December 2003

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) reports that December 2003 shipments of all recreation vehicles were at 22,300 units, up 12.1% from this month last year. This marked the best December total for all RVs’ shipments since 1977.

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The annual totals for all of 2003 were 320,800 units, up 3.2% over the prior year and just a few hundred units shy of a 25- year record. The final calendar quarter of the year grew at an impressive pace, rising to an annualized rate well over 350,000 units, seasonally adjusted. Conventional travel trailers and type A motorhomes reported the largest increases this past year with average lengths and average wholesale values growing even faster.

The Index of Consumer Sentiment rose to 92.6 in the December survey according to the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center, finishing above the reading of one year ago. Consumers now express more optimistic views of the general economy than at the beginning of the year and they expect growth of the economy to continue throughout 2004.

“Consumers continue to report very positive assessments of the economy, said Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. “According to the December data, consumers expect strong gains in employment, low inflation and that the expansion will grow uninterrupted over the next five years.”

Towable RVs

All towable RV shipments were reported at 16,800 units in the final month of 2003, up 8.4% over this same month last year. Conventional travel trailers and fifth-wheel trailers were substantially ahead while folding camping trailers were less and truck campers were about even with December one year ago.

For the year as a whole, towables reached 258,900 units, up 3.3% and the highest total for towables since 1976. Conventional travel trailers (including hybrid trailers) led all vehicle categories with 147,000 units, an increase of 13.3% over the prior year.

Motorhomes

All motorhome shipments of 5,500 units in December were 25% ahead of this same month last year. Year to date, motorhome shipments have grown 2.5% to 61,900 units, their best total in 5 years.

Type A motorhomes were again the category’s best selling products with shipments to retailers of 41,500 units, up 4.8% over 2002. Diesel chassis were reported on 43.8% of all type A motorhomes shipped in 2003, identical to the rate found in 2002 totals.

Conversion Vehicles

Shipments of all conversion vehicles declined 20% in December on shipments to dealers of 3,600 units. Year-to-date totals were reported as 57,000 of all conversions in 2003, down 15.8% from the prior year.

Van conversions remain the largest vehicle category in this group garnering 68% of all conversions. Totals of 38,800 vans were converted in 2003, off 17.6% from the previous year. Pickup truck conversions were 14,500 units while SUV conversions were 3,700 units. RVIA

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Total RV Shipments 1990-2003
New - Only Recreation Vehicles