Recreation Vehicles

Total RV wholesale shipments to retailers in January were reported at 26,800 units, off 23% from January a year ago. While towable shipments declined the most, they still accounted for 84% of all RVs shipped.

The Index of Consumer Sentiment rose to 96.9 in the January survey of consumers, reaching its highest level in two years, according to the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center. Overall signs of a strong economy helped boost consumer perceptions of future economic conditions.

“Consumer’s anticipate higher wage gains in the year ahead”, said Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. “However, buying attitudes towards vehicles will be determined by the availability of pricing discounts.”

The recent declines in retail sales has halted wholesale shipment gains as retailers adjust inventory levels (see pages 14-15). Of the five vehicle categories surveyed, only folding camping trailers and type C motorhomes retail sales were ahead of this same period last year.

Towable RVs

Wholesale shipments of all towable RVs were reported at 22,600 units in January, up 18.3% above last month but off 25.9% from this same month last year. Conventional travel trailers (including Hybrid and Specialty trailers) declined to 13,200 units, off 30.2% from January 2006. Fifth wheel travel trailers were reported at 6,600 units, off 1,000 units this month compared to last January.

Special Note: Due to the similar nature of hybrid and conventional trailers, RVIA will no longer separate these two styles but will continue to report them as one category. Specialty trailers, including Sport Utility and Horse Trailers will continue to be reported in totals for conventional or fifth wheel but RVIA will separate them for purposes of length and wholesale price information on page 13.

Motorhomes

Total motorhome shipments of 4,200 units were up slightly from last month but off slightly from this same month last year. Shipments of all type A motorhomes were up 4% from January last year on shipments of 2,600 units. Type B motorhomes were up 50% on smaller volumes. Type C motorhomes declined 18.8% compared to January 2006 while posting shipments of 1,300 units.

Conversion Vehicles

Wholesale shipments to retailers of all conversion vehicles were reported at 1,500 units in January 2007, a decline of 40% from this same month last year (see page 17). Van conversions shipments were off 47.1% on shipments of 900 units, the lowest total for converted vans on record. Pickup truck conversions were off 20% to 400 units in January while the sport utility conversions slipped to 200 units, a drop of 33.3%.