From the RVIA:

Results for the RV Industry Association’s June 2022 survey of manufacturers determined that total RV shipments ended the month with 44,793 units, a decrease of (-11.7%) compared to the 50,796 units shipped in June 2021. Through June, RV shipments are up 7.8% compared to the same point last year with 323,831 wholesale shipments.

Let’s talk about the real numbers as far as travel trailers. Comparing June 2022 to last year, the shipments have dropped 12.8%. Here’s the complete breakdown:

Travel Trailers: -14.8% (30,409 units shipped)

Fifth Wheels: – 9.4% (8,077 units shipped)

Pop-Up Campers: +22.9% (801 units shipped)

Truck Campers: +32.5% (555 units shipped)

Overall Shipments down 12.8% when compared to last year.

Shipments have now been steadily declining overall since March. The RVIA has not downgraded their forecast yet, but a new forecast will be published in September. I anticipate that it will be quite a bit lower than the current forecast of 549,900 (Only an 8.4% decrease over 2021).

While fuel costs (in some areas) has dropped slightly, it is not enough to encourage folks to join the RV Lifestyle. In addition, the fuel costs have caused everything to jump in price. When groceries, rent, and everything else goes up 9%, well spending money on a travel trailer goes to the bottom of the wish list. Currently consumer confidence is low, and will probably get lower.

As far as the RV Manufacturing world is concerned, Keystone has announced the closure of two of it manufacturing plants. Winnebago may not be far behind on reducing its production since they see their sales dropping 17% this year.

What does this mean for you? Well, if you purchased a travel trailer during the Covid 19 pandemic at an inflated price, you are probably under water now since demand has dropped off. Financially, an RV is not an investment, it is a depreciating resource, just like your car. However, don’t forget all the positive reasons you had for purchasing one.

It is still cheaper to travel in a camper than it is to fly somewhere, rent a hotel, and eat your meals in restaurants. So, take a deep breath and don’t panic, you are in it for the long haul, or so you should have thought when you purchased your rig. This is more of a lifestyle than it is a hobby. Don’t let this economic downturn keep you from enjoying your travel trailer. If you want to mitigate some of the costs right now, here are a few suggestions:

  1. Camp in State, County, or COE parks. The prices are much cheaper than private or chain campgrounds and in my opinion much nicer.
  2. Try to camp closer to home to save on Fuel. You would be surprised how much there is to do just around the corner.
  3. Use apps that can save you money on fuel such as Gas Buddy or get an EFS card.
  4. Eat all your meals in the RV.
  5. Become handy when it comes to doing your own maintenance instead of going to a Dealership.
  6. Spend time camping in the off-season

These are just a few suggestions. I’m sure there are plenty of other ways to save money.

For those that haven’t purchased a travel trailer but might be considering it, there is a buying opportunity coming your way. Many used units are coming on the market, but as I always suggest, make sure you get an independent inspection regardless of the age of the unit.

Hang tight, and safe travels!