The RV Industry Association (RVIA) reported that wholesale shipments of recreational vehicles totaled 22,900 units in May 2026, marking an 18.7% decline from the 28,150 units shipped during the same month a year earlier.
The downturn extended the industry’s year-to-date slowdown, with total shipments reaching 138,160 units through the first five months of 2026. That compares with 161,373 units shipped during the same period in 2025, representing a 14.4% decrease.
Towable RVs accounted for the majority of the decline in May. The segment, led by conventional travel trailers, recorded 19,679 shipments during the month, down 21.3% from May 2025. Towable RVs continue to represent the largest share of overall industry shipments.
Motorhomes posted modest growth despite the broader market contraction. Manufacturers shipped 3,221 motorhomes in May, a 2.2% increase compared with the same month last year. The gain made motorhomes the only major RV category to report year-over-year growth for the month.
The association’s monthly survey of manufacturers highlighted the contrast between weaker demand in towable products and continued stability in the motorhome segment. While overall shipments remained below year-ago levels, motorhome shipments showed resilience amid broader industry softness.
Park Model RVs also recorded growth in May. Wholesale shipments of the units totaled 383, an 8.5% increase from the same month in 2025.
Year-to-date figures for Park Model RVs showed stronger momentum than the broader RV market. Manufacturers shipped 2,172 Park Model RVs through May, up 23.3% from the comparable period last year.
The RVIA, which conducts the monthly manufacturer survey, represents more than 430 RV manufacturers and component and aftermarket suppliers. According to the association, its members produce 98% of all RVs manufactured in the United States and approximately 60% of RVs produced worldwide.
The organization provides industry data and market research, advocates on behalf of the RV sector, and works with manufacturers, suppliers and policymakers on issues affecting the recreational vehicle industry.
The association also supports consumer awareness initiatives and workforce development efforts, including technician training programs.