November 2002

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that RV shipments to retailers climbed 32% in November from a year earlier, reflecting the continued blitz in RV sales during 2002. November’s total shipments of 20,200 units were the best November performance since 1999 and, year to date, have now reached 291,100 units, 21.1% better than this same period last year.

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Through November, deliveries to retailers in 2002 have exceeded the prior year each month with the greatest gains occurring most recently. Similarly, retail sales of RVs have matched or exceeded last year’s totals and have consistently mirrored wholesale shipments’ gains through much of the year.

The Index of Consumer Sentiment gained slightly in November to 85.0 according to the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center. While erasing October’s loss, overall consumer confidence remains weak.

"Consumers viewed prospects for the national economy more favorably in November, but did not change their assessment of their own financial situation, "reported Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "Recent cuts in interest rates led consumers to view national economic prospects more favorably and the overall level of confidence is sufficient to support a low but still positive rate of growth in consumer spending."

Towable RVs

Shipments of all towable RVs surged ahead in November, totaling 15,800 units and up 33.9% over this same month last year. Conventional and hybrid travel trailers gained 38.2% and fifth wheels were up 45.7% compared to this same month one year ago. Year to date, totals for all towable RVs were at 235,100 units, up 20.5% from this same period last year. Both travel trailers and fifth wheels were more than 20% ahead of last year with folding camping trailers and truck campers gaining 10.2% and 1.1% respectively.

Motorhomes

Continued strong sales of type A and type C motorhomes pushed wholesale shipment totals 25.7% above November last year with all motorhome shipments finishing at 4,400 units. Motorhomes with slideouts continue to dominate shipments in November with 82% of all type A motorhomes represented. Type C motorhomes are now more likely than not to have a slideout feature as well.

Year to date, type A motorhomes improved 19.7% over this same period last year while type C motorhomes were 37.4% ahead. Average overall lengths of motorhomes have increased this year as have average wholesale prices.

Conversion Vehicles

Total shipments of 5,400 conversion vehicles were reported by manufacturers in our November survey, up 20% from this same month one year ago and up 5.5% for the eleven months this year. Although down slightly in November compared to a year earlier, van conversions have made solid gains throughout much of 2002 and now stand at 5.5% ahead of 2001 with 44,000 units shipped and representing nearly 70% of all conversions. Pickup truck and sport utility conversions are also trending up with 5% and 7.1% gains respectively. RVIA

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Total RV Shipments 1990-2002
New - Only Recreation Vehicles