November didn’t prove to be a bang-up month for RV manufacturers. While Black Friday may be the salvation of retailers, wholesale RV shipments were dismal across the board. The RVIA (RV Industry Association) reports manufacturers’ shipments of new units to dealers were down more than 6% across the board—while motorhome demand continues in serious decline. Here are the details of the November RV wholesale report.
Towable RVs November wholesale report had surprising leaders bucking the trend
Towable RVs, led by conventional travel trailers, ended the month down (-3.1%) from last November with 20,771 shipments. Leading the downward spin, fifth wheels were off nearly 10% from November 2023. Travel trailers, usually a bright spot, were off 2.5%.
Perhaps the most surprising numbers came from pop-ups and truck campers. Both were up in wholesale movement, 16.% and a whopping 66.3%, respectively, when compared to November of 2023.
But motorhomes had no saviors
Motorhomes finished the month down (-24.9%) compared to the same month last year, with 2,802 units. No bright spots at all for the self-propelled units, which propelled themselves down no matter what class.
Big Class A units took the worst of the walloping, down almost 37%. Class C units lost 22.6% when comparing November 2024 to November 2023 wholesale movement. And Class B van campers dove nearly 20% for the same period.
Finally, Park Model RVs finished November down (-3.1%) compared to the same month last year, with 315 wholesale shipments.
Positive spin on next year
Always ready with a positive spin, RVIA’s president and CEO Craig Kirby addressed the November RV wholesale report mess this way: “RV shipments remain on track to be slightly higher over 2023 to finish in line with the latest ITR forecast. As we look to the new year, the RV industry is poised for additional growth with RVing remaining a preferred way to travel and make memorable experiences with family and friends.”
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For earlier RV wholesale shipment reports, click here.
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If they sold quality units and stood behind what they sold the #’s would be positive.
Air Travel continues to break records. I don’t think Mr. Kirby’s statement holds water that RVs are America’s preferred way to travel.
For the most part, Class A motorhomes look good, but people have caught on that the built-in quality that existed a few years ago has declined. It is ironic that the generally well-built chassis will outlast the coach placed on the chassis. My 2000 Bounder bought new had fabric upholstery that still looked good in 2022 when I made the mistake of trading it in on a 2020 Pace Arrow. The Bounder had over 120,000 miles that included three cross-country trips. It still ran well, strips deteriorating.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! Interesting news. Of course the smaller the base value, the bigger the percentage changes associated with comparatively small numerical changes. Happy new year and safe travels! 🙂