October 2002

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that RV wholesale shipments were at 28,800 units in the October survey of manufacturers, up 7% from last month and up 44% from this same month last year. Year to date, totals have now reached 270,900 units, well ahead of the total for all of 2001 and up 20.4% compared to the first ten months last year.

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This was the largest October shipment of RVs in more than 20 years with a seasonally adjusted annual rate of more than 350,000 units. Retail sales were again reported at levels higher than this same month last year and were considerably higher than wholesale shipments in both travel trailer and fifth-wheel trailer surveys. This data refutes concerns regarding a dealer inventory increase for all vehicle categories except folding camping trailers. The Index of Consumer Sentiment, as measured by the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center, plunged to 80.6 in the October 2002 survey of consumers. The loss left consumer confidence at levels not seen since the early ‘90s. “A wide range of factors contributed to the loss in confidence including a slowing economy,” said Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. “Buying plans have been dimmed be renewed concerns about job and income prospects as well as due to declines in household wealth.”

Towable RVs

Motorhomes

Not to be outdone, all motorhome shipments totaled 5,500 units this month, the best October for motorhomes since 1999. Year to date, all motorhome shipments have reached 51,600 units, already 5% ahead of shipments for all of last year. Shipments of type A units were up 31% this October compared to this same month last year and are ahead of 2001, year to date, by 18.9% Type C motorhomes have also had a very successful year, growing 38.6% year to date to 15,800 units.

Conversion Vehicles

Conversion vehicle shipments in 2002 have stayed near or above shipment totals in each month last year. So far, totals have reached 57,800 units year to date, up 4.3% compared to this same period in 2001. Wholesale van conversion shipments were reported at 40,600 units through October, up 6.3% compared to this same point in 2001. Other conversion vehicle types were the same. RVIA

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Total RV Shipments 1990-2002
New - Only Recreation Vehicles