Motorhome owners plan to keep their vehicles in their driveways this summer because of the price of gas.
Posted at 12:17 p.m.
But for Jeff Redmond of Balzac, Alta., the motorhome remains one of the least expensive means of travel, if you calculate the amount saved on hotel and plane tickets. However, escalating gas prices led him to forgo his planned trip to the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.
“I like going to the Okanagan Valley, but it’s a seven-hour drive. So I’d rather go to Pigeon Lake or Gull Lake [en Alberta] 30 minutes from here. The good news is that I will be traveling again. I was able to change my plans to stay within my budget. »
Various experts are predicting that strong summer demand could push gasoline prices to new highs.
Mr. Redmond, who is also the owner of a motorhome dealership, says several of his customers have told him that they will not travel by motorhome during the summer season or, if they do, they will not not stray too far from their homes.
Customers have purchased a larger motorhome or travel trailer so they can stay all summer at a campground, on a relative’s farm or near a friend’s cottage.
“We install the trailer on a permanent site, says Mr. Redmond. And we travel by car. There you go, you get a very affordable little cottage. It is a very efficient solution. »
According to Rob Minarchi. vice-president of sales at another Edmonton dealership, demand for motor homes has been strong since the pandemic began. She hasn’t slowed down this year.
“As crazy as it may seem, many buy higher-end vehicles,” he says. Some sell because of circumstances, but many trade in for a new vehicle. We met several new clients before the arrival of the pandemic. They didn’t know what they wanted exactly. »
Mr. Minarchi says he has not seen a desire among his customers to get rid of their vehicle because of the high price of gasoline.
“What I observe is that people are going to camp closer to home. Before, they traveled for five hours. They cut it down to an hour. I think it’s more because of COVID-19. Some have discovered many hidden local gems, so they don’t mind not straying too far. »
New behaviors
Campground owners say they have noticed behavioral changes.
“A few people canceled their reservations,” acknowledges Scott Kast, owner of the Tomahawk R.V., in Lake of the Woods, Ont.
He too refuses to believe that the price of gas is the main factor pushing people to cancel.
“I normally host several Americans. The compulsory vaccine is one of the things that prevents them from coming. »
Bobby Carpino, of Salmon Valley Campground, British Columbia, told CKPG station in Prince George that several of his clients from remote areas had canceled their reservations.
“A lot of people want to travel locally. We’ve had cancellations from Americans coming from Alaska or people coming from the Lower Mainland. »
The price of gas can add $100 to $200 to the bill for a camping trip, Minarchi acknowledges.
“It seems like a lot when you’re at the gas station, but it’s still affordable. One less restaurant meal makes up the difference. »