Rising gas prices excite Frank Barocela. When they go up, his sales follow.
Barocela is president of XRV Sales in Vancouver. He sells and services lightweight camping vehicles, which get better gas mileage, are lower-priced and are easier on the environment than typical recreational vehicles. He owns the business with his wife and office manager, Donna Barocela, and sales manager Dan Hyland.
Since occupying the lot at 13701 N.E. Fourth Plain Road a year ago, the Barocelas’ focus has been on recreational vehicles that weigh less than 1,500 pounds and cost less than $15,000. At other lots, lightweights are often a side project, weighing as much as 4,000 pounds and priced higher. XRV’s owners saw profits soon after acquiring the lightweights in May.
Lightweight trailers have been around for more than 20 years. But it’s new to focus on them in sales lots.
XRV’s top sellers come from Aliner, and the lot is its lone dealer in Washington. He also sells trailers from about 10 other lines.
XRV customers are typically young families and retirees owning mid-sized vehicles like Subarus or Honda CRVs.
“They have one thing in common – they don’t have a lot of money to spend on camping,” Barocela said.
Many buyers on the XRV lot are upgrading from tents or downsizing from motor homes to save money.
Barocela estimates an average RV owner camps four days a month and pays about $50,000 for a trailer or camper and its tow vehicle.
“Why are you driving a gas guzzler 26 days of the month just to camp a few days a month?” he asked.
Barocela’s truck and full camper average six miles per gallon. Towing an Aliner with a minivan, his gas mileage improves 300 percent. Likewise, his Jeep Liberty gets 23 miles per gallon, and only loses two miles per gallon with an Aliner.
Along with increased gas consumption, a larger RV can have higher insurance and storage costs. A lightweight trailer averages 6.5 by 15 feet and fits in most garages.
Lighter trailers are also less likely to leave ruts in forest floors. XRV’s lightest weigh about 500 pounds and could be towed “even if you had an old Geo Metro,” according to Barocela.
Since March, the company also has been selling larger used recreational vehicles. XRV retailed more than $100,000 in trailers during its best month. Eighty percent of the company’s inventory was purchased through a business loan, not outright, and Barocela aims to keep a varied inventory year-round.
The three owners employ four permanent staff and work with several vendors and contractors. The business is on a month-to-month lease and the owners are looking for a long-term location.
