Rather than paraphrase the RVIA, I thought I’d share their own words with you:

“Demand for RV units has grown month-over-month in 2021, breaking all previous wholesale shipment records. The latest projection shows the most likely year-end total for RV units built in 2021 to be 602,200 units, representing a 40% increase over the 2020 year-end total of 430,412 units. It will also be a 19% gain over the current comparable record high of 504,600 units set in 2017.”

So, as I have always maintained, what is good for the RV industry in terms of production is not always great for the RV consumer. More production in the RV industry typically means faster through-put with less quality. Every day you can read about the incomplete units arriving at RV Dealerships with missing parts, or parts replaced with lessor quality alternatives. Many units are arriving with plumbing and electrical issues as well. Complicating all of this is a shortage of employees in the RV industry.

If you thought 2021 was a bad year to purchase a travel trailer, 2022 will be even worse? Why? They predict an even larger number of units to be sold in 2022. Beyond that, many of the RV manufacturers are already sold out into 2022 so if it is a new unit you want; the wait may be a long one.

Don’t fret though, there are used unit that are only a few years old that are showing up. However, these units are going for a lot of money compared to just a few years ago. It is a sellers’ market right now.

So, what can you do to protect yourself? No matter what unit you are buying (new or used) get an independent inspection.

So how do you find an inspector and what is the cost? The NRVIA is the best place to find an
inspector to look at your impending purchase. The National Recreational Vehicle Inspectors Association (NRVIA) is an organization providing certifications for professional recreational vehicle inspectors across North America. NRVIA Inspectors are required to follow specific standards. These standards will ensure
that you will receive a professional, standardized, and thorough travel trailer inspection.

You will want to find a “Level 2” inspector, and you should expect to pay about $400.00 for the
service. This is a very in-depth inspection covering multiple major inspection points. Under each
major inspection point there are multiple checkpoints. This type of inspection has saved many consumers from a new purchase nightmare.

I don’t say any of this to dissuade you from purchasing a travel trailer; I think everyone should own one. However, you need to enter any purchase with your eyes wide open and be prepared to walk away based on what defects may be found. Hopefully, the inspection will only find some minor issues but that is not always the case. So, it is much better up front to know when you need to walk away from a purchase. Trying to make a substandard travel trailer work for you will be an exercise in frustration and probably months of repairs in the shop.

So please, if you only do one thing during your purchase, get an independent inspection. Your overall happiness depends on it.

Tammy and I wish all of you in the travel trailer nation to have a happy and prosperous 2022!