Recreational Vehicles Show Greener Side by Kevin Keppel (5thWheelPlace.com)
The best part about owning a recreational vehicle is that it allows you to get close to the wonders of nature. Over the years, RVs and their owners have been building an environmentally friendly image as well.
Go RVing maintains “being green is very important to RV travelers.” The Go RVing Coalition was formed in 1994 and consists of RV manufacturers, com ponent suppliers, dealers and campgrounds.
“A recent survey showed that more than two-thirds of RVers minimize water use on trips, almost half recycle more on RV vacations than on other types and nearly half turn off home utilities before they hit the road. In addition, 94 percent of all RVers travel with two to seven people, meaning the vehicles get more people miles per gallon,” Go RVing reports.
About 80 percent of RVs sold in the United States are actually non-motorized and 30 percent of RV owners have a diesel tow vehicle or motor home, promoting greater fuel efficiency, Go RVing adds.
To compare environmental impacts from vacation methods, a study was done by PKF Consulting, an internationally recognized consulting firm with expertise in travel and tourism. The study, prepared for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association of Reston, Va., found RV vacations are overall more environmentally friendly than fly/drive/hotel vacations.
The study compared total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions or carbon footprints. PKF Consulting found that families of four taking RV vacations generate less CO2 than families traveling on a plane, renting a car and staying in a hotel.
“RV vacations are not only fun, affordable and comfortable for families,” RVIA President Richard Coon said, “this study shows that they’re also more green than vacations including flying.”
Go RVing has categorized the environmental shift by consumers in the RV industry by highlighting new trends and technologies being used to create a substantial market of products with green innovations. These include:
Lighter. New materials and eco-friendly space-age composites. There’s a trailer that can be towed by a Mini Cooper — the trailer weighs just 500 pounds.
Smaller. Manufacturers are starting to produce more small units. Owners still find all the required on-board amenities, such as gourmet kitchens, full bathrooms, home entertainment centers and walls that slide out to increase living space.
Hybrids. Chassis manufacturers have developed diesel/electric hybrid engines, boasting improved mpg of 40 percent over comparably sized gas motor homes.
Aerodynamics. Wind resistance can be a major drag on fuel economy. Manufacturers are making sleeker front ends to address this issue.
Re-thinking. From the wheels up, manufacturers are re-thinking how to design and produce an RV. By changing to a non-traditional chassis, a fully loaded, 30-foot motor home gets 15 mpg while still having all the comforts of home.
RVers. It’s not just RV manufacturers that are going green, but RVers as well. Right now, almost 20 percent of RVers use solar panels to power some of their on-board systems.
Eco-Friendly Components. RV manufacturers are making more use of green textiles, power-saving LED light fixtures and eco-friendly sealants and components.
5th Wheel Place, in Everett, Wash., offers a wide range of recreational vehicles, 5th wheels, travel trailers and a full line of new, used and rental towable RVs. Its website is at www.5thwheelplace.com.
Article Source: Recreational Vehicles Show Greener Side
