Detroit Camper & RV Show runs Oct. 5-9 in Novi

Typically, RV dealers offer end-of-season sale prices at the
Fall Detroit Camper & RV Show, which is Oct. 5-9 at the
Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.
RV dealers reporting higher-than-predicted sales

With the 22nd Annual Fall Detroit Camper & RV Show coming Oct. 5-9 to the Suburban Collection Showplace (formerly Rock Financial Showplace) in Novi, the latest sales statistics indicate that the recreation vehicle industry remains on the road to recovery.

Semi-annual sales reports show that the RV market continued to rise through the first half of 2011. The total wholesale shipments of 144,000 units reflected an increase of nearly six percent more than last year, with only 136,000 units shipped in the same time period.

RV shipments are now slightly ahead of the year-end projections by Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the Survey of Consumers at the University of Michigan, who predicted shipments would rise to 260,200 units in 2011, a 7.4 percent increase over last year of 242,300 units.

So why are more consumers choosing to purchase an RV? Ask any RVer and their answers will usually include such terms as affordability, convenience and just plain old family fun.

According to a study by PKF Consulting, RV vacations are more affordable than travel by personal car, commercial airline or cruise ship. Even when factoring in RV ownership costs, and considering tax benefits, a family of four can spend up to 61 percent less when traveling by RV.

RVs also offer people convenience and flexibility when traveling. RVers can go where they want, when they want — without the worry and stress of strict schedules, advance reservations, airport waits and luggage restrictions. RVers can also decide on a moment’s notice to pack up and move on to the next stop — or stay longer wherever they’re at — without restrictions or travel fees.

Besides traveling, camping and outdoor recreation, RVs can be used year-round for events such as tailgating at sporting events, weekend shopping trips, festivals, picnics or holiday gatherings. RVs also allow you the comforts of home—fully equipped kitchen and baths, comfortable beds, TV and stereo entertainment—while on the road or at the campground.

Of course, nothing brings a family closer together than camping and RVing. But if you haven’t been inside an RV lately, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how spacious and comfortable these campers on wheels have become. Such things as slideouts and flat screen televisions have truly maximized the interior space of today’s RVs, so even if a rainy day keeps you inside the camper there’s still plenty of room for everyone.

There’s no better place to explore the world of RVing than at an RV show. Fortunately, the 22nd Annual Fall Detroit Camper & RV Show will be held in Novi at the Suburban Collection Showplace (formerly Rock Financial Showplace), Oct. 5-9. The show is open weekdays 2-9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday 11 p.m.-6 p.m. Adult admission (ages 13 and up) is $8, senior admission is $7, and children 12 and under get in free!

A special $1 off coupon is available at www.marvac.org, southeast Michigan Tim Hortons Café and Bake Shops, Big Boy restaurants and in area newspapers. The “2011 RV & Campsite,” a guide to camping and RVing in Michigan, will be available free at the show. Your RV show ticket will also get you into the Fall Remodeling & Design Expo in an adjacent arena, Thursday through Sunday.

The show is sponsored by the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC), a member organization representing all aspects of the camping and RV industry. Call 517-349-8881 or visit www.marvac.org for more information.
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