Shipments of RVs from manufacturers continue to soar, with a new all-time record set in February. The RV Industry Association’s February 2021 survey of manufacturers determined that total RV shipments ended the month with 48,286 units, an increase of 30.1% compared to the 37,113 units shipped during February 2020, making this the best February RV shipment total on comparable record.
“As people begin to think about their spring and summer vacations, RV trips continue to be the preferred way to travel for millions of Americans,” said RV Industry Association President & CEO Craig Kirby. “As evident in this month’s record shipment report, RV manufacturers and suppliers are committed to meeting the demand from new consumers as well as those looking to upgrade their existing RVs. According to the report, the industry remains on track to build more RVs in 2021 than in any previous year.”
Towable RVs, led by conventional travel trailers, finished the month up 31.1% against last February with 43,482 wholesale shipments. Motorhomes ended the month up 21.8% compared to February 2020 with 4,804 units. Park Model RVs ended the month up 18.8% compared to February 2020 with 380 wholesale shipments.
Below you will find a chart showing 2020/2021 month over month total wholesale RV shipments.
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During our recently completed trip through Florida, Georgia, and both No. and So. Carolina
my wife and I both noticed many new Class B’s of all types at campgrounds. Now we know why.
Don’t worry about the dealers and manufacturers when the RV buying frenzy is over. The manufacturers will be busy making and selling parts to the dealer who will be busy fixing the crap units they’ve been cranking out! Once the bonanza prices of the frenzy subside, the bonanza prices of the repairs begin! No thanks, sold our RV last October and haven’t looked back.
Once again, Class B (Van campers) at the top of the growth chart with 127% over last year. Still just a blip in total sales, but good to see. It’s nice having lots of options when campgrounds are full.
What is happening with truck campers. They are not making as many?
I think a lot of people have smaller trucks and SUV’s for pulling instead of larger trucks to carry big loads like overhead campers.
I think the change in pickups to add seating and shorten the cargo bed was a big factor: today’s pickups are over-sized 6-passenger monsters with little more than a tailgate party box on the back for carrying a BBQ grill, propane tank, and a cooler. Or a 5’er hitch. None are made to carry a slide-in camper unless you want a three-foot rear overhang with a nine-foot cabover to span the over-length cab. As a result, less than two percent of the RV’s today are truck campers.
Yes, looks like my 06 Tiffin Phaeton isn’t losing value but gaining. Supply and demand is king.
So class A motorhome deliveries continue to be down. Is it because sales orders are down or manufactures just can’t create them fast enough? And what does that do to sales prices on used class As? I see people asking for what appears to be ridiculously high prices for their used Motorhomes.
Same way last year. I think it has to do with price point and who is buying.
Van Campers – van life trend (higher mix of younger)
Trailers – cheaper entry point
5th wheel is growing but much less than van/trailer
What will be interesting is if the “bug” for all the new entries will move up to higher end later in life to upgrade.
. . . or lose interest altogether and bail out.