Across Michiana and the country, folks have enjoyed the drop in gas prices over the last few weeks. It was more than four-dollars a gallon last summer, but gas is now around two-dollars.

It has some wondering if these falling prices will have an effect on the struggling RV industry. Those in the RV business say the price drop has been a big help, but it's too soon to tell what impact it'll have on the industry.

As you may know, local RV companies laid off hundreds of workers this summer. Karen and Charlie Van Acker both lost their jobs at Monaco Coach, after working a combined 24 years there. The couple appreciates the lower gas prices, but they don't think the cheaper prices will help the RV industry bounce back quickly.

NewsCenter 16 also talked to officials at Coachmen RV Group. The Middlebury company laid off about 280 people this summer. The company is happy about two-dollar gas and is optimistic that things will eventually turn around.

Right now, Coachmen is concentrating on creating lighter-weight, more fuel efficient vehicles. “It certainly warms your heart; I never thought we'd see two bucks a gallon. I thought three-dollars or high two-dollars. This is another glimmer of hope for the RV industry, reason for people to get out there and travel," says Bill Martin, Vice President of Marketing for Coachmen RV Group.

“I think it's going to take a long time before anything bounces back, people are not willing to spend money right now. They're scared to spend money, they want to hold onto it," explains Karen Van Acker.

Unfortunately, Karen and her husband Charlie aren't alone in searching for new jobs.

Meantime, Coachmen is hoping gas prices stay low and consumer confidence will pick up once again.