RV Sales – Market Trends

As technology continues to enter most industrial markets, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that this is become characteristic in the RV industry as well, especially when you consider the tie in that this has with the RV sales segment of the industry.  When you study market trends in any industry, the key aspects of forecasting usually involve past, present, and future scenarios --- where it’s been, where it’s at, and where it’s going.

Heading into the new millennium, we saw an upswing in the market that lasted five years up until last year (2007).  That upswing equated to a five year cycle of record growth in shipments and sales.  Despite the fact that shipments were down roughly 9.5% in 2007, there were 353,400 units shipped for the year, the fourth highest amount of product shipped in the last 25 years.  The amount of shipments obviously indicates the direction of the RV sales market.  However, not all of these shipments result from the instant gratification factor from having purchased the vehicle immediately off a dealership lot or showroom floor.

According to Dr. Richard Curtin, who is the current Director of Consumer Surveys at the University of Michigan, 2008 is shaping up to continue on the same path of the prior year, with shipments still on the decline.  His projection is based on a combination of the following four market indicators:

• Diminishing consumer confidence
• Falling household wealth
• Higher credit standards
• Slower growth in real incomes

On a positive note, Curtin is still contending that RV sales won’t suffer that significantly, and that the number of shipments could still total the eighth largest amount in the past quarter century.  He is projecting over 300,000 units to be shipped for the year.

Where the long-term forecast is concerned, Curtin is projecting continued growth both in RV sales and then shipments.  He is forecasting that 8.5 million households will be RV owners by 2010, and that is not that far away.

Statistics indicate that over 390,000 motor home’s were shipped in 2006, which was an increase of 1.6% over 2005 and the #1 total of units for the past 25 years.  It was also the fifth consecutive year that showed positive growth (2002-06).  In addition to being the top shipments year out of the last quarter century, 2006 was also a peak year for the travel trailer shipments since 1972.  In 2005, there were 384,400 units that were wholesale shipments (a 27-year record high), and in 2004 the industry shipped over 370,100 units.

Current lifstyle trends also point in a positive direction for RV sales as a variety of surveys all indicated that the consumer feels that it is more convenient now than ever before to take off on more frequent weekend excursions or “mini-vacations.”  Not only does this accommodate today’s busy family schedules, but the survey also indicated that 9 out of 10 RV owners are planning on taking three or four short trips (1-4 days) during the spring and summer months.

Pedata RV Center: A Top 10 Holiday Rambler RV Dealer

Pedata RV Center is an Arizona-based dealer of new and used recreational vehicles, and we specialize in the Holiday Rambler, one of the most exciting brands of motor homes in the industry. We carry most motor home makes and models, including Classes A, B, and C, as well as diesel pushers. Because we are also a wholesaler, you can save $10,000 or more on your recreational vehicle purchase. Pedata RV Center sells new and used motor homes at steep discounts.

Even if you're not in Arizona, you can buy from Pedata with confidence. No matter where you live, you can view our motor home inventory, new and used, online 24/7 and see each recreational vehicle on our lot by viewing extensive interior and exterior photos or by our new live online video virtual tour (Call Toll Free 888-545-8314 to ask how!).

With our inventory, prices, and full commitment to service after the sale, it's no wonder that Pedata RV Center is recognized year-in and year-out as one of the top 10 Holiday Rambler RV dealers. With thousands of RV dealerships nationwide vying for such a title, it's a big deal. And each day, we strive to bring our customers the same service and knowledge about recreational vehicles and motor homes that have earned us that coveted spot.

Good customer service is the order of the day at Pedata RV Center. Because we strive to be a great RV dealer, we want you to go home happy with your purchase and happy with your experience.

Pedata RV Sales Center 4933 S. Outlet Center Dr
Tucson, AZ 85706
Mon-Sat 8:00 am - 5:30 pm Sun 11:00 am - 5:00 pm