RVs

When gas prices soar, RV sales often tumble; 2005 was no exception. Sales were down 3.5% in the first eight months of the year. But with many baby boomers reaching retirement — a prime time to buy an RV — manufacturers and dealers aren’t too worried. Growth rates are expected to increase in the long term, said Richard Curtin, director of consumer surveys for the University of Michigan. If you’re just getting started shopping, here are various types of RVs, their costs and how many people they hold:

Test drives

If you’re thinking of buying an RV, you might try renting one first to see how much you enjoy it. Rentals are available from many RV dealers, or from:

Cruise America, 2233 E. 223rd St., Carson, CA 90810; (800) 327-7799, www.cruiseamerica.com.

El Monte RV, 12818 Firestone Blvd., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670; (800) 367-3687 or (562) 404-9300, www.elmonte.com.v Altman’s Winnebago, 22020 Recreation Road, Carson, CA 90745; (800) 400-0787 or (310) 518-6182, www.altmans.com.vFor information about RVs, contact Go RVing, (888) 467-8464, vwww.gorving.comor the Recreation Vehicle Industry Assn., (703) 620-6003, www.rvia.org.v