Last month we reported that RV dealers had finally gotten a break. For the first time in more than a year, sales of new RVs exceeded those of the same month in the previous year. But the latest report from Statistical Surveys Inc. (SSI), the industry market watcher, says, “So sorry!” New RV sales sink again, as consumers beat a retreat from shiny new rigs.
New RV sales stats, according to the official RV bean counters
SSI reports that “there was a slight year-over-year decrease in the monthly retail registration data in November 2024.” Translate that: There were 19,854 retail registrations in November 2024, which is a 3.1% decrease compared to the 20,490 total in November 2023. Year to date, there were 338,760 retail registrations in 2024, which is a 7.6% decrease versus the 366,793 total for the same period in 2023.
For comparison, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) reported 23,573 wholesale shipments in November 2024, and 310,580 units shipped the first 11 months of 2024.
How did the numbers boil out across different RV types? Non-motorized…
New RV sales of towables were down all over, with one notable exception.
Travel Trailers: Pull-behinders pulled behind, showing sales of 12,239 units in November 2024. That compared to 12,465 units in November 2023, a 1.8% year-over-year decrease. Market share leaders: Forest River Inc. (41.4%), THOR Industries Inc. (34.9%), Grand Design RV Co. (8.1%).
Fifth-Wheels: Showing worse results than their hitch-ball cousins. Some 3,694 units sold, compared to 3,861 the same month in 2023, down 4.3%). Market share leaders: THOR (37.1%), Forest River (40.1%), Grand Design (16.9%).
Camping Trailers: Took the worst beating, down 35.7% with only 166 sales, compared to November 2023, when 258 sold. Market share leaders: Forest River (48.2%), Aliner (21.7%), Purple Line LLC (10.2%).
Park Models: Broke the mold, up nearly 20% in sales with 235 marching off with new owners. In November 2023, 196 of the big guys sold. Market share leaders: Skyline Champion (22.1%), Cavco Industries (28.9%), Kropf Mfg. Co. Inc. (10.6%).
And motorized?
New RV sales in the motorized category, unlike towables, had no bright spots to report.
Class A: The continuing sluggish saga with only 560 rolling away, compared with 624 in November 2023, a decided 10.3% decline. Market share leaders: THOR (46.4%), Forest River (16.4%), REV Recreation group (15.7%).
Class C: A “winner” category in a relative way. Sales dropped only 1% as 1,141 found new homes in November 2024. That compares to 1,152 sold in 2023. Market share leaders: THOR (46.8%), Forest River (24.9%), Winnebago Motorized (11.9%).
Class B: “B” for bad news? Sales off 14.7% with 619 moved, compared to 726 in November 2023. Market share leaders: THOR (46.4%), Winnebago Motorized (20.7%), Forest River (10.8%).
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Thank you, Russ and Tina! My goodness! I wonder if some manufacturers are going to retrench or go out of business. Layoffs, too, may be in the near-term future for production line employees, given this news. Have a great day and safe travels! 🙂
There are many vehicle insurance scams, according to google, and here in California there is a new law (not) that offers low rates for limited travel. Don’t fall for it.
Hopefully as we’re actively looking for a new Rockwood Signature 8263MBR the dealers will be more receptive to making a deal.