I’m so happy to report that in the 2 short weeks since the beginning of 2011, I’ve talked to more RV Dealers and Trailer Dealers who have a positive outlook for this year, than all of last year combined. It’s extremely refreshing and I’m going to do my part to keep it going. I’ve found several articles that support my theory that “2011 is the year of the RVer”.
The 2011 Florida RV Supershow in Tampa, FL reported 12,912 people walked through the gates on January 12th, the opening day. You can read the full article here: https://www.rvbusiness.com/2011/01/record-attendance-at-florida-rv-supershow/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RvBusiness+%28RV+Business%29
In Greensboro, NC, the 22nd Annual North Carolina RV & Camping Show was a huge success, with high numbers of RVers turning out despite the fact that it was freezing outside and it was threatening to snow. Both attendance and RV Sales were up and it had the largest number of exhibitors in the history of the show. You can read the full article here: https://rvdailyreport.com/news/ctl/articleview/mid/370/articleid/10201/greensboro-rv-show-reports-high-attendance
It seems the RV Industry comeback is being led by lightweight trailer sales. People have less money but still want a way to take a vacation that won’t break the bank. Lightweight trailers are the answer because they can tow them behind the car they already have in the driveway. More RV Manufacturers started marketing and producing low-profile, lightweight trailers as they saw this shift in the market.
We’ve added a new search criteria field to RVUSA.com… dry weight. This allows visitors to search for a recreational vehicle in their specific weight range: https://www.rvusa.com/rv-search. We have over 300 listed with a weight of 2,000 lbs or less.
RV officials say this industry is a leading indicator of the economy’s direction, falling before the rest and rising before a recovery. RV Sales are showing healthly signs and overall RV shipments to dealers is looking good, which means the dealers are more optimistic they can sell the inventory. In my opinion, all the indicators certainly point towards a rise.
How’s it looking in your neck of the woods?
Cindy Spencer 🙂
I expect more class A’s to be the baby boomer preference. After all, they deserve creature comforts now more than ever. The spartan towable just won’t provide the amenities nor the storage space. Vehicle envy and marque loyality will keep the higher pricepoint models popular. I, myself, am a Tiffin owner/supporter. You know the effect.
Far too many FEMA -style trailers on the lots here in Alabama.
Who’s going to buy the towables? Younger couples with a smaller wallet? Beginner RV? Big families? Sports enthusiast?
Fuel prices will affect some; but I see the full-timer making ends meet and still make their rounds in a class-A. More are limiting to nearby-region outings with an occasional long haul or two per year. Fuel price increases will force Rv mfgr. to finally lose-some-weight and stress fuel-efficiency at long last. We may find foreign mfgrs invading our shores with low cost units.
I foresee smaller length class A’s making a strong footing in the market. A consumer driven economic compromise without compromising amenities.
Found another article on big success at an RV Show: http://www.rvbusiness.com/2011/01/vermonts-petes-rv-show-sales-up-25/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RvBusiness+%28RV+Business%29
What are fuel prices going to do to the RV world? Is anyone thinking about this, writing about it?