Retail RV registrations, a measure of the number of new RV sales numbers, are down. So says a report from Statistical Surveys Inc. for the month of October 2023.
Registrations tell the tale
There were 24,583 retail RV registrations in October 2023, a decrease of 4,950 units, or 16.7%. This in comparison to the 29,533 units recorded in the same month the previous year.
Year-to-date, 342,381 retail RV registrations were recorded through October. That number is 16.4% less (67,424 units) than the 409,805 units recorded in the same timeframe in 2022.
But manufacturers aren’t backing off
Compare these verified new RV sales at retail to numbers for wholesale movements by manufacturers to dealers. The RV Industry Association (RVIA) reports 28,371 wholesale shipments in October 2023. That shows 3,788 units more than the 24,583 retail sales figure.
Year to date, RV shipments are at 266,492 units, which is 75,889 less than the 342,381 retail sales total through October.
Breakdown by type and manufacturer
- Travel Trailers – 15,056 units in October 2023 (vs. 18,162 units in October 2022; a decrease of 17.1%).
Market share leaders: THOR Industries Inc. (39.2%), Forest River Inc. (37.5%), Grand Design RV Co. (8.0%). - Fifth-Wheels – 4,394 (4,998, -12.1%).
Market share leaders: THOR (42.9%), Forest River (25.8%), Grand Design RV Co. (16.2%). - Camping Trailers (pop ups) – 338 (427, -20.8%).
Market share leaders: Forest River (57.1%), Aliner (17.2%), Purple Line LLC (10.1%). - Park Models – 168 (188, -10.6%).
Market share leaders: Skyline Champion (26.8%), Cavco Industries (19.6%), Kropf Mfg. Co. Inc. (15.5%). - Class A – 629 (811, -22.4%).
Market share leaders: THOR (52.5%), Forest River (15.9%), Newmar Corp. (14.5%). - Class C – 1,235 (1,593, -22.5%).
Market share leaders: THOR (52.6%), Forest River (23.5%), Winnebago Motorized (11.1%). - Class B – 864 (1,082, -20.1%).
Market share leaders: THOR (37.6%), Winnebago Motorized (26.6%), REV Recreation Group (9.0%).
##RVT1134b
The lack of competition is almost scary. So much consolidation. Was surprised REV is doing so poorly. Fleetwood used to be huge, IIRC.
We had 1998 Bounder 34V by Fleetwood and traded it in on a DP in 2018. Don’t make’m like they used to. A twenty year old coach still had value and is still on the road today.
Follow the disposable money. As things get tighter that you really need, things that are not necessary for everyday life will not be purchased.
The extreme high level of credit card debt is not sustainable. The cliff is approaching.
Thor and it’s clones by another name. Build them cheaper and deny any warranty claims. Now you know why “Buy a Thor; and you will be sore”. is one of the most popular RV slogans.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! We had a 2016 REV DP (American Revolution). It was one of four models badged American Coach. For the 2023 model year they made three models, having dropped the Revolution beginning with the 2021 model year. For the 2024 model year they are making two. Also, for 2023 they made two “short” DPs, one 37′ and one 39′. They no longer make either for 2024. All are 43′ or 45′ in length.