February 2003

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that wholesale deliveries to retailers of all RVs totaled 23,000 units in February 2003,up 3.1% above this same month, one year ago. The February gain,a lthough considerably lower than January’s huge jump in shipments, confirms a continuation of gains which began 14 months ago.

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Year to date, shipments now total 48,200 units and are up 10.6% above the total recorded during this same period last year. Motorhome shipments were slightly ahead of towables in February while towables had the better performance in January.

Historically speaking, February wholesale shipments are usually less than January’s totals and this year was no different. Shipment increases for conventional travel trailers were a surprising 24% ahead of February last year with type A and type C motorhome shipments up 7.1% and 8.3% respectively.

The Index of Consumer Sentiment dropped to 79.9 in the February survey, the lowest level in ten years, according to the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center. The February low was just below the reading last October when the United Nations passed resolution 1441 aimed at disarming Iraq.

“This loss in confidence was due to growing apprehensions about the impact on the economy from the war in Iraq as well as domestic terrorism”, offered the director of the survey, Dr. Richard Curtin. “Reducing the downside economic risks has become entwined with the quick resolution of the Iraqi situation.”

Towable RVs

Wholesale shipments of all towable RVs were at 18,500 units in February, up 2.2% compared to this same month last year. Conventional travel trailers rose 24.1%on shipments to retailers of 10,800 units while other towable products fell behind.

Year to date, conventional travel trailers (including hybrid trailers) have gained 33.9% over this same period last year, while other towable products slipped below last year’s pace. Fifth wheel trailers only slightly so, while folding camping trailers and truck campers were behind to a greater degree.

Motorhomes

Shipments improved for all motorhomes in February as dealers purchased 4,500 units, up 7.1%over this same month last year. Year to date, shipments of all motorhomes have risen 5.8%over this same period last year to 9,100 units.

Gasoline powered type A motorhomes with slideouts improved the most this month, rising to 55%of all type A shipments. Slideouts were also prevalent in type C units this month as its share grew to 55.6%in our February survey of manufacturers.

Conversion Vehicles

February brought more good news for conversion vehicles as shipment to retailers grew to 5,400 units,a gain of 10.2% over February last year. The first two months this year have seen growth of 21.3%as unit deliveries to retailers climbed to 10,800 units.

Shipments of 3,200 pickup trucks were ahead of last year by 88.2%through February while sport utility conversions were more than doubled (on smaller volumes). RVIA

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Total RV Shipments 1990-2003
New - Only Recreation Vehicles