Gag's Camper Way, Inc.
55151 210th Lane
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 345-5858
(800) 714-7895

RVing and Camping Vacations Are Better For The Environment

A new study which compares total carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) demonstrates that RV vacations are more environmentally friendly than vacations involving flying, driving and hotel stays.

The study, conducted by PKF Consulting, a third party independent research firm based in Alexandria, Va., specializing in travel and tourism, revealed that a family of four taking an RV vacation will generate fewer CO2 emissions than a family traveling by plane, renting a car and staying in a hotel, according to a news release. The study was conducted for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA).

The methodology of the study was as follows: PKF analyzed the CO2 emissions of vacations varying in length from three, seven, 10 and 14 days to destinations such as Orlando, Fla.; New Orleans, La.; and Napa, Calif. The RV vacations which were studied included car/ folding camping trailers, SUV/travel trailers, Class C motorhomes, and Class A motorhomes (using diesel).

PKF then utilized a carbon calculator methodology developed by Conservation International, an organization promoting biodiversity conservation. Their findings revealed that in all cases, RV vacations had less of an environmental impact than the more traditional vacations involving flying, renting a car and staying at a hotel.

For example, a family of four taking a 10-day trip from Minneapolis, Minn., to Branson, Mo., that flies, drives and stays in a hotel creates 1.81 more tons of carbon emisisons than a family using a car and pulling a folding camping trailer, 1.35 more tons than an SUV/travel trailer trip, 0.92 more tons than a Class C motorhome trip and 1.26 more tons than a vacation by Class A diesel motorhome.

"RV vacations are not only fun, affordable and comfortable for families," said RVIA President Richard Coon, "this study shows that they're also more 'green' than vacations including flying."