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 shipments were down 30.8% compared to last July, having only shipped 13,293 units.

Fifth Wheels shipments were down 20.3% compared to last July having only shipped 3,987 units

Pop-Up Campers were down 69.6% compared to last July having only shipped 161 units

Truck Campers were down 48.5% compared to last July having only shipped 257 units

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. My understanding is that at least 700 RV manufacturing employees in Indiana have already been laid off.

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

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, the standards for construction of an RV are nothing compared to the codes that are required to plumb and wire a house. That is why we are in the mess we are in as far as quality complaints. Just look at the flexible tubing that is used for plumbing. It is often connect 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!

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!