The RV Industry Association (RVIA) recently released its January 2023 survey of manufacturers, which revealed that total RV shipments for the month ended with 20,405 units, a decrease of 61.8% compared to the record 53,351 units shipped in January 2022.
As per the News & Insights report of the RV Industry Association, the decline was expected after a record high in RV production during the first half of 2022.
Towable RVs, including conventional travel trailers, saw a significant decrease of 66.8% compared to January 2022, with 16,117 shipments. On the other hand, motorhomes finished the month with a more modest decrease of 10.1%, with 4,288 units shipped.
Despite the decrease, RV Industry Association President & CEO Craig Kirby remained optimistic about the industry’s future. He noted that the year-over-year decrease was expected, given the record-high RV production in the first half of 2022. Kirby also mentioned that the RV shows across the country had high attendance and that campgrounds reported strong reservation numbers.
In addition, park model RVs had a successful month with a 64.8% increase in wholesale shipments compared to January 2022, with 547 units shipped. Park model RVs are larger, more stationary RVs that are often used as vacation homes.
The decrease in shipments may be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the global supply chain. However, with the rise in popularity of RV travel and the increasing demand for outdoor recreation, the RV industry remains a significant player in the travel and hospitality sectors.
As the RV industry moves forward in 2023, it will be interesting to see how manufacturers adapt to the current market conditions and how the industry as a whole continues to evolve.
It seems the RV world hit a bump in January 2023, but don’t worry, the adventure is far from over! Enthusiasts are revving up for outdoor fun, so get ready for more campfire tales and starlit journeys ahead!