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The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that shipments of RVs continued their upward climb in March 1999, rising to 31,800 units, up 28.7% from last month and up 12.0% from this same month last year. The current economic expansion (the second longest on record), low unemployment, low inflation and low interest rates have all aided sales of RVs. Year-to-date totals have now surged to 78,800 units, up nearly 10% over this same period last year, and represent the best first quarter for RV shipments since 1978. The Index of Consumer Sentiment was 105.7 in the March 1999 survey, slightly below the February reading according to the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center. Still, the Index remains at near all-time record highs and consumer confidence is extraordinarily favorable. "The small March loss was due to slightly less favorable prospects for economic growth, reflecting the belief among consumers that interest rates will rise during the year ahead," reported Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "The prevailing level of consumer confidence does, however, confirm that the outlook for consumer spending will remain strong." Recent surveys of manufacturers confirms sales of longer trailers now dominate the market just as slideouts continue to grow in their share of unit shipments (see next page). For conventional travel trailers, slideouts were present in nearly one in three units shipped in March while for fifth-wheel trailers that number was more than eight in ten. In motorhomes, slideouts in type A's numbered nearly three out of four shipments while for type C's the number was one out of five. Towable RVs All towable RVs rose to 24,800 units in March, up 29.8% over last month and up 10.7% over this same month one year ago. Totals for travel trailers were up a sensational 28.3% over a very strong March last year to 11,800 units, the highest March total for conventional travel trailers in 21 years. Fifth-wheel trailers held their ground with shipments of 5,300 units, tying their best March total ever. Folding camping trailer shipments decreased slightly from last year's torrid pace while truck campers improved. Through March this year, towables have reached 61,000 units, up 7% over this same period last year and the best start for towables since 1977. Conventional travel trailers are up 20.2% over last year with unit sales of more than 28,600 units. Motorhomes Total motorhome deliveries to retailers were 7,000 units in March, up 25% over last month and up 16.7% over a very good March 1998. Conventional type A motorhomes led the parade with unit deliveries of 4,800 units, up 20% over this same month one year ago. Type C shipments also continue to roll with deliveries in March up 18.8% over a-year-ago totals. Year to date, motorhome totals were at 17,800 units in the first quarter, up 19.5% over this same period last year. Type A shipments are ahead by a staggering 24,8% while type C deliveries were up an impressive 12.8%. Conversion Vehicles There was some really good news for conversion vehicle deliveries in March as shipments reached 15,100 units, up 22.8% over last month and up 15.3% over this same month, one year ago. Click Here For
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