Surge In Recreational Vehicle Sales Expected To Continue In 2014

Thor Axis, a new RUV

Higher consumer confidence and an improved economy should spur continued strong sales of motor homes and other recreational vehicles in 2014, according to an industry trade group.

As RV manufacturers and dealers gathered in Louisville, Ky, for their annual trade show, the head of the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association said he expects RV shipments of 335,000 units in 2014, 6.1 percent higher than this year.  That would mark five consecutive years of RV market growth.

“RV shipments are growing,” said RVIA President Richard Coon. “Consumer confidence is growing, credit is available, and RVs are visible, popular and even cool. This is a good time to be in the RV business,” he said.

New products, such as Thor’s  Axis, a 25.5-foot “recreational utility vehicle” (RUV), and Winnebago’s new Destination, its most luxurious fifth-wheel ever, are also expected to drive  sales. Both are being introduced this week at the RV show.

RV manufacturing, much of which takes place in Indiana, is an $11 billion industry employing more than 250,000 people.

Manufacturers expect shipments this year to top 300,000 units for the first time since before the  Great Recession. The rise in shipments to an expected 316,300 units by year-end 2013 would be a 10.7% gain over the 2012 total of 285,749, RVIA said. Sales of conventional travel trailers and type A motor homes have been exceptionally strong, with motor homes now comprising 12% of all shipments – up from 10% in 2012.

Although economic conditions and consumer confidence have improved, lingering uncertainty about government policies and programs could affect the economic outlook, Coon cautioned.“Our forecasts are affected by the economy,” Coon said. “The economy is improving, but that progress could be undone if our political leaders fail to behave responsibly.”