Wholesale shipments of all RVs were reported at 43,400 units in March this year, an increase of 16.0% above this same month one year ago. First quarter shipments of 110,900 units was 15.2% greater than the first three months of 2005 and marked the best start for RV shipments in nearly 30 years.

The Index of Consumer Sentiment, as measured by the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center, was largely unchanged in the March survey, rising slightly to 88.9 (see page 16). All gains were among households with incomes above $50,000, widening the gap between income groups in their assessment of economic conditions. "There is a growing belief across all households that the pace of economic growth will slow in the second half of 2006," said Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "Importantly, consumers didn't necessarily think it would mean bad times were ahead, just a slowing of the growth rate."

Towable RVs
Unfazed by these assessments, wholesale shipments of all towable RVs continued its climb, reaching 37,200 units in the March survey of manufacturers, up 22.8% over this same month last year. Conventional travel trailers, including hybrid trailers, gained a surprising 6,700 units in March this year, up 29.9% compared to one year ago. Fifth wheel travel trailers also improved, climbing 1,400 units above March last year to post a total of 9,900 units for the month.

Year to date, shipments of all towable RVs were reported at 96,200 units, up 20.9% compared to the first three months last year. Conventional travel trailers were up the most with smaller gains for fifth wheel travel trailers and folding camping trailers.

Motorhomes
By contrast, all motorhome shipments of 6,200 units were off 12.7% in March and year to date have slipped 12.0% behind last year's pace. The entire decline in motorhome shipments has been restricted to type A motorhomes with results even for type B and slightly ahead for type C shipments.

Through the first three months this year, type A gas motorhomes have slipped 25% while diesel motorhome totals have declined 14% compared to the same period in 2005. Year to date, type C motorhomes have improved nearly 4% so far this year with type B (van campers) holding steady.

Conversion Vehicles
Wholesale shipments of all conversion vehicles declined 23.5% in the March survey of converters, dropping to 2,600 units in total. Shipments of van conversions remain the largest category but the spread between other groups has narrowed. Van conversion shipments of 1,600 units in March were off 23.8% from the same month one year earlier.

Pickup truck conversions declined 20.0% to just 800 units while sport utility conversions slipped 33.3% to 200 units... Year to date, total shipments of all conversion vehicles of 7,900 units during the first three months were off 19.4% compared to this same period last year.