This Week in RV News (July 28, 2023)

rv.com, RvLyfe

Each week there is far more news from the RV and travel industry than we have time to cover. To make up for that, every Friday, we offer a roundup of the most interesting and important stories that you may have missed over the past seven days. Here’s what you need to know:

Camping World Reaches 200-Store Milestone: Last week, we mentioned Camping World’s relentless march toward opening its 200th store as it hit 199 outlets through acquisitions and new openings. This week, the retail giant achieved that milestone at long last when the company announced it is adding Breeden RV Center in Van Buren, Arkansas, to the CW family. That location increases the retailer’s presence in that state while also achieving this major goal.
Solo Camping Grows in Popularity: A new report released late last week indicates that solo camping is growing in popularity. According to the annual Camping Report from The Dyrt, the number of people who went camping by themselves in 2022 increased by 28% compared to the previous year. On top of that, avid campers—defined as those who camp 11+ times a year—were over 36% more likely to strike out on their own. Read the full report here.
Cummins and Blue Bird Unveil Next-Generation Electric School Bus: As EVs continue to grow in popularity and become more common, Cummins and Blue Bird have announced a new addition to the electric vehicle market. This week, the two companies unveiled the Vision electric school bus with room for 72-77 passengers and a range of 130 miles on a single charge. What does this have to do with RVs? Let’s just say we can’t wait to see the first electric skoolie conversions. Find out more here.
RV Buyers are Getting Younger: According to the IDS 2023 RV Industry Trends Reports, new RVers are getting increasingly younger. The data shows that Baby Boomers make up 22% of new buyers, that 31% fall into the Gen X age category. But most interesting of all is that Millennials now make up more than 38% of buyers. That speaks well for the health and future of the industry in general.
Outside Shares Tips on How to be a Digital Nomad: For many RVers, living in their vehicle full-time is the ultimate dream. But making that happen while still maintaining a busy career can be a challenge. Recently, Outside magazine—in conjunction with Go RVing—shared some excellent tips on how to make that lifestyle a reality. Find out how you can make this happen here.
Space Campers Preps for Tesla Cybertruck: Tesla recently completed its first test run on a production Cybertruck, with the vehicle scheduled to begin rolling off the assembly line in 2024. In preparation, a company called Space Campers has introduced a pop-up camper that fits in the bed of the EV. If you’re planning on buying a Cybertruck or just want to check out this unique model, click here.