Shipments to retailers of all RVs were reported at 24,000 units in the March survey of manufacturers this year, an increase of 19.4% from last month and 87.5% greater than this same month one year ago. Improvements were reported in all vehicle categories with towables growing by more units while motorhome totals reflected the greater percentage increase.

First quarter totals this year show similar patterns with total shipments to retailers of 59,900 units, an improvement of 96.4% from this same period last year. Towable products nearly doubled gaining 93.6% to 54,200 units with motorhomes gaining 128% to 5,700 units.

As measured by the University of Michigan.s Survey Research Center, the Index of Consumer Sentiment remained largely unchanged in the March survey of consumers. While consumers have raised their expectations for the general economy they view their own financial situation much less favorably. .Consumers continue to report improvement in the overall economy,. said Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the consumer survey. .However, personal finances improved only marginally this month with meager income gains expected for the balance of this year..

Retail sales have continued to improve but have now been out paced by recent wholesale shipment gains. For all vehicle categories measured, wholesale shipments over the past 12-months have improved more rapidly than retail sales over that same period.

Towable RVs

Deliveries to retailers of all towable RVs were reported at 21,800 units in the March survey of manufacturers, a gain of 32.6% over last month and 84.7% greater than this same month one year ago. Conventional travel trailers retained a market share of 60% of all RV shipments and nearly doubled their total compared to this same month last year.

Year to date, shipments of all towable RVs were reported at 54,200 units in the first quarter this year, up 93.6% compared to the first three months in 2009. Fifth wheel travel trailers gained the most rising 101.5% compared to this same period last year. Folding camping trailers were up 50% and truck campers were the same in this quarter compared to quarter one last year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the first quarter total for all towable RVs would represent an annual rate of slightly more than 200,000 units.

Motorhomes

All motorhomes were reported at 2,200 units in March 2010, up 10% from last month and ahead of this same month year by 120%. Type A motorhomes reported the largest total with 1,200 units shipped. Type C motorhomes were reported at 900 units with type B motorhomes at 100 units.

Year to date, shipments of 5,700 motorhomes were 128% greater than the first quarter last year and at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of more than 20,100 units.