By Christine Graf
More and more Americans are taking to the roads in RVs, with upwards of 45 million people vacationing in RVs this summer. More than 11 million households own recreational vehicles, and approximately 1 million Americans live in their vehicles full time.
According to industry statistics, RV sales are strongest among the 55-64 age group, this demographic representing 20 percent of all sales. Millennials (ages 18-34) come in second, accounting for 15 percent of purchases. Tied for third at 13 percent are the 65-plus age group and the 35-44 age bracket.
“Age 50-plus is the sweetest spot for us for sure,” said Andy Heck, president of Alpin Haus. “But 35 to 50 is also doing well. Things do tail off at 65-plus.”
Established by Heck’s father, Bud Heck, and his friend John Daly, Alpin Haus opened its first store in Amsterdam in 1964. Today, the family-owned business has 275 employees spread across six locations. Stores offering RVs are located in Amsterdam, Saratoga, Orange County, and Oak Ridge, New Jersey.
“We started as a ski shop and then got into selling RVS. Then, we added swimming pools and in the late 90s, we started adding locations,” said Heck.
Alpin Haus entered the RV business in 1967, initially selling pop-up trailers. As the industry evolved, they expanded their offerings, adding luxury vehicles to their large inventory.
“The RV lifestyle has changed over the years, and we’ve been part of that growth,” said Heck, noting that “roughing it” is a thing of the past. “Whether it’s an entry-level travel trailer or a large motor home, they are all so nice.”
In recent years, RVs have become more technologically advanced. Many are now equipped with LED and smart climate control technology, solar panels, and integrated entertainment systems. Manufacturers also offer a wide range of interior design choices, ones that feature innovative space-saving solutions and slide outs.
“Slide outs give you a lot more living space, and they became big during the 2000s,” said Heck. “Now, it’s tough to find RVs without slide outs.’
When it comes to bathrooms, he said the sky’s the limit.
“Some of these RVs have nicer bathrooms than people have in their house. They are pretty impressive,” Heck said.
At Alpin Haus, RV prices start at $14,900, topping off at around $500,000. The company’s biggest sellers are travel trailers in the $25,000-35,000 price range. Entry-level motor homes are also popular, the vehicles priced at $79,000 and up. Financing is available for all models, and RVs can be rented at the company’s Amsterdam location.
Alpin Haus offers a large variety of makes and models, the majority of which are manufactured by Thor, Winnebago, and Forest River, the three major players in the RV industry. Heck estimates that those three manufacturers make up 90 percent of the industry.
During COVID, he said his company sold every RV they had on the lot.
“The whole industry saw a huge uptick, and everything we had sold. The factories were shut down for a period of time, so we were struggling with supply. It was slim pickings, and it took a couple of years to get back to normalcy in terms of supply,” he noted.
At the same time that supply chain issues were resolved, sales began to drop, in part because of inflation and rising interest rates.
“Things are tougher right now,” said Heck. “The RV industry has been in a recession for the past two years.”
Although sales of new RVs are lackluster, Heck reports that the used RV market is extremely strong, demand far exceeding supply.
“There’s not enough used inventory, and everything we get we sell,” he said.
Heck remains bullish on the industry, expecting sales to return to normal in 2025, bolstered by government-funded infrastructure upgrades, ones intended to improve access to national parks, forests, and public lands.
“We’re also seeing a lot of multi-generational camping, and because of Instagram and Facebook, more and more people are wanting to visit National Parks,” he said. “People want to get outside and explore.”