The Canadian RV and camping industry ended its first quarter citing a “significant increase” in new customer awareness, leading to a wholesale RV shipment increase this year.
The Canadian RV Association (CRVA) released its newest report detailing wholesale RV shipments for its quarter ending March 31. Compared with 2020, 2021’s first quarter saw a 60.44% increase in total shipments. The association stated a focus on new customers during the pandemic and high consumer demand for the RV lifestyle has “continued into 2021.”
First-quarter shipments totaled 13,852 units this year. In 2020, that number was 8,634.
“While increased production and improving supply chain issues will assist RV retailers to finalize presold units, it will not be sufficient to significantly replenish their current low inventory levels,” CRVA stated in its forecast. “We expect that demand from Canadian RV enthusiasts will still exceed supply throughout most of 2021.”
Travel trailers saw the highest jump within CRVA’s report. A 73.6% increase was recorded in the segment, with 11,249 units shipped compared with 6,480 units last year. Fifth wheels followed close behind with a 61.11% jump, showing 1,777 shipments compared with 1,103 units last year.
A 17.85% decrease was reported in the motorhome segment. A total of 543 units shipped, compared with 661 units last year.
