Wholesale shipments to retailers of all RVs were reported at 15,800 units in the January 2010 survey of manufacturers, more than twice the total from this same month last year. Both towable and motorhome categories participated in this month.s growth with all categories at the same or substantially above their January totals last year.

Importantly, this marked the sixth consecutive monthly improvement for RV shipments as dealer orders more closely reflected retail sales during the month. On a seasonally adjusted basis, shipments this month were at an annual rate of 200,000 units, down from 230,000 units in December 2009.

The Index of Consumer Sentiment, as measured by the University of Michigan.s Consumer Research Center, rose to 74.4 in the January 2010 survey, marginally above the reading last month but reaching the highest level for this economic indicator in more than two years. The improvement was largely the result of consumer.s improved outlook for the general economy for they continue to express concern about future gains in their personal financial situation.

"Consumers are overwhelmingly convinced that the worst [of the recession] is over," said Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "However, consumers feel quite vulnerable given the still fragile condition of their investments, the burden of their debt, and the impact of continued credit constraints that limit their flexibility."

The gap between wholesale and retail sales narrowed in the January survey reflecting increased retail inventories as compared to this same month last year. Wise inventory management has taken on an expanded role in the new credit environment retailers have had to adjust to in the past two years.

Towable RVs

Wholesale shipments of all towable RVs were reported at 14,300 units in January, up 15% from last month and more than double the total from this same month last year. Conventional travel trailers grew from 4,300 units in January 2009 to 9,500 units this January, remaining the largest vehicle category. Fifth wheel trailers climbed 150% to 3,500 units in January, the largest percentage gain in the towables group. Folding camping trailers improved 300 units to 1,100 for the month while truck campers doubled, growing from 100 units last January to 200 units in January 2010.

Motorhomes

All motorhome shipments were reported at 1,500 units in the January survey, up 114.3% compared to January one year ago. Shipments of type A motorhomes grew by 125% this month, improving to 900 units in the latest monthly survey. Compared to last year, type C motorhomes increased by 300 units finishing January at 500 units. Type B motorhomes remained the same at 100 units for the month.