Falling gas prices are just what local RV dealerships have been hoping for because it is fueling a big demand for RVs of all shapes and sizes.
In 2008, local dealerships struggled when gas was $3 and $4 per gallon. "A lot of people told us the RV business was dead," said Daryl Ballard, vice-president of Ballard's Camping Center in Hamburg. "We knew the industry wouldn't die and it would come back, and it came back stronger than we expected."
Things became so difficult during 2008 that Camping World closed its location on Camp Road Hamburg.
Now with gas being sold for $2/gallon, Camping World is back and thriving. "We are going to have to start hiring more mechanics now, more guys for prep, more guys to work the lot, and I need more sales people," explained Michael Hobson, general sales manager.
For Bob McKerrow & Sons from Sandusky, NY, the extra busy winter RV season has meant no layoff of workers - something that normally happens during winter months.
"We want it to last forever, if it is possible," said Dale McKerrow.
The WNY RV show is currently running at the Fairgrounds Event Center in Hamburg until the end of the month. Dealers tell 7 Eyewitness News that it was so crowded during the first weekend that they were amazed by the turnout.
"You couldn't even walk down the aisles, it was crazy busy," commented Steve Pace from Colton RV.
Reporter Ed Reilly spent the day talking to dealers and customers looking to buy an RV.
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