The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) reports that wholesale shipments of all RVs climbed to 26,900 units in March, a 37% increase over the previous month, jumping back up to an annualized total of 270,000 units. While shipment totals still trail last year's early torrid pace, March marked a turn-around of no small proportion.

The Index of Consumer Sentiment, as measured by the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center was up slightly in March to 91.5, ending a three-month decline. In spite of weakening confidence in the economy, overall consumer confidence remains above its long-term average.

"Although two-thirds of all consumers judged the economy of being in a recession, there is some evidence that they believe that conditions would not worsen," reported Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "Rising unemployment would be the most likely cause for further erosion in confidence," he said.

Towable RVs

All towable RVs increased to 21,700 units in March, up 36.5% over last month but off 17.8% compared to the very strong March one year ago. Conventional travel trailers finished the month with shipments of 10,600 units, off 18.5% from this month last year but still the third largest March in more than 20 years. Fifth-wheel trailers were at 5,600 units shipped, their second best March ever. Hardest hit were folding camping trailers which ended March with shipments of 4,400 units, off 27.9% from this same month a year ago. Truck campers decreased slightly from last year on 1,100 units shipped.

Through March, all towable RVs have now reached 53,300 units, off 21.2% compared to this same period one year ago. Conventional travel trailers are off 22.8% due largely to weakness in units without slideouts. Fifth-wheel travel trailers with slideouts have held up fairly well so far this year, helping to hold losses here to 18.1%, compared to the first three months last year. Through March, folding camping trailers and truck campers are shipping four units this year for every five that were shipped last year.

Motorhomes

Motorhome shipments in March grew more than 40% compared to last month but are off 26.8% compared to this same month last year. Conventional type A motorhomes did manage to reach 3,500 units for the first time in nearly a year, but were behind March 2000 by 27.1%. Type B shipments were cut in half compared to March last year on shipments of just 200 units. Type C motorhomes were off the least on shipments of 1,500 units.

The first quarter saw all motorhome shipments of 12,400 units, down 33.7% compared to the first three months last year. In fact, this was the slowest start for motorhomes since 1992.

Conversion Vehicles

Shipments of all conversion vehicles continue to decline, led by big losses in conversion vans, the category's historic leader. Wholesale shipments of all conversion vehicles totaled 5,900 units in March, were off 55% compared to this same month last year and are at near all-time record lows.

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Total RV Shipments 1985 - 2001
New - Only Recreation Vehicles

Source: RVIA