November 2004

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) reports that RV wholesale shipments to retailers improved by 8% in the November survey of manufacturers compared to one year ago, representing the 14th consecutive monthly increase. November’s shipment total of 24,200 units marked the largest November total in more than 25 years pushing the year to date shipment totals to 344,200 units, 15.3% ahead of this same period last year.

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Shipment growth of conventional travel trailers is largely responsible for this month’s strong RV showing. Although units identified primarily for emergency shelter have not been included in these reports, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has in the past employed traditional RV floor plans for this important purpose. Although the exact number of Government purchases this fall is as yet unknown, restocking dealer inventories as a result of this unusual demand would explain a portion of the late year surge in conventional trailer shipments.

Retail sales show similar patterns with conventional, including hybrid travel trailers, along with fifth wheel units have done best. Average wholesale prices have also trended upward this year and total dollar value of shipments for the year seem certain to set another all-time record high.

The Index of Consumer Sentiment gained slightly in the November readings, moving up 1.1 points to 92.8 according to the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center.