RV ownership was once popular mainly among retired generations. Once they had served their years in the workforce, they bought their RV, and set off to travel. Some used the opportunity to downsize by selling the “family home” and starting their retirement years as full-time RVers. But times have changed and now millennials are joining the RV community more than ever before.
What’s causing this shift?
There are actually several factors that are playing into the decision of both Millennials and Gen Zers leading them to purchase RVs. Here are five things leading them to the RV world.
1. RVing is a unique experience
Many millennials would rather have unique experiences and create memories instead of spending money on acquiring more “stuff”. That has made camper vans popular choices among the younger generations. Before starting a family and buying a house, they don’t mind having the small interior space because they’re about experiencing all that the area has to offer.
RVing creates prime opportunities for unique experiences. You can travel off the beaten path and connect more with the locals as opposed to hanging out in swanky hotels with other travelers. Many enjoy the boondocking experience where they can get away from the crowds and see nature at its finest.
2. There is income potential from renting out RVs
When the pandemic brought about strong demand for RVs, many millennials saw the potential that existed in RV ownership. They grew up right along with services like Uber, InstaCart, and Airbnb. Those that couldn’t find an RV or weren’t ready to buy an RV but wanted to use one for vacation, started looking to rent RVs.
This means owning an RV can transition to income potential. So, not only are Millennials and Gen Zers buying one RV, but they’re also making plans to buy more in the future. Side hustles are popular among the younger generations and they were quick to jump on the trend of RV rentals.
3. There is a shift in lifestyle goals
“Life” used to be about securing a steady job, buying a big house in a fancy neighborhood, and starting a family. Traveling and enjoying a more relaxing life was saved for retirement years. But the FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) movement has been a popular trend among Millennials and now Gen Zers.
The younger generations have realized they don’t need to wait to travel and enjoy the lifestyle they want until they retire. So, they’re choosing to make decisions that allow them to live the life they want now. Many are working as freelancers instead of locking down employment with a company that they’ll spend 30+ years working for. And this makes the digital nomad life an option.
Millennials and Gen Z are able to live and work from an RV while traveling the country. Student loan debt has stopped many from jumping into getting a mortgage as early and they’re starting a family at an older age than generations of the past. That means they have a great opportunity to enjoy full-time RVing for the time being.
And even when they do begin families, they don’t have to settle down. Working from home and road schooling provides a unique experience (remember these generations love those) to continue with the full-time RVing life.
4. Millennials love social settings
We saw this trend hit in business settings and personal settings. Office buildings began to transition from everyone wanting their own office to coworkers using shared spaces in open settings. Social media spread like wildfire through the younger generations that are always looking for the newest platform to dive into. And there are plenty of websites where you can find meet-up groups that make it easy for millennials to connect with those that have shared interest. The RV community is a great fit.
RVers tend to be a friendly community of people that share a love of travel and new opportunities. They help one another when needed and love to share tips and the best unknown destinations to visit. This allows Millennials and Gen Z to travel the country and connect with those that they have things in common while also exploring new areas of interest.
5. There is freedom with RVing
People had a lot of decisions made for them in 2020. They couldn’t go to work. Their travel plans were canceled. And most of the local attractions were shut down. People were trying to keep their distance from one another and this led to many people feeling cooped up in their own homes.
RVs were the perfect solution.
When you’re RVing, you have full control over your own space and for the most part, freedom to go where you want when you want. You don’t have to follow strict travel itineraries that come with flights, hotel reservations, and theme park attractions. You can pick up and go and find a great place to stop along the way.
RVing is for everyone!
While it’s always been true, over the last few years (especially last year), younger generations have begun to discover that RVing is for everyone. It’s not only for your retirement years.
By purchasing an RV now, you can experience years of adventure and memories that you may have missed out on by waiting until you retire to get started. If you’re ready to find the right RV for your needs as a Millennial or Gen Zer, Sky River RV is happy to help you get off on the right track. Contact us today!
