RVBusiness, January/February 2021

J A N U A R Y F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 RVBusiness 51 didnt consider camping he said adding they had a customer in Michigan who sent us a picture of his Hike He knew nothing about the trailer He just on a whim went and had it hooked up to his Lexus SUV So it was a buyer we werent really anticipating Our traditional camper doesnt pull a trailer with a Lexus Theres more to these non traditional campers than their tow vehicle Eberlein and others pointed out Many Millennials and Gen Zers are using their trailer as a basecamp while they pursue their outdoor adventures such as skiing rock climbing kayaking and other sports and activities This is especially the case during the pandemic While skiing and other outdoor sports are encouraged as a way to get out but still stay socially distanced the facilities that support the ski areas like rental homes and resort lodging and dining are closed So the only way to go skiing in Vale is for them to take the RV When you think of adventure you want to take your bikes kayaks and youre going to be off grid generally says Andy Brock product manager for Coachmens Apex Tera My buddy Chris who has the Apex Tera likes it because he says he doesnt feel like he gives up anything like he would have if he had bought a trailer that didnt go up in the mountains The West and Midwest sections of the continent are as might be expected the hotspots for adventure trailers with other areas like the northeast gaining momentum in adventure trailer sales We have customers coming to us from all over the country Theyre primarily what we sell now said Tim Christenson owner of Tims RV in Erving Mass which sells the full inTech line and the Braxton Creek Bushwacker trailers among other towable segments Theres a demand for the adventure trailers and a limited supply Theyre traveling wherever they can find them if they want them now Tims RV has had customers from as far away as California and Chicago for his inTech trailers They come to New England buy the equipment and start their trip from there Christenson explained saying many of his campers are retail sold before they hit the ground Across the board the people with whom we spoke agreed that the best units are sold fully equipped and have features that elevate the off grid experience These features include garages and or exterior racks for toy storage solar charging inverter system and even water drafting and purification systems Many of the dealer sold units have very few if any options Jaycos Fisher added that the onset of 12 volt televisions refrigerators and other components has only added to the adventure trailers capabilities Thats whats really allowing the campers to go off grid he said Again were seeing a diverse demographic that is really leading this adventure trailer trend people who just like to get out of town While most adventure trailers are more diminutive in size for their class not all of them are RV builders are equipping trailers as long as 25 feet for off grid use While these cant technically get everywhere like so many RV designs they are a hybrid that provides comfort at the campsite while still allowing off grid conveniences in those places where they can be accommodated Of course appearance plays into the purchase decision especially with the new COVID campers noted Winnebagos Eberlein This customer has a little bit more flair for the aesthetics he said no doubt owing to the Instagram lifestyle many of these consumers aspire to Over the next several pages well show you some of the adventure trailers on the market for those who seek the path less traveled RVB KZ RV Escape TAXA Mantis Overland