RVingAndMore.com

Seems like tough times are impacting everyone now and the RV industry is no exception to this trouble we are all facing. Many manufacturers have either closed the doors on their businesses or filed bankruptcy, which leaves many of us wondering what will happen next.

Several folks I have talked to lately about warranty problems are not sure what to do as many of the manufacturers have put any warranty issues on hold, not saying they will not honor the warranty in the future, but most have claimed that with the current economic crisis they can not do the work needed right now. Seems we all have been out in a holding pattern until something changes, and none of us know when that will be.

I have noted that people who used to travel across the country are opting to stay a bit closer to home than before. Several groups of Rvers who normally travel to California each year are cutting their trips short, opting to stay in Texas rather than continuing on as they have done in the past. This is understandable as many folks have taken a real beating in the stock market and it has put a major financial strain on many of us.

My wife and I are no exception to this as we have watched our portfolio fall in value drastically in the past few months, but we are able to stay busy with projects to keep a steady income rate that we are comfortable with. No one can say for sure what the future has in store, but we have no intentions of leaving the RV lifestyle anytime soon.

Contrary to what most people think who live in a stationary home, most people who live and travel in a RV are the most frugal people I know. We do not want for anything per say, but we simply have limitations on our spending for practical reasons. We do not buy much because whatever we purchase, we have to be able to store and take with us when we are on the move. Most people in this lifestyle do not have a lot of small trinkets and knick knacks laying around everywhere because we have to be able to travel and small things falling off of shelves do not work well when going down the road. From my point of view, people who live and travel in a RV are for the most part the most practical people I know of. Maybe the rest of the world could take note of how we live and streamline their spending habits a little.

I know many people who are giving up on the dream of traveling the country in a RV due to the current crisis. Some have put their rigs up for sale, others have decided to store their RVs until things get better, but why allow your dreams to be put on hold? Simply stay within your financial limitations and enjoy what you have. If you have kids and are looking for a great way to spend a week, take them camping. It is much cheaper than spending a week at an amusement park and family time together can make memories that you all will treasure. When was the last time you all sat around a campfire and looked at the stars on a clear night? No electronic games or videos, just talking to your kids and enjoying the evening can be one of the most rewarding times a parent can have. It doesn't take much money to do the simplest things together and you will talk about these adventures together for a very long time in the future.