The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that total wholesale shipments improved in February, compared to the previous month, but were off 24.6% compared to this same month one year ago. Through the first two months this year, shipments of 31,600 units were off 23.3% compared to the same period last year.

Historically, February wholesale shipments are less than in January but this year was different. Although disappointing overall, shipment increases in several categories, most notably fifthwheel trailers, folding camping trailers and type A motorhomes, brought hope of an early reversal of the recent downward trends.

The Index of Consumer Sentiment fell to 90.6 in the February survey, its lowest level in more than 5 years, according to the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center. Still, some late February optimism indicate consumers may be signaling an end to the decline is near.

"While some continued decline in the confidence level is still likely, the data indicate that consumers have moved toward the view that the economic downturn will be brief," offered the director of the survey, Dr. Richard Curtin. "For most consumers, the major barrier to raising their spending is not the level of prices or interest rates, but rather, job and income uncertainty."

Towable RVs

Shipments of all towable RVs were at 15,900 units in February, up slightly from last month but off more than 22% compared to this same month last year. Folding camping trailers were off the least, down a mere 15.9% while truck campers were off a full one-third.

Conventional and fifth-wheel trailers without slideouts represented a larger share of this month's total compared to last month and to the same month, one year ago. While slideouts remain dominant in these product lines (representing 58% of all conventional and fifth-wheel trailers), smaller product has been gaining strength.

Year to date, a total for all towables of just 31,600 units was off 23.3% compared to last year. At 7,100 units, folding camping trailers were off 16.5% while conventional travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers and truck campers were behind last year's total by a combined 25%.

Motorhomes

Wholesale shipments to retailers of all motorhomes were 3,700 units in February, off more than 32% from this same month last year. Shipments of all type A conventional motorhomes slipped 29.7% to 2,600 units while type C products declined 33% to just over 1,000 units.

Year to date, all motorhome products were behind last year by 4,400 units or 37.9%. Type A motorhomes remain the large motorhome vehicle category with 5,000 units so far this year.

Conversion Vehicles

February turned out be one of the worst months for conversion vehicle shipments on record. Wholesale shipments of all conversion vehicles were off 55.8% compared to February, one year ago. Year to date shipments were down a similar 49.5%, as van conversions and pickup truck conversions were only half their totals of just a year earlier.

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Total RV Shipments 1985 - 2001
New - Only Recreation Vehicles

Source: RVIA