RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby released a letter to RVIA members on the state of the industry heading into the July 4 holiday weekend.
Kirby said he wanted to thank members for supporting RVIA and noted how rewarding it was to personally engage with so many members during RVs Move America Week.
“Over the past several years, we have seen millions of new people become RVers,” Kirby said. “They find enjoyment and freedom through not only our products, but also in the incredible physical and mental health benefits that come from living an active outdoor lifestyle.”
Although early shipment reports have been strong, Kirby said everyone in the industry can see the market is “leveling off” from last year’s record shipment totals.
“The fact is you cannot endlessly maintain a record-breaking pace,” he said. “However, despite any cooling the industry is experiencing, we are still on pace for one of the best years the industry has ever seen, building on more than 40 years of sustained growth.”
Innovation and collaboration are elevating the RV consumer’s experience, Kirby said, paving the way for long-term success.
“The RV industry is healthy,” he said. “We are more resilient than ever, with younger and more diverse owners entering the RV lifestyle every day.”
Kirby referenced RVIA’s recent economic impact study showing the industry has a $140 billion annual economic impact, supporting nearly 680,000 jobs and paying more than $48 billion in wages.
“These are incredible figures,” he said, “and they cement the fact that the RV industry is a major player in the overall outdoor recreation economy.”
Kirby asked members to take a moment over the holiday weekend to think about the industry and the millions of consumers who will be enjoying the holiday in campgrounds nationwide.
“Thank you and I hope you and yours have a happy 4th of July,” he said.
