The March edition is our annual “Hitches & Towing” issue. In addition to “THE BEST OF” Hitches & Towing products, we’ve got a great story on the impact of rising steel prices that I think you will really enjoy.
There is also a nice story on Coachman RV’s Brookstone-branded fifth wheels that saw immense growth in 2020. If you want to read an inspirational story on a dealership that faced and overcame more troubles than any single person should ever have to face, this issue has that story, too.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that NTP-Stag safely pulled off a successful tradeshow. We also have a story on that in this edition. Click here to access the March issue.
In the Industry
There are big developments in the industry since I last wrote you. They include what I think is the best-ever RV consumer data compilation the industry has ever done. I found this info extremely interesting, as it paints a picture of not only who current RVers are, but also who those intending to buy RVs in the future are. It offers so much valuable info, it really is astounding. Well done, RVIA!
One of the biggest key points I took away from the report is who currently owns RVs and who is going to buy them in the future. Here is a spoiler: I often hear countless people and companies talk about the millennial generation as the marketing and advertising target in the industry. My interpretation of RVIA’s survey data is that targeting millennials is a waste of time and money when compared to other demographics. Look for yourself and tell me what you think.
I can’t get into too many details on the report because the information in it is only available for RVIA members. I believe RVDA members can also access the report, but if you do not belong to one of these two organizations, all I can say is, “Sorry, you are out of luck,” until more information is revealed via press releases. Consider joining either organization if you are able.
Leveraging the report’s info to make smart business decisions, and using the data to ensure RV consumers have a great RVing experience, is essential for our industry in my opinion. My prayer is that everyone in the industry will someday be able to review the data in entirety.
The Aftermarket
In other news, RVIA will have its RV Aftermarket Executive Conference in Atlanta this year. It will be the first big industry event in nearly a year, if you exclude the Atlanta show. Yes, it is official, and if you are an aftermarket distributor, supplier or rep agent… missing this event would be a huge mistake. The aftermarket committee working on it has some really great things planned. There is more info on our website concerning this event. Just do a simple search for it.
Wholesale Shipments
Lastly, we received February wholesale shipment numbers from RVIA today. Um…. Oh, my God… a 30 percent increase? All I can say is, “Wow!” Again, find more info on our website about the best February in the history of the RV industry. You may recall my prediction a few months ago that for the entire year of 2021, we would be up 20 percent.
Well, I’m revising my year’s prediction up an additional 8 percent, based on my research and updates I’ve seen on the official numbers to date. I’m predicting a massive sales spike in the July to August timeframe as supply chain issues peter out. I predict you will need more product than you think come mid to late summer. That’s what my foggy crystal ball tells me.
Thanks for reading,
Dana Nelsen
CEO of RV News Magazine
