There seems to be no end to the sizzling demand for recreational vehicles. While the pandemic has hurt most of the travel industry, it has only increased demand for RVs.
The RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) January 2021 survey of manufacturers determined that total RV shipments ended the month with 45,930 units, an increase of 39.2% compared to the 33,003 units shipped during January 2020, making this the best January shipment total on comparable record.
“RV shipments show no sign of slowing down,” said RV Industry Association President and CEO Craig Kirby. “RV manufacturers and suppliers are producing a record number of units to meet the continued demand from consumers looking to make RVing a part of their active outdoor lifestyle.”
Towable RVs, led by conventional travel trailers, finished the month up 40.7% against last January with 41,414 wholesale shipments. Motorhomes ended the month up 26.6% compared to January 2020 with 4,516 units.
Park Model RVs ended the month down (-7.8%) compared to January 2020 with 331 wholesale shipments.
SOURCE: RVIA press release
##RVT989b
Why does RV Travel continue to push the RV Sales Gimmick?
The RV Industry uses these numbers to IMPLY that there are this many units being sold and then put on the Road! Sold to Dealers, YES! But, Not sold to individual RVers.
Totally incorrect! As I drive around the country, I see dealers lots chocked full of RV’s, both new and used.
The China Virus is still around and the US is slowly moving past it. As such many people are just now getting back on their feet!
These numbers are heavily INFLATED and I doubt that many RV’s are rolling out of Indiana to dealers around the country. Anyone can take a trip to the Elkhart area and see the thousands of RV’s sitting in Open fields, waiting to be shipped.
A REAL measure of RV Products would be from DEALERS actually selling these units and see what their numbers are????
Sales are up and this isn’t fabrication. Another indicator that lines up with this is from Google Trends. This represents people looking for RVs and using a “best” query helps further identify people in a buying intent mode.
See for yourself:
https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=2020-01-01%202020-12-31,2019-01-01%202019-12-31,2021-01-01%202021-12-31&geo=US,US,US&q=best%20rv,best%20rv,best%20rv
That didn’t tell me diddly squat!
Buying intent is higher than this time in 2020 or 2019. Matches what the industry association is saying with search interest for a key buying intent set of terms being about 50% higher than last year if you do the math.
And Don’t forget, if its on the Internet it has to be TRUE! LOL!
I just checked out that link. You’re right, Bob.
So what is there sitting in fields, 5000, 10000? They actually shipped 46000 units in January. Even 10000 sitting in fields is less than one weeks production.
I have to agree. You just had an article stating that RV’s were sitting in fields waiting for unavailable parts, that the manufacturers were raiding parts store to complete building them. I haven’t seen a single new RV in my neighborhood so I have to wonder about your article.
This was in reply to “Really” below.
The numbers have to look good for the STOCK Holders. If the numbers began to drop in terms of shipments, then STOCK Holders would get nervous and begin selling!
We see million of RV for sale in lots, instead of making more sell those!
There has been extensive growth of the RV industry since the recession in 2008/2009. In the U.S. alone, the RV industry creates $50 billion USD in economic impact annually. More than 23,000 businesses are currently involved in the industry, creating nearly 45,000 direct employment opportunities and $3 billion in direct wages. For more statistics, go to: https://www.theadventuretravelers.com/latest-rv-industry-statistics-trends-data-2021/
Interesting read. I wonder how much of the shipments are “pipeline fill” as opposed to units sold to consumers.
Hopefully services that cater to RV’s (service, campgrounds, accessories, service) are taking note and quickly adjusting their business models.