RV inventory levels may be normal once again but the latest report from JD Power found retail RV values have not come down much from 2022’s high marks.
JD Power’s RV Market Industry Overview for the first quarter of 2023 found all RV segments started the year strong. The report found retail values increase into the early spring months.
“Despite higher interest rates, increased competition for consumer dollars from travel and services, and a more typical supply of new RVs,” JD Power said, “values are holding up extremely well.”
Travel trailer retail values in the first four months of 2023 were down an average of 15.6% from the first four months of 2022. However, 2023 values were 1.6% higher than values in late 2022.
Fifth wheel retail values similarly averaged 8.5% lower than the first four months of 2022, but 4.5% higher than values from late 2022.
“This combination of economic and supply factors points to stabilization followed by a return to depreciation,” JD Power said, “but for now, take advantage of strong values.”
Among motorized RVs, Type A motorhomes’ retail values averaged 2.9% lower in the first four months of 2023 than the first four months of 2022. However, 2023 values were 2% higher than late 2022.
Type C motorhome values were 0.4% higher in the first four months of 2023 than the first four months of 2022. Type C retail values in 2023 were 3.8% higher than late 2022.
Truck campers were the other RV segment showing higher 2023 retail values than the same period in 2022. Truck campers averaged 1% higher values in the first fourth months of 2023 than the first four months of 2022.
Finally, camping trailers’ retail values averaged 3.5% lower in the first four months of 2023 than the first four months of 2022, yet were 3.2% higher than late 2022 values.
Other noteworthy information in the report includes:
Two-thirds of RV online views in 2023 have been for travel trailers (including fifth wheels), followed by Type A (17%), Type C (12%) and Type B (2%) motorhomes.
Among travel trailer brands (including fifth wheels), Keystone RV registered the most searches at 32%. Jayco was next at 16% followed by Heartland RV (10%), Grand Design RV (10%), Forest River’s Cherokee (8%) and Forest River’s Coachmen, Rockwood, Wildwood and Salem (all 5%).
Among Type A motorhomes, Thor Motor Coach registered the most searches at 21%. Winnebago was next at 18% followed by Allegro (15%), Holiday Rambler (8%), Itasca (7%) and Phaeton (7%).
Among Type C motorhomes, Thor Motor Coach again had the most searches at 29%. Jayco followed at 15% with Winnebago (15%), Forest River’s Coachmen (13%), Forest River’s Sunseeker (9%) and Forester (6%).
