April 2005

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) reports that wholesale shipments of all RVs were at 35,400 units in April of this year, off 6.8% from this same month last year. Year to date, total RV shipments were reported by manufacturers to be 131,700 units, up 2.4% from this same four months one year ago.

The Index of Consumer Sentiment slipped to 87.7 in the April survey, its lowest point in a year and a half, according to the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center. While rising gasoline prices have captured newspaper headlines consumers seem more concerned about the slowing pace of the overall economy and the impact that would have on future prospects for employment.

“The combination of a weakened job outlook and higher inflation has resulted in consumer’s holding the weakest prospects for their future financial situation in more than a decade,” said Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey.

Retail sales for three of the five RV categories reported by manufacturers in April were above the same readings as this month last year with folding camping trailers and type A motorhomes falling slightly behind.

Towable RVs

All towable RVs were reported at 29,800 units in April 2005, off 2.9% from this month last year and down from the prior year for the first time in almost two years. Year to date, shipments were reported at 109,400 units through April, up 6.4% compared to the first four months last year.

Shipments of all conventional travel trailers, including hybrid trailers, was the only category to show growth, rising 3% to 16,900 units in April 2005. Fifth wheel travel trailers were up 1.3% on deliveries to retailers of 31,500 units. Folding camping trailers were 8.5% below the first four months last year while truck campers were even with one year ago

Motorhomes

All motorhome shipments stalled at 5,600 units in April, off 23.3% compared to this same month in 2004. Type A motorhomes were behind by 1,200 units while type C shipments sagged 500 units compared to this same month last year.

Year to date, all motorhomes of 22,800 units were off 13.6% compared to the same period last year. Type A motorhomes falling the most, off 15.2% on shipments of 14,000 units with type C motorhomes sliding 12.9% on 7,400 units through April. Only type B motorhomes reflect a growth trend, rising 12.5% on shipments to retailers of 900 units over the past four months.

Conversion Vehicles