When the RV Industry reported that wholesale shipments were up in January, it was a banner headline for them. A good turnaround from the sorry down statistics that had been the plague of 2024. Yes, RV dealers are stocking up their lots, anticipating the return of the RV buyer. But it ain’t necessarily so, as we see a decline in RV sales. The latest report for sales of new RVs, based on RV registrations with DMVs, shows dealers stocking up, but buyers not interested.
“Number cruncher” shows RV sales decline
Statistical Surveys Inc. (SSI), the RV industry number cruncher, reports a continuing trend of year-over-year decreases, based on January 2025 statistics. “This continues the trend of year-over-year declines dating back to 2023,” SSI says.
There were 17,543 retail registrations in the first month of this year, which is 1,228 fewer units—a 6.5% decrease—versus the 18,771 for the same period in 2024.
For comparison, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) reported 27,629 wholesale shipments in January 2025—a 10,086-unit difference versus the retail registrations total.
Towables continue tumble
• Travel trailer – 10,881 retail registrations in January 2025 (11,680 retail registrations in January 2024; a 6.8% decrease). Market share leaders: Forest River Inc. (38.5%), THOR Industries (37.8%), Grand Design RV Co. (8.0%).
• Fifth wheel – 3,305 (3,461; -4.5%). Market share leaders: THOR (36.6%), Forest River (27.2%), Grand Design (15.1%).
• Camping trailer – 143 (248; -42.3%). Market share leaders: Forest River (49%), Aliner (30.8%), Purple Line LLC (5.6%).
• Park model RV – 179 (144; +24.3%). Champion Homes (25.7%), Cavco Industries (25.1%), Clayton Homes Inc. (10.1%).
Motorhomes in misery
• Class A – 472 (565; -16.5%). Market share leaders: THOR (51.1%), Forest River (16.7%), REV Recreation Group (15.0%).
• Class C – 1,226 (1,279; -4.1%). Market share leaders: THOR (48%), Forest River (23.2%), Winnebago Motorized (14.6%).
• Class B – 639 (718; -11.0%). Market share leaders: THOR (42.7%), Winnebago Motorized (21.4%), Forest River (12.1%).
As confusion continues about just what lies ahead for the U.S. economy, consumers are holding tight onto their bank accounts. As RV sales decline, this could be a touch-and-go year for RV dealers.
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##RVT1200b
I guess all dealers are not the same , Here at Beckleys RV in Thurmont Maryland we are super busy. We are just behind Covid sales. Almost record sales every month !!
Andrew, are your new unit sales outpacing the used sales? Speaking with our local RV dealer, used sales are doing good, new sales sluggish and getting inventory is still a bit tough for Class A rigs.
Good question, Vince. I track a number of dealers and used class A motorhomes of all ages seem to be selling well and rather quickly at the dealers I look at. I also see what appears to be minimal new inventories of expensive class A’s.
What up with the guy in the pic? Is turning into a werewolf?
I thought he was melting.
Hi, WEB and Rick. That was an early attempt on the part of A.I. His face and hands are kinda weird, for sure. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
🤣🤣🤣
Evaporating more likely.
Thank you for the news, Russ and Tina! It will be a while ( at least a year), if at all, until we buy RV #3. Have a great day and safe travels!
I think the manufactures are going to ramp up production before the tariffs really hit home.
The dealers will be buying anything they can get before major price increases.
I can just imagine what the ‘quality’ will be like.