RV Industry Association Forecasting Record Years

(Image courtesy of the RVIA)

The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association expects a record year in 2018 and even higher totals next year. The Virginia-based organization, which has an office in Elkhart and represents some 400 manufacturers and suppliers, expects close to 540,000 units to ship in the U.S. by year’s end. The industry and Elkhart County where most RVs are made were hit hard by the Great Recession, but the RVIA says it has experienced nine consecutive years of growth and two straight record years.

Next year’s shipment figures, the RVIA anticipates, will exceed 550,000 units for the first time. RVIA President Frank Hugelmeyer detailed the annual forecast recently at the organization’s Committee Week luncheon, adding "this is the longest period of sustained growth the RV industry has seen. Our manufacturers and suppliers are justifiably proud of shipment gains made year-after-year for nearly a decade."

Nearly 505,000 units shipped in 2017, and if the forecast holds, 2018 will represent a 7 percent increase. Through the first quarter of this year, shipments totaled 137,086, up more than 13 percent over the same quarter a year earlier. You can connect to more about the forecast by clicking here.