New RV Shipments

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that wholesale shipments to retailers of all RVs were reported to be 43,700 units in the May survey of manufacturers, down slightly from last month but up 3.1% from this same month last year. Year-to-date totals have now climbed to 210,700 units through the first five months this year, just 1.4% behind this same period last year.

Seasonally adjusted, shipments in May rose more than 5% to just over 486,000 units on an annual basis. Most all categories of product participated in this improved outlook for shipments with those exceptions running close to the same pace as in 1995.

The Index of Consumer Sentiment declined from 92.7 in April to 89.4 in the May survey of consumers conducted by the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center. Consumer confidence remains at very high levels despite this small setback with adjustments month to month more in response to change in perceptions of current economic conditions.

"The modest May decline is hardly distinguishable from the repeated small variations recorded during the past year," reported Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "Overall, the data indicates an underlying strength and resilience that has enabled consumers to remain confident about future economic prospects.

Towable RVs

Deliveries to retailers of all towable RVs were 18,900 units in May, up more than 4% over this same month, one year ago. Year-to-date totals for all towable RVs are now at 90,300 units, off 2.2% from this same period last year but remarkably still ahead of this same period in 1994's record year.

Retailers were stocking more large conventional travel trailers in May as overall totals increased 4.3% over this month last year with the greatest improvements centered in the 35' and over length categories. Slideouts continue to dominate fifth wheel sales with nearly 3 out of 4 in the May survey and nearly 70% shipped with slideouts, year to date.

Folding camping trailers have slipped behind last year's total as shipments were off 3.2% in May and off 6.3%, year to date. Truck campers are even with last year's total both for the month and year-to-date.

Motorhomes

For the second consecutive month, shipments of all motorhomes improved over the same month last year as totals reached 5,100 units in May, 8.5% ahead of May last year. Conventional type A motorhomes improved 19.2% to 3,100 units and, year to date, have climbed to 16,000 units, 8.1% ahead of the '95 pace.

Overall, motorhome shipments have grown 3.7%, year to date, as both type A (conventional) and type B (van campers) have reported improved sales. Type C (mini) motorhomes have continued to slide and through May are 5.3% behind the same period of last year.

Conversion Vehicles

Deliveries to retailers of all conversion vehicles increased from last month and were slightly ahead of this same month last year. Shipments of 19,700 conversion vehicle products were reported in the May survey, up 4% from last month and up 0.5% from this month last year.

Increased deliveries of sport utility vehicle conversions continue to offset declines in shipments of conversion vans as pickup truck conversions have leveled off at their relatively high levels. Van conversions were off just 2.9% in May but, year to date, are 14% behind their pace of last year.

Source: RVIA