March 2004

The Recreation Vehicle Industy Association (RVIA) reports that for RV wholesale shipments, March came in like a lion and apparently left the same way. Wholesale shipments roared upward to 36,300 units, up 29.2% over the same month last year and the best total in more than 25 years. Year-to-date shipments have now reached 90,600 units, up 18.7% compared to the first quarter last year.

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The Index of Consumer Sentiment, as measured by the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center, inched upward in the March survey, finishing at 95.8 and was more than 18 points higher than this same month last year. Weakness in job growth thus far this year has held gains in the Index to a minimum.

“Consumers are apprehensive about near term prospects,” said Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. “The election debates about the potential remedies will keep consumers’ anxiety at high levels regardless of the growth rate in jobs this year,” he said.

Consumers continue to purchase RVs at near record levels as witnessed by the manufacturer’s reports of final sales. Sales of conventional travel trailers, type A and type C motorhomes were above the 12-month moving total of March last year. In fact, sales of conventional travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers and type A motorhomes were at their highest level of any March since the retail survey began more than 20 years ago.

Towable RVs

Wholesale shipments of all towable RVs climbed to 28,900 units in March, up 28.9% over this same month last year. Conventional travel trailers, including hybrid trailers, gained 2,800 units in March this year, up 22.2% over one year ago. Fifth-wheel travel trailers gained 3,200 units, up a staggering 52.5% compared to March 2003.

Year to date, shipments of 72,100 units were up 17% over the first three months last year. Fifth-wheel travel trailers gained 34.8% while conventional travel trailers were up 14% for the quarter.

Motorhomes

All motorhome shipments were up 29.2% in March, to finish at 7,400 units, the best March total for motorhomes since 1984. Shipments of 4,900 units of type A motorhomes represented an increase of 25.6% over March last year, while type C totals increased to 2,300 units for a 53.3% improvement.

Year to date, all motorhome shipments have improved 25.9% so far this year on totals of 18,500 units. Type A motorhomes represent more than two thirds of all motor-home shipments with 12,200 units in the first three months this year, an increase of 22% over the same quarter last year. Type C motorhomes are up 1,600 units for the quarter, an increase of 39% over this same period one year ago.

Conversion Vehicles

Shipments to retailers of all conversion vehicles slowed again in March, principally pickup truck conversions. Year to date, total conversions of 11,100 units were off 30.2% from this same period last year. RVIA

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Total RV Shipments 1991-2004
New - Only Recreation Vehicles