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RV sales boom as Iowans desire "safe" vacation option

Owners of RV dealerships in Central Iowa say more families are purchasing campers and RVs to have a vacation where they're more in control of their surroundings.

BOONE, Iowa — The pandemic has made us rethink a lot of things, such as what we do for fun or ways to keep ourselves entertained. It's also making us rethink the cleanliness of our surroundings.

Chris Moffitt says that's perhaps one reason more families are snatching up RVs from his dealership in Boone.

"I'm sure it's on their mind," said Moffitt, who owns Moffitt's RV. "You know, unless you let someone else in [your RV], everything is you. It's just your germs."

He says typically, he'll get a lot of older, retired couples this time of year looking to buy RVs. Now, the demographics are getting younger.

"There's more younger people that we've seen with younger families," he said. "Definitely a bigger market this year."

It's not just a his dealership in Boone. 

Our ABC affiliates report from Milwaukee to New Jersey, RV sales are booming. 

Families are looking for a retreat from cooped up, COVID life.

That includes Luke Gruber, who Local Five caught up with at KOA Holiday in Adel last week.

"Being outside, being with nature, we enjoy getting away," said Gruber, who owns an RV. "It's better than sitting at home."

RELATED: Iowa campgrounds could be headed toward Memorial Day weekend struggle

It's a vacation alternative that may make people feel safer than staying in a hotel.

Justin Roberts, the marketing director for Ketelsen RV in De Soto and Hiawatha, said there's been a rush to purchase once Governor Reynolds opened up campgrounds.

"Now it's really getting crazy with folks wanting to get out of their house, but yet not risk going to a hotel or something they couldn't control,' said Roberts. "Whereas in an RV, you've got your own bathroom, your own kitchen, your own sleeping arrangements. You kind of control your own destiny."

But now, Ketelsen RV and Moffitt's RV are both facing supply chain issues. 

Moffit says he's got half his usual inventory and there's not a lot in the pipeline. Each RV relies on multiple parts from different companies that may have slowed or even stopped production.

"The refrigerators are made by a company, the stoves are made by a company, the cabinets are made by a company, everything is made by a certain number of suppliers," said Moffitt. "If any of them had a hiccup, there might not be enough of these cup holders to put in every one of them. I mean who knows."

Moffitt said for now, he's just thankful that new inventory is his biggest concern.

"We're fortunate to not have near the impact that a lot of people have had," Moffitt said. 

RELATED: 'We must prioritize both': Citing lives, livelihoods of Iowans, Gov. Reynolds allows more businesses to reopen Thursday

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