down in price. If we didn't have out lot in Florida and just wanted to travel, I would look at a class B.
Ive already cut back on trips. Right now 800 miles cost 500.00 and thats just fuel. Im not looking at any new MH. I hope fuel goes down to even 4,00 a gallon. If youre on a fixed income it hurts. For now Im keeping my rig and wait and see. Chuck.
Donna and Chuck
2004 Dutchstar Model 4009 tripple slide
Spartan chasis and 370 ISL Cummins
2003 Saturn L-300 (toad)
1998 Hi-Line Park Model trailor up in Maine
2 chihuahua one female (chi-chi) one male (Alabama)
Even if fuel does settle down, the damage is done. It has scared new buyers who will not want to get caught up in it when it happens again. I don't know if they know what is going to happen. Time will tell and the strong will survive which is there main concern right now. There is no quick fix for this industry.
Don Don:
I believe you hit the nail on the head! The damage is done, and the few people that do not care about the price of fuel will not be enough in numbers for our existing RV lifestyle to ever be the same again. It's going to be interesting (and scary) to see how this effects all of the other RV related companies like RV parks, RV part sales (Campers World comes to mind), RV resorts and the RV industry as a whole. My wife and I love traveling and camping, but this is our last class A, not because we can't afford it (as many other RVers out there) but because spending the declining dollar wisely seems to be a very important factor for all of us to think about. Just my 2 cents!
2006 Discovery 39L DP
Toad-2006 Jeep Liberty
M&G Braking System
Blue OX Tow Bar
Well, it certainly says something that most that have responded to this thread will not be buying another class A. After all, this is the class A forum. We are the ones that would most likely be buying. If we are not buying, then almost certainly there will be issues.
If WE do not camp in RV parks, shop at Camping World, and buy new RV's, then these companies will almost certainly go out of business.
As for me, I bought a new class A six weeks ago, sold my class C in one day, still spend money at CW, and have not changed my travel plans for this summer. I'm doing my part!
Good luck.
Jim and Deanna
Tiffin Allegro 35QBA 2007 Carson Trailer 22' Titan TH Trailer Toad
Me, Wife, Boy/10, Boy/7, Girl/5
Faith/Springer
1985 Toyota 4Runner
five quads, three kids, two motorcycles, one wife, one dog, one cat!
In my opinion, I feel the coaches that sell for $400K and less will decline in sales.
The higher-end coaches will continue to sell since the people that can afford these most likely aren't concerned with fuel cost.
It is also these coaches that are used for the race-teams, musicians and business and the need by these types of users will continue.
Steve
2007 Springdale 291RKL
2003 F150 King Ranch
2001 Dodge Van w/Wheelchair Ramp
1991 Palomino Mustang PUP
Eureka Timberline Tent
Yamaha IF2400isc
Yamaha EF3000iSEBC "Politically Incorrect And Proud Of It"
Yes, new Class A sales will suffer short-term, just as Cadillac and Corvette sales suffered in the mid-'70's. The makers will either "adjust" via smaller and more efficient A's, or call it quits; law of the jungle: "Only The Strong Survive..."
Look for two things - a resurgence of 20'-25' Class A coaches, this time with clever interior designs (foldout bunks, dinettes, etc.) and wind-cheating (relatively-speaking!) shapes, powered by state-of-the-art powertrains; look for a BUNCH of older coaches being repowered by more fuel efficient powertrains. I see a cottage industry waiting in the wings...
Personally speaking, my '92 Aero Cruiser is EXACTLY the "right" size for me and my needs, both now and in the foreseeable future; I just can't GO any smaller than 23', nor am I willing to invest $100K+ in a newer coach. I AM willing to spend $20-30K+ on a new engine/transmission/differential when my current components give up the ghost for 50-100% better fuel mileage; I suspect I'm not alone...
Those of us already in the RV world will figure out a way to stay in. those that are casually thinking probably have been scared off. I know I'm going to buy a new coach - 15 years from now. But that isn't because of fuel, it's because I bought the one to fit our needs till then already.
Fuel cost is an emotional issue and so is RVing. Despite the real math under the covers (Depreciation being more $$ than fuel for most of us) Fuel is an easily seen expense and it sucks. So those that are not wholly committed might stop. The rest of us "crazy" people will keep enjoying and find a way.
Weak management structures who extended their company too far will fail. Strong companies who have been through this before and understand who their customer is will survive. Maybe not like how they look today but then look at a 70's Winnie and one today. They don't look the same either
2008 Itasca Sunova 35J Class A
1997 TJ Sahara, hard and soft tops and AC
Held together via Roadmaster Falcon 2 tow bar and stopped by US Gear Unified Brake system.
The damage is done, and there is more to come. The cost of petro fuels will keep going up, and more MH manufacturers will have to shut down due to lack of sales. Only the wealthy will be able to buy/operate a new large motorcoach, therefore only a few of the manufacturers will survive.
The working class will RV in small lightweight trailers which can be pulled by 25 mpg vehicles.
There will be many surprising changes in the lifestyles of the majority of the citizens.
I just hope that I'm totally wrong.
Willie & Betty Sue
Miko & Sparky
2003 41 ft Dutch Star Diesel Pusher/Spartan
Floorplan 4010
Blazer toad & Ranger bassboat
I think every thing will be back to normal before long. If the dumb bunnies in congress get off their butts and quit playing politics fuel will be back to normal. If they don't people will get use to it and everything will equalize and in a few years that will be the new normal, people will talk about how they use to buy fuel for $4 a gallon like we talk about 30 cents a gallon.
I believe the oil bubble will burst and the price of fuel will get back down to a more affordable level. I think a couple of things will bring this about - 1) the dollar will begin to rise in value and 2) when the stock market gets low enough for the Wall Street oil speculators to see a decent profit in again buying stocks their money will leave the commodities market and oil will fall.
RVing will survive this. Even with that, many people will never see RVing in the same light as they have in the past and the industry as a whole will suffer but not die. If you are going to travel and see this great country, the RV is still the most affordable and pleasurable way to do it -- IF you have the RV and can OWN it. The quality manufacturers that can adjust to the lower sales volume and increased production cost will survive. When you factor in all the costs associated with owning and operating the motorhome, the actual INCREASE in fuel cost is actually a very small hit.
Things will never get back to what they were, the industry will shrink and adjust but the industry will survive.
2003 Newmar DSDP 4005 dual slide king bed Spartan 350 Cummins 2004 Jeep Liberty 4X4 tow, SeaEagle boat in basement
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