RV dealers like towables, but not motorhomes. That’s the boil-out from the RV industry’s February 2024 shipment statistics. This is the tracking of how many RVs went from RV manufacturers to dealers. In the words of Yogi Berra, “It’s déjà vu all over again.”
“Devil in the details”
Overall, the manufacturers are crowing that the number of RV shipments in February was up 17.8%. This year, 31,024 rigs moved out to dealers, compared to 26,326 in February last year.
But as was the “devil in the details” of last month, those big numbers are being kept afloat by travel trailers and fifth wheels. When it comes to motorhomes, it’s a continuing nosedive. The gross motorhome market dropped nearly 13%. But Class A units took it in the nose, with shipments dropping a whopping 26.5%. Class B units are apparently anathema as well, losing 25.6% headway. Class C units did the “best,” but still dropping almost 0.5%.
RV dealers like towables, but not motorhomes—but pep squad doesn’t quit
The industry pep squad isn’t giving up. “This report marks the fourth straight month of increases as RV shipments continue to make a moderate recovery putting us on track to meet ITR Economics’ forecast of 350,000 shipments for 2024,” said RV Industry Association President and CEO Craig Kirby. “Spring is officially upon us, and our latest survey shows over 26 million Americans plan to go RVing this spring, with over 14 million planning to make RVing part of their travels to view the upcoming total solar eclipse.”
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Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 The reluctance of RV dealers to order motorhomes seems understandable. They are expensive and thus have higher carrying costs than most towables. They also are harder to fix because of the chassis, engine, drivetrain, etc., relative to a towable. Lastly, buyers likely can easier afford to finance tens of thousands of dollars than hundreds of thousands. Also, RVIA may be a bit delusional. 😉 Thanks again and safe travels! 🙂
It’s near Impossible to find a shop anywhere which will work on the chassis of a motorhome these days, .
I wouldn’t buy one today for that reason.
Good thing my 36 yr. old Winnebago “Lucy” is still humming along.
Ready to hit the road soon..She’s chomping at the bit.
And lucky for you, Lucy is going to take you along for the ride.👍 Happy and safe travels, “Joyce.” (Still wish I could use your actual first name, but I understand why you use this one.) Have a good night.🤗 –Diane
I would suspect that based on the current economic news, a large % of people are already financially overextended. Some are maxed out. The less expensive segment of the RV market should be the segment that thrives, if any segment does. The most expensive RV segment, will respond with less enthusiasm. I wonder if Prevost is seeing any impact?
As a camper who started in pickup truck slide in camper one-year-old. I can not imagine not being in a motorized RV. Did tent camping once, and was not a fan. It has been 2x Class A RVs and 1x Class C.
Perhaps RV manufacturers need to design more of the entry level Class A units versus the Las Vegas casino on wheels modern Class A.
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Like Dennis G. below, I began my “camping career” back in the 1970s in a pop-up camper. I’ve owned most every type over the years but my personal favorite is a motorized unit; a camper van to be specific. But, honestly, the prices on van campers has gone so far out of the stratosphere, motorized units are no longer an option for the common man. I mean $150k for a van? Come on! My first home didn’t cost that much. Or my second! 🙂