October 2004

The Recreation Vehicle Industy Association (RVIA) reports that wholesale shipment of all RV products were reported at 30,600 units in the October survey of manufacturers, up 7.7% from last month and up 2.3% over this same month last year. Year to date, totals have now reached 320,000 units, up 15.9% above the first ten months last year. This was the largest October shipment of RV’s in 25 years with a seasonally adjusted annual rate of nearly 360,000 units.

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The Index of Consumer Sentiment, as measured by the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center has remained at high level despite increased concerns expressed by consumers about rising interest rates. Consumers see a temporary increase in inflation just ahead but believe long term prices will remain relatively stable.

“An increasing number of consumers in our most recent survey do expect rising prices to temporarily outpace income gains,” said Dr. Richard Curtin, Director of the survey. “However, longer term expectations are just the reverse.”

Towable RVs

Shipments of all towable RVs were 25,100 units in the October survey of manufacturers, up 5.5% from a very strong October one year ago. Year to date, all towable RV shipments are now at 258,200 units, up 15.2% compared to this same period last year.

Conventional travel trailers, including hybrid trailers, continued its outstanding performance this year with a solid 17.2% gain in October. Recent Federal emergency shelter requirements have taken some units (particularly conventional travel trailers without slideouts) from inventory, however much of this need was met by specialized products not counted in the RV totals presented here.

Motorhomes

All motorhome shipments this month were reported at 5,500 units, off 9.8% from this same month last year. Although total motorhome shipments in October were lower than last year, this was still a very good October total. Type A shipments in October were at 3,800 units while type C totals were off 16.7% on 1,500 units for the month. Type B totals were the same as October one year ago.

Year to date, shipments of all motorhomes are now at 61,800 units, up 19.1% compared to this same month last year. Type A motorhomes have done quite well this year, rising 14.5% above the totals for these products through the same period last year while type C totals of 20,300 units are the best ten month total since 1988.

Conversion Vehicles

Deliveries to retailers of all Conversion Vehicles totaled 3,000 units in October, off 30.2% from this month last year. Van conversions totaled 1,900 units, their lowest total so far this year. Pickup truck conversions were off the most, dropping 46.7% from October last year, to 800 units. Sport utility conversions held steady at 300 units.