AH, HOME, HOME ON THE ROAD EVEN WITH HIGH GAS PRICES, AMERICANS LOVE THEIR RVS.

Byline: Mike Rappaport Staff Writer

POMONA - The United States is at war, the threat of terrorism has loomed for a year and a half, and gas prices are at all-time highs.

So why so much interest in an expensive second home on wheels?

``Since Sept. 11 (2001), the RV industry has been on the upswing,'' said Robbin Gould, editor of Family Motor Coaching Magazine. ``A lot of people have expressed interest in RVing, and sales are up.''

For many people, a recreational vehicle is the second-biggest purchase they'll ever make. Popular models have price tags in six figures, and some of the more luxurious ones top seven. Clearly the economy is in the doldrums, but buyers are still flocking to dealers.

More than 2,600 family RVers and as many as a thousand exhibitors are gathering today and this weekend at Fairplex Park for the first of two 2003 conventions by the Family Motor Coach Association. With exhibits operating from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each of the three days, it won't be difficult for visitors to find out everything they ever wanted to know about RVs.

``This is a very big show,'' Gould said. ``It's the fourth time we have been to Fairplex - we come, on the average, every three years - and we keep coming back because it's such a wonderful facility.''

Gould said the boom in the RV business since 9-11 was due to a number of reasons, with reluctance to fly and getting back to family basics among the most prominent.

``Even with gas prices high, it's still economical for people to travel this way,'' she said. ``You have no hotel bills and no air fares, plus you can pack up and go whenever you want.''

Gould figures RVs could become an even more attractive alternative for Americans who now might be afraid to fly internationally because of the U.S. war with Iraq.

``RVs offer a great way to get away but still feel like you're home,'' she said. ``You really get the best of both worlds.''

Ken Brown of Ventura is a full-time RVer who left his home five years ago and has been on the road ever since. He said he travels about 20,000 miles a year, with his main goal being avoiding the cold and snow.

``People ask me what my favorite place is,'' he said. ``I don't really have one, but the Finger Lakes region of New York is high on my list. When I'm in the Midwest, I tell folks how fond I am of California and they gag.''

Brown says he can't do anything about gas prices.

``It's a choice I don't have,'' he said. ``Like living in a house. If the utilities go up, you still turn on the lights.''

Roger Gilley of Hacienda Heights is a wholesaler of appliances, from refrigerators and air conditioning units to electric awnings.

``With all that's going on, it's surprising how good business is,'' Gilley said. ``I've been doing this for 30 years, and the appliances are getting better and better, more and more like home appliances.''

Susanne Groff-Yarosh of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., owns two RVs that she uses or rents out, and sells policies for Twin Peaks Insurance as well.

``Business is really excellent,'' she said. ``RV sales are very good - both renting and buying - because people just don't want to fly. The gas prices make 'em think, but they haven't gotten so high they're not buying.''

Tony Tosolini of San Marcos agrees. He's with Beaudry RV, and says business is outstanding in the $70,000 to $200,000 range.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Family Motor Coach Association convention

WHERE: Los Angeles County fairgrounds, Pomona

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Sunday

COST: $25

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

RVers and exhibitors will gather this weekend at Fairplex Park in Pomona to show - and see - what's new in RVs.

Thomas R. Cordova/Staff Photographer

Box:

IF YOU GO (see text)