RV Podcast

Our RV Internet solution and how high fuel prices will affect RV Travel in 2022

03.09.2022 - By Mike WendlandPlay

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In Episode 386 we tackle two big issues for RVers: How high fuel prices will affect RV Travel in 2022 and the RV Internet solution Jennifer and I rely on for on-the-road connectivity.

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How high fuel prices will affect RV Travel in 2022

Up until the last few weeks, no one saw any dark clouds on the RV horizon.

The unprecedented growth in sales, new campers, camping reservations, and RV travel seemed unstoppable.

But then came the massive increase in fuel prices.

And now it seems that it is ever high fuel prices that are unstoppable, with no one seeing an end in the upward spiral.

No matter what you want to blame it on - politics, international events - the pain at the pumps is very real and is already taking a toll.

We have been in six states the past week. The cheapest I bought 89 octane gasoline was $4.31 a gallon. The highest $4.87. Diesel prices have ranged from $4.68 to $5.05.

(CLICK HERE to see our favorite apps for finding cheap fuel)

After Jennifer and I shared this Sunday night on our "Ask Us Anything" weekly live stream on YouTube and Facebook, we heard from many who said they were reluctantly making plans to curtail their RV travels. Some canceled long trips. One person said he canceled an order he and his wife had for a new RV that was supposed to be delivered this fall. A few said they were taking a wait-and-see attitude.

My prediction is that if the nationwide average hits $6 for gas, $7 for diesel, the 2022 travel season will be upended. The effects will be felt instantly and industry-wide. Campgrounds will lose bookings, dealers will lose orders, new sales will suffer greatly.

Here's some feedback we have received on how high fuel prices will affect RV Travel in 2022

Lilli: We had pretty much had all our summer figured out till all this fuel problem hit. My wife and I are on a fixed income and well I do not regret getting our camper but it seems like again this year we will not get to use it. We canceled all our reservations except the ones in state and are saddened about what is happening. I'm 74 years old and well I don't know what lies ahead. It is scary for me to think that I will never be able to travel like we once did.

Pat: There is no question! Higher Gas Prices will severely HURT the RV Industry/Marine Industry/ as well as the overall Economy! We will be canceling our reservation at a Pleasureway Rally we were planning on attending this summer.

Thomas: With fuel costs around here for diesel at about $5.50/gal and gasoline at over $4.00/gal, doesn’t look like we will be going anywhere soon in the Wonder. I betcha this will have a profound effect on the RV Lifestyle. For the larger rigs, class A pushers, and large 5th wheels, fuel costs are approaching $1.00/mile if this keeps up. Kinda like the last fuel crisis—the bottom falls out of the RV industry.

Jerry: Been looking at Class B's for a long while. I found one and I'm scheduled to pick it up this coming Monday.

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