Recreational Vehicles Innovating for the Future
According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, about 10 percent of U.S. households own a recreational vehicle, with a steadily growing number of younger people buying their first RV. This shifting demographic has brought with it new preferences and unique needs that RV manufacturers and suppliers are responding to. The resulting trends meet a broader shift in consumer priorities toward a more flexible, comfortable, and environmentally responsible RV.
SUSTAINABILITY TRENDS ARE ON THE RISE
Sustainability has become a key focus in the RV industry, with manufacturers and consumers alike showing increased interest in green improvements to RVs offered on the market. Suppliers are meeting the consumer desire for more eco-friendly options and a minimized carbon footprint with options like solar panels, low-flow water systems, LED lighting and other customizations.
From the supply side, manufacturers are always exploring new materials that continue to decrease weight and environmental impact. There is one material already widely used in the manufacture of RVs that is renewable and captures carbon, and most don't realize it's there: wood.
WOOD ADDS HIDDEN SUSTAINABILITY AND PERFORMANCE INSIDE RVS
You don't see most of the wood used in RVs because it's encased on the inside. This hidden material is a renewable and sustainable material that is used in a variety of important ways when a RV is manufactured.
Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is often used in floors, slides, and roofs. Lumbercore veneer substrate is used for mouldings. International plywood is used for the interior of benches and bed platforms, as well as within the wall structure of the RV. Both laminated and solid wood may also be used for
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Frequently asked questions
What percentage of U.S. households own a recreational vehicle?+
According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, about 10 percent of U.S. households own a recreational vehicle, with a steadily growing number of younger people buying their first RV.
What sustainability features are RV suppliers adding to meet consumer demand?+
Suppliers are offering eco-friendly options such as solar panels, low-flow water systems, LED lighting, and other customizations to help minimize the carbon footprint of RVs.
Why is wood considered a sustainable material in RV manufacturing?+
Wood is renewable and captures carbon, making it a sustainable material. It is already widely used in RV manufacturing, though most consumers don't realize it because it is encased on the inside of the vehicle.
Where is Oriented Strand Board (OSB) used in recreational vehicles?+
OSB is often used in the floors, slides, and roofs of RVs.
What types of wood products are used inside RVs?+
RVs use Oriented Strand Board (OSB) in floors, slides, and roofs; lumbercore veneer substrate for mouldings; and international plywood for the interior of benches, bed platforms, and within wall structures. Both laminated and solid wood may also be used.
How are changing RV buyer demographics influencing industry trends?+
A growing number of younger first-time RV buyers has brought new preferences and unique needs, pushing manufacturers and suppliers toward products that are more flexible, comfortable, and environmentally responsible.