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The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that wholesale shipments of all RVs in November tumbled to their lowest level in more than three years, dropping 29.7% from last month and off 24.3% from this same month last year. The 15,900 units reported shipped to retailers in November was the lowest monthly total since November 1997 and was the largest monthly decline this year. The Index of Consumer Sentiment rose slightly to 107.6 in the November survey according to the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center, up from October's 105.8 reading. However, this month's small gain does not reverse the overall downward trend in the Index since January. "A greater concern is the weakened confidence among upper income households, due in part to declines in stock prices," reported Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "Even though the extent of the overall change was rather minor it will act as a restraint on growth in consumer spending." Towable RVs Shipments of all towable RVs were 12,500 units in November, down more than 22% over this same month last year. Conventional and fifth wheel travel trailers registered declines of 21.4% and 23.4% respectively and folding camping trailers were down even more. Only truck campers held even with shipments of 700 units. Year to date, with 108,400 units, conventional travel trailers have now slipped below last November by just 1.3%, but it's the first time this has happened in four years. Fifth wheel travel trailers have done better, improving 5% over this same point last year to post totals of 58,800 units. The weakest segment of towables remains folding camping trailers which have fallen 14.2% over the same period last year. Truck campers have weakened some lately but stand just 2.8% behind last year through November. Motorhomes Motorhome shipments have been hit much harder. Deliveries to retailers of all motorhomes tumbled 30.6% in November, finishing at 3,400 units. Conventional type A motorhomes declined the most, off 32.4% this month compared to type B and C which fell 25% and 27.3% respectively. Early year gains have offset the declines reported recently and year-to-date shipment totals of 57,000 units are only 13.8% behind this same period last year. Type A motorhomes, particularly those with a gasoline chassis, have been hit the hardest. Conversion Vehicles Declines in all automotive sales have also been felt in the conversion vehicle segment as total wholesale shipments of just 7,600 units were reported in November. Van conversions still lead all other categories but shipments here were off 33.8% on a volume of 4,900 units. Year to date, shipments were at 111,800 units through November, off 21.9% from this same period one year ago. Van conversions were off 26.4% while sport utility conversions fell 44.2%. Pickup truck conversions have held steady with last year's numbers, off just 0.3% on shipments of 32,800 units. . Click Here For
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