RVing takes off as pandemic sparks renewed interest in camping

As thepandemic wears on, motor homes and trailersarerolling off the lot quicker than they did before.In fact, atone dealership in Tecumseh, it's common forRVs to be spoken foreven before they arrive on site.

"People are buying trailers sight unseen becausethey like the floor plan, the model, they're putting deposits on them.As soon as the RV comes, 'I'll take it,it's sold,'" said Edward Raymond, one of theowners ofLeisure Trailer Sales.

"So we have probably about a dozen units pre-sold that have yet to be built, and as soon as they come in, they'll buy them. They'll take them."

RVing has greatly grown in popularity, according to Raymond.

"Since COVID, people aren't jumping on boats, planes and trains as much right now, and RVing is a good solution for social distancing, vacationing and trying something different they never thought of before," he said.

For him, the interest hastranslated into unprecedented annual sales up 45 per cent this year.

He's not the only one seeing a boost.According to the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association,wholesale shipment figures have broken recordsfor the last four quarters.

The piqued interest in RVing comes asnational and provincial parks are seeing a surge in visitors. Ontario's provincial parks saw a record year, and that's expected to continue this year, a spokesperson previously told CBC News.

AtWindsor Campground, a private campsite in Maidstone,owner Ron Laliberty said he's considering extending the season and staying openfor an extra month this year, until Nov. 15,depending on demand and the weather.

There's been a "steady, steady, steady stream of people coming in," he said.

One camper at the site on Wednesday was among those who made a trailerpurchase this year.

"We had a pop-up camper and that's way too much work," explainedBarb Garber. "And we were also thinking, we weren't sure if you could go camping without having an on-board washroom, so we got this camper. This is our very first time having this kind of a camper."

As RVs see a surge in demand, Raymondsaid there's a backlog on production, increased prices, and challenges in obtaining parts for those already maintaining recreational vehicles.

People ordering RVs are now waiting at least 12 weeks twice as long as before, he said. For those who can't wait, he said buying off the lot is your best bet.