A potential merger between RV suppliers Patrick Industries and LCI Industries has folks in the industry talking—and not always in a comfortable tone.
If those two names don’t ring a bell, their handiwork probably does. Between them, these companies supply a huge share of the parts that make an RV, an RV. Frames, slide systems, leveling gear, windows, doors, furniture—much of what you live with every day rolls out of their factories, even if their logos never show up on the sidewall.
What’s being discussed
Now the two are talking about a possible “merger of equals.” Nothing is signed, and it could still fall apart. But the idea alone points to something bigger that’s been building for a while: fewer companies controlling more of the RV supply chain.
That’s where the concern about less competition comes in—and it’s not hard to see why.
Fewer suppliers, more leverage
When manufacturers have fewer suppliers to choose from, the balance of power shifts. RV builders have less room to shop around, and the companies making the parts gain more say in pricing and availability. That doesn’t mean the sticker on your next rig jumps overnight. But over time, it can subtly narrow the number of “good deal” options that used to keep things in check.
Where RVers feel it
Where RVers tend to feel this most isn’t on the sales lot—it’s when something breaks.
A lot of rigs on the road today already rely on a relatively small pool of suppliers. If two of the biggest become one, that pool gets smaller still. When everything is working, you’d never notice. But when a part fails or goes on backorder, having fewer alternative sources can stretch out repair times and limit what a shop can do to get you moving again.
When the companies behind your RV get fewer and bigger, it often shows up later—in your wallet and your repair timeline.
The warranty and repair angle
There’s also the less visible side of things: warranties and repairs. Larger suppliers often come with more standardized policies, and sometimes less flexibility. If you’ve ever run into a situation where a dealer says, “That’s up to the component manufacturer,” you already know how that can play out.
Not all downside
To be fair, it’s not all downside. A combined company could do a better job integrating systems that are supposed to work together. In theory, that means fewer compatibility headaches and less finger-pointing when something doesn’t work. Whether that actually shows up in day-to-day ownership is another question, but it’s part of the argument for getting bigger.
The bigger trend
Step back a bit, and this potential deal fits a pattern RVers have been watching for years. The industry has been steadily consolidating—with fewer, larger players supplying more of what goes into each unit. This would just be one of the biggest moves yet.
For now, nothing changes at your campsite. But it’s the kind of behind-the-scenes shift that tends to surface later. Like when you’re pricing a new rig, waiting on a part, or trying to get something fixed before the next trip.
And that’s why it’s worth keeping an eye on.
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RVT1258b
I am a licensed, insured Master Plumber.
Every time one manufacturer merges with another the price and availability of parts and equipment goes up. Once upon a time we could “fix” any piece of equipment. Now they “obsolete” everything- parts and whole systems- in order to sell more lower quality “crap” that goes “obsolete” in 5 to 10 years to sell more “crap”.
Can you say MONOPOLY?
LCI has already bought out numerous other suppliers. Solera, Challenger doors, and many others.
I agree with Jesse. They will shut down production of a lot of needed parts and hope people will just totally replace things with their lower quality products.
Plus, what about the warranties these other companies had on the products that will no longer be honored.
This is where the government needs to step in and stop these kind of takeovers.
“Less government unless it is something I want.”
We can no longer rely on our government to help us.
100% – we are controlled by a foreign entity and ultra rich trying to own everything
This I agree with. The rich and foreign “friends?” are controlling our country and our administration is turning a blind eye towards the problem and even helping them.
Mergers have occurred long before this administration has existed and will continue long after.
The “rich” buy their own food, clothes, healthcare and lodging AND fund far more social services than the destitute yet they’re the problem? Please explain that one, you have my curiosity peaked.
The falicy there is that in reality government has never really ever “helped.” Big mergers impeding competition are nothing new. The plethora of issues we face spans generations, parties, and administrations.
Hmmm maybe they will bring Camping World in with the merger too.
Well one thing they should do, LCI or Dometic, is make a full line of parts available to the public for Norcold products, especially refrigerators.
Thank you for the news, Russ and Tina. I wonder what the FTC will do if the merger is forwarded to it for approval? Will aspects of either company be required to be divested as a pre-condition for approval? Lastly, I wonder how the FTC will define the relevant industry? Could be quite an interesting case study for future graduate students. Have a great day and safe travels!