Big turnout at Tampa RV show encourages RV industry

Attendance at the recent Florida RV Super Show in Tampa surpassed 50,000 for the first time ever according to the Wall Street Journal.

Lance Wilson, executive director of the Florida RV Trade Association said attendance over the five-day show increased 12% on year and customers were ready to buy RVs, even with the tightening of their financial belts. Dave Kelly, Florida RV Trade Association marketing director, added that pent-up demand over the last couple years has finally cut loose, and Wilson said lending has loosened from last year.

"I think the trend probably was one of a very positive attitude from the consumers," Wilson told the WSJ. "They weren't complaining about gas prices or the economy in general and mostly had a positive attitude and were interested and invested in the RV business." He said the purchase of motorized vehicles, including the heavier and more expensive vehicles, was up significantly from last year.