According to a new forecast from RV industry analyst, Richard Curtin, Ph.D., RV shipments are expected to stabilize this year.
Curtin has revised his previous 2020 projections. He now anticipates RV shipments for 2020 to fall between 380,300 and 420,200 units. The most likely final number, he said, will be 410,100 units. If true, it would represent a 1 percent increase over 2019 shipments.
Curtin expects towable shipments to reach 366,900 units in 2020 and motorhome shipments to land at 43,200 units by year end.
Positive economic indicators—wage and job growth coupled with low inflation and interest rates—should help RV sales stabilize, Curtin reported. However, the election and coronavirus impact are likely impact the second half of the year.
If the projected shipment total of 410,100 units comes to fruition, 2020 would rank the third best annual total on comparable record. It would surpass the 10-year shipment average of 365,800 units, the 20-year average of 337,400 units and the 30-year average of 304,600 units.
To achieve new sales records, Curtin said, the industry must focus on millennial buyers. OEMs must adjust units to reflect their values and recreational interests.
RVIA members can read more about Curtin’s forecast, here.
