February 2002

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) reports that wholesale shipments of all RVs totaled 22,300 units in February 2002, up 4.7% above last month and 13.8% over this same month last year. The February gain confirms a rebound of RV shipments is underway and well ahead of most industry analysts’ predictions.

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Year to date, shipments totaled 43,600 units through February, up 12.4% ahead of this same period last year. Motorhome shipments appear to be leading the way with shipments of 8,600 units during the first two months, up 19.4%, while towables have increased 10.8% on shipments of 35,000 units.

A bit surprising was the drop in the Index of Consumer Sentiment which slipped to 90.7 in the February survey, the first reversal in 5 months, according to the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center. Still, the small decline is not surprising given the rapid increase the Index has experienced since September 11, 2001.

"While consumers are convinced that the economic recovery has begun, they reluctantly have concluded that the pace of economic recovery will be slow," offered Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "It’s important to note that an Index reading of 90 or more has never been associated with an ongoing recession."

Towable RVs

Shipments of all towable RVs were at 18,100 units in February, up 7.2% from last month and up more than 13% compared to this same month last year. Truck campers rose 33.3% in February on shipments of 800 units and a total of 1,600 truck campers, year to date, are ahead of the first two months last year by 23.1%. Conventional and fifth-wheel trailers gained 20.8% and 13.6% respectively this month over the same month last year with hybrid travel trailers remaining roughly even. Folding camping trailers were off slightly so far this year on totals of 3,600 units in February and 7,000 units, year to date.