Petra Blog

Profit from RV Accessories for Comfort and Convenience

Written by Kathy Anderson | Sep 3, 2014 5:00:00 AM

Profit from RV accessories that supply comfort, safety and convenience

Updated March 3, 2021: Approximately 11 million households in the US own an RV, according the RV Industry Association. The average age of owners may surprise you. They’re not retirees. They are 48 years old, married and have approximately $62,000 in household income.

RV camping is convenient, with the average RVer spending 3 to 4 weeks a year in their recreational vehicle. An RV also should be comfortable, so travelers don’t have to sacrifice the comforts of home while on the road. And with the right assortment of RV accessories, your RV customers can maintain their lifestyle and arrive at their destination safely.

RV accessory category #1: Entertainment devices

The living room is a central part of the RV just as much as in any home. At the end of a day’s drive, your customers can keep up with their favorite TV shows with satellite TV. Today’s antenna/receiver combos are simple to set up and signal acquisition is fast and reliable.

If catching local over-the-air channels is more appealing, there are OTA antennas designed specifically for RVs.

Of course, to watch TV, there needs to be a TV. So a space-saving RV-compatible TV is a must. And because space is so limited, a wall mount is needed as well.

Most flat-panel TVs lack sound quality. Installing a full surround sound system might not be practical in an RV. But a soundbar can go a long way to improving the audio experience.

Keeping in touch while on the road is important. RV signal boosters will increase data rates in weak signal areas. It also makes it easier to make and receive calls from those dreaded “dead spots” that can occur between populated locales.

RV accessory category #2: Small Electrics

Small kitchen appliances make an RV’s kitchen homier. Choosing the right-sized appliances will make food prep easier without causing too much of a storage and counter space headache.

Small spaces just seem to get messy more quickly. Small vacuum cleaners with their extension wands and tools make cleanup a whole lot easier than a traditional broom and dustpan!

Many spaces inside RVs convert to sleeping accommodations and maneuvering around at night while others are sleeping can cause stubbed toes and bumped heads. Home lighting and accessories are ideal for bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms.

RV accessory category #3. On-the-road safety and navigation devices

Though it can be a very homey home, an RV is also a quite large motor vehicle. While some drivers are adept at driving them, those without much experience may need a little extra help. Adding cameras will help reduce blind spots and make for a safer drive.

A dedicated RV GPS device can help navigate the journey and alert drivers to the best places to stop. Choosing one that is RV specific enables users to customize routings based on the actual size of their RV, find RV-friendly campgrounds, and more.

And for road warriors who spend long hours behind the wheel, some TLC for the back is greatly appreciated. Seat cushions specifically designed for 12-volt use can provide much-needed relief. And if an RV runs on 24-volt power, a stepdown converter provides 12 volts.

There’s no place like home…on the road

Though many of us think most RVers travel during the winter, research shows that April is the most popular month, followed by June, July, and September. This means there are many months when RVers are prepping their homes away from home for their annual vacations—and you have opportunities for sales.

To keep your store stocked with RV accessories, be sure to shop petra.com!