It’s nice not having to run a loud generator every morning to charge up the batteries, says John Stevens of Orlando Florida. “My wife and I really like the fact that we can plan longer trips without spending more money for propane or other utilities to keep our appliances running. It also allows us for being more eventurous and getting away from the crowds that are dependent electricity.
RV manufacturers are using lighter weight composite materials. New pressure sensitive, flexible fabric weighs just a few ounces, but holds up like steel. Dow Automotive contractor Mark Formentini says that helps cut down on fuel consumption. New lines of motorhomes are already using the technology. “It makes them as much as 2,000 pounds lighter,” said Ron Fenech, Keystone RV Co. president and CEO. It’s also helping them get upwards of 20 miles to the gallon. Some motorhomes now run on bio-diesel, and almost all are using lighter weight materials inside the cabin, on everything from cabinets to flooring. “If you take the weight out, you keep the price down,” said Bob Tiffin, president of Tiffin Motor Homes Inc.
In addition to helping the environment, it’s also attracting a new group of potential RV buyers, the younger generation. Generation X is attracted to green technology and many simply won’t buy an RV without some type of green technology or recycled materials being used.
“I think more and more companies are going, ‘GREEN, which is great! What can we do, holistically, to help the planet?’ But what can we do to help the RV community as well and cut back on some fuel costs?” RV expert Randy Eaton said. “The question now is how to pay for it. Many industries are trying to use green technology but it’s expensive. It’s difficult to swallow the costs of going green in this economy. But I do see it becoming more popular as the economy turns around”.
Questions like the ones below are covered in our RV Comparison Guides:
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Which manufacturers are rated best? |
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What are the top selling brands in each category? |
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Should I buy a new or used RV? |
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How do I determine the overall quality of construction? |
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What is the depreciation factor when buying new? |
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How do I know if I am getting a good deal? |
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Should I trade in my old RV or sell it? |
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How do I select the right RV dealer for me? |
