It’s been about three months since I have talked about the RV industry’s shipments. Well, needless to say the shipment slump continues.

For July of 2023 the total RV shipments were 20,520 units, that is a decrease of 30.5% overall when compared to July of 2022. Year to date, RV shipments (185,350) are down about 48% when compared to this point in 2022 (354,093). That is a huge drop!

Contrast those numbers to the RVIA’s prediction that 2023 would finish north of 400,000 units. In my opinion, that would take some sort of divine intervention.

Let’s look briefly, just at the towable market for July shipments:

Travel trailer manufacturers shipped 13,293 units, marking a 30.8% decline from last July.

Manufacturers shipped only 3,987 fifth wheels, a 20.3% decline compared to last July.”

“Pop-up camper manufacturers shipped just 161 units, a 69.6% drop from last July.”

“Truck camper manufacturers shipped only 257 units, marking a 48.5% decrease compared to last July.”

To see the July shipment report at RVIA, click here.

So as you can see the RV industry is a good reflection of what is happening in this economy. High fuel costs along with high inflation rates, and high interest rates are having an impact. At least 700 workers in Indiana’s RV manufacturing are going to lose their jobs.

Complicating new sales is the huge inventory of used units entering the marketplace.

Also possibly impacting the numbers is the reputation that the RV industry is building and it is not a good one. Quality complaints are rampant. This has been an ongoing issue for a long time. The RVIA is fighting to make sure that the RV industry is status quo. That is why they lobby against lemon laws for RVs. Take a look at this video highlighting that fact from RV Travel.

Let’s face it: RV manufacturers follow construction standards that fall far short of the codes required to plumb and wire a house. That gap in standards has put the industry in its current mess of quality complaints. Just look at the flexible tubing manufacturers use for plumbing. It often connects to pex fittings which is a leak waiting to happen. This would never pass code in a residential construction.

So if you own a travel trailer, you should be handy…or know someone who is! Things will break! In addition, you will need to do regular maintenance.

Let’s see how this year progresses for the RV industry. In the meantime, if you plan on buying a travel trailer, new or used, get an independent inspection. If you have a travel trailer, do your maintenance and get out there and camp!

Happy Camping!