RV SALES UP DESPITE HIKE IN GAS PRICES.

Byline: Keith Lair Staff Writer

The price of oil reached a record high of $54 a barrel on Tuesday. Gas prices in California averaged $2.34 a gallon for regular octane, second-highest in the nation. The national average was $1.97, up 40 cents from last year.

So, why is the recreational vehicle market booming?

With a fill-up of an RV easily costing more than $100 per stop, it seems driving an RV might be the furthest thought from those willing to hit America's favorite outdoor spots.

Yet, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that shipments of RVs are up 18.7 percent from last year and are on pace for record numbers.

``There are a lot of factors,'' Ken Sommer of the RVIA said. ``We're still seeing growth despite the fuel problems.''

The RVIA anticipates that 361,200 RVs will be shipped in 2004, eclipsing the previous one-year industry high of 321,000 in 1999.

According to a recent survey conducted by Robert Hitlin Research Association, 66 percent of those who have RVs cited a chance to commune in the outdoors for owning an RV. Fifty-seven percent said they could travel at their own pace and 51 percent said it creates more family time.

``(The market's) hot right now,'' Sommer said. ``We're on a roll.''

Melanie Ingles of the Giant RV dealership in Montclair said gas prices have had very little to do with impacting sales.

``I don't really think that is affecting people's decision,'' she said. ``Airlines have to raise their prices, too. Overall, it's not that much of a difference.''

The industry hopes to continue that roll at the 52nd annual California RV Show, which begins a 10-day run Friday at Fairplex Park in Pomona.

The show, the longest running of its kind in Southern California, is the only one hosted by the manufacturers. Motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, tent trailers, slide-in truck campers, folding tents, conversions and accessories will be shown at the show. There will be seminars and driving instructions from RV regulars and experts, and free drawings, with the grand prize a Jayco Qwest Baja Camping Trailer.

The sale of RVs suffered a slight drop just before Sept. 11, 2001, but gained 21 percent in 2002.

``There's no concern about going through security and having everything you have, including your shoes, X-rayed,'' Sommer said. ``You can bring all of the baby's things and all of the kids' toys. I think that is one reason why RVing is growing in popularity.''

Post-9/11 security concerns were originally cited by many in the industry for the quick upturn of sales in 2002.

``I think people want to see America more,'' Sommer said. ``They want the freedom and flexibility to travel when they want. They want to be in control.''

Ingles said: ``After 9/11, people just wanted to spend more time with their families on vacation.''

Camping now ranks as the nation's second-largest sporting activity with 51.4 million participants, according to the National Sporting Goods Association.

``It used to be that all we were getting were mostly retirees,'' Sommer said. ``But our biggest demographics now are baby boomers and the younger generation with families. I think the younger families love it because it is easy to take their children and make quick escapes. You don't have to worry about baby food and carrying all the toys.''

Baby boomers are the largest buyers of RVs.

``They're starting to have more disposable income,'' Ingles said.

She said companies such as Giant cater to three distinct markets: young campers, empty-nesters and those who want to haul toys, such as motorcycles and ATVs.

``I think RVs are easier than they used to be,'' Ingles said. ``Trailers are lighter, so they are easier to tow. It's easier to get to the outdoors.''

Keith Lair, [phone]

keith.lair(at)sgvn.com

IF YOU GO

What: California RV Show

Where: Gate 14, Fairplex Park

When: Friday through Oct. 24

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tickets: $6, $5 for seniors, children ages 12 and under free.

Discounts: Available on the Internet

Phone: [phone]

Web site: www.carvshow.com ``Outdoor sports enthusiasts love the freedom, control and convenience that RV travel offers,'' RVIA president David J. Humphrey said. ``RVs complement almost every outdoor adventure year-round, from skiing and hunting to mountain biking and snowmobiling, making these experiences even more hassle-free and fun for every family member.''

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IF YOU GO (see text)