RV dealers have been singing the blues for a long time. High interest rates were killing them—having to pay “flooring” for unsold units. Customers were a seeming threatened species. Finally, a break. Statistical Surveys Inc., the industry bean-counter that tracks retail RV sales, says that for the first time in more than a year, more new RVs were sold in a month than in the same month a year ago. RV sales are up—kind of, sort of.
RV sales are up—at least for a month
There were 27,114 retail registrations in October 2024, a 2.6% increase compared to the 26,403 total in October 2023. Of course, things aren’t going to completely change overnight. Year to date, 318,193 new rigs have sold, based on retail registrations in 2024. That’s an 8% decrease versus the 345,988 total for the same period in 2023—to offset some of the sweet news.
In the towable arena
Travel trailers, which have been the bright light for dealers for months, continued in the same vein. 17,028 units sold in October 2024, compared to 16,208 units in October 2023. That marks a 5.1% year-over-year increase. Market share leaders for travel trailers? Forest River Inc. (41.3%), THOR Industries Inc. (36.4%), Grand Design RV Co. (7.4%).
Despite the upward pull by travel trailers, fifth wheels continued to drag tail. 4,585 new sales, compared to 4,782 in October 2023, a 4.1% downer. For those that did sell, market share leaders were THOR Industries (39.3%), Forest River (25.6%), Grand Design RV (16.0%).
Pop-ups continued to be marketplace stinkers, selling only 257. That was down 29.8% compared to 366 sold in October 2023. Market share leaders were Forest River (46.7%), Aliner (29.2%), Purple Line LLC (7.4%).
And hey, look out race fans! Park models thundered down the course, with sales up a whopping 34.6%. 292 new sales, compared to 217 in October 2023. Leading the pack, Champion Homes (26.7%), Cavco Industries (23.6%), Kropf Mfg. Co. Inc. (9.2%).
Motorhomes somewhat motivated
If you were a motorhome dealer, the “mixed bag” continues for you. Class C units were the big winner, where RV sales are up 6.8% from October 2023, with 1,420 new registrations compared to 2023’s 1,330. The big sellers were THOR Industries (48.2%), Forest River (24.2%), Winnebago Motorized (11.2%).
But the stats went downhill from there. Class A sales continued sluggish, with just 606 new sales, compared to 676 in October 2023, a 10.4% loss. THOR Industries led with 52.0% of sales, Forest River had an 18.2% share, and Newmar Corp. placed third with 14.9%.
Although sales are not as bad as they have been, Class B units continue “last in the class,” with just 789 units selling, compared to the 900 sold in October 2023, a 12.3% decline. Market share leaders: THOR Industries (42.0%), Winnebago Motorized (22.1%), Forest River (10.6%).
For comparison, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) reported 30,595 wholesale shipments in October 2024 and 287,007 units shipped year-to-date.
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Let’s see how many of those units have warranty claims and how long it takes to get them “fixed”. Oops, I mean repaired to the owners satisfaction or the owners go away and “fix” them themselves.
How come truck campers are never mentioned in these articles?
Thank you, Russ and Tina! Is the ~3,500 unit difference in sales reported by the two entities an indication of growing inventory, fullfillment of earlier “sales,” or some of both? Interesting. Happy new year and safe travels!