20 Best RV Sales Trends

The RV industry is an ever-growing segment that continues to hit its sales, ownership, and manufacturing peaks around the US. RV owners prefer this vehicle for their travels and vacations, which allows them to save on vacation costs but still maintain the fun and joy of their destination.

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Fascinating Facts About RV Sales

The rise of RV sales relates directly to its usage across the country. It’s a growing trend in the US and other countries like Canada, showing how beneficial they are to travel enthusiasts. Check out these selected RV sales statistics that give you a glimpse of the market situation:

Americans have the most significant ownership market; around 40 million people and 9 million families in the US own one
Of those, 38% are Millennials, but most of them are Gen X and Baby Boomers
Florida is home to the 6th concentration of RV residents in the nation, thus among the top RV sales in the country
The industry contributed over $114 billion to the US economy in 2018
Most RV owners are men between 38 and 55 years old, but more women are RVing alone.
The RV industry started in the 1910s and exploded in the 1950s
10% of 35-year old’s use a recreational vehicle once a year
38% of the 40 million people who own a recreational vehicle are Millennials
Exports of RVs total around $1 billion a year
$6 billion in taxes comes from the RV industry a year

One is owned by around 40 million individuals and 9 million households in the US, making Americans the biggest ownership market.

Americans love the RV culture, with approximately 40 million people owning at least one RV. An estimated 9 million families, with the majority being in California and Texas, have the most RV owners in the country.

Of Those, 38% Are Millennials, but Most of Them Are Gen X and Baby Boomers

Gen X and Baby Boomers are known users for their love of RVs. The flexibility and fun of the RVs make them a fun favorite among millennials.

The Industry Contributed Over $114 Billion to the US Economy in 2018

The RV industry contributes significantly to the economy, with over 114 billion dollars in 2018. The financial prowess of RV owners, especially those who go for Class A vehicles, significantly contributes to the economy. California and Texas have the highest figures in this regard.

RV Sales and Services Contribute Approximately $ 30.5 Billion

RV sales and services contribute $30.5 billion to the total revenue in the RV industry.

Most RV owners are men between 38 and 55 years old, but more women are beginning to become RVers

Males between 38 to 55 years are the most common owners of RVs, translating to having the highest sales in the figure.

The RV Industry Started in the 1910s and Exploded in the 1950s

The RV industry was launched in 1910 and grew exponentially in the 1950s. However, it has recorded steady growth in sales, with an exponential rise between 2019 to 2021.

10% of 35-Year Old’s Use a Recreational Vehicle Once a Year

As previously stated, males between 35 to 55 years contribute the most to RV sales and ownership. Similarly, approximately 10% of this group uses their RV at least once a year. There’s more intent in buying and owning RVs in this age group because of the calm and entertaining experience they get from the vehicle.

Approximately 25% of Campers Are Under the Age of 18 in the US

Families are engaging more in RVs and their expeditions. With about 9 million families owning RVs, users under 18 are about 25% of the population. Parents teach the culture and interest of these vehicles and then transition to RV lovers and customers once they can afford them.

The US is home to most of the over 100 RV makers in the world.

The US has more than 100 RV manufacturers, which shows their popularity in the market.

Nearly 680 thousand jobs are supported by the US RV industry as a whole.

The RV industry is quite large, with over 100 brands and plants. It has an estimated 680,000 jobs, supporting their families and the economy.

RV ownership has increased by over 62% in the past two decades.

RV ownership has grown by 62% since 2001, showing the industry’s growth. Ownership and sales often go hand in hand, translating to an increase in sales over the same period.

One-third of all RV owners are family campers, and most of them (64%) are used full-time.

Family campers and owners contribute 33% of RV ownership and usage.

Many RVers Are Adding Solar Panels to Their Vehicles

Recreational Vehicles are slowly changing with the changing economy and trends. RVers are conscious of their energy usage and use solar panels. Installing solar panels allows the campers to get an energy tax credit.

There Are 3 Classes of Motorhomes, With Class A Motorhomes Being the Most Expensive

There are three classes of motorhomes. Their prices range from $100000 to over $500000. The most expensive vehicles are the Class A vehicles. Class B and C have lower pricing of up to $100000.

The industry revenue from RV sales reached $20 billion in 2018, which was a high amount compared to previous years. The year also saw a significant increase in imports, showing a change in the industry.

RV Sales and Revenue

RV Exports and Imports

RVs are also in demand in other parts of the world, as shown by the annual exports of around $ 1 billion. However, the US also imports RVs from other countries, such as Canada, China, and Germany.

RV Taxes and Economic Impact

The RV industry pays at least $ 6 billion in taxes every year from their activities, such as sales, manufacturing, and employment. The industry also contributes to the US economy by generating jobs, income, and spending. In 2019, the RV industry had an overall economic impact of $114 billion, supporting nearly 600,000 jobs.

RV Consumer Demographics and Preferences

The RV owners are diverse in terms of age, income, education, and ethnicity. However, some common characteristics are that they are likely to own their homes, have higher incomes than non-owners, and travel more frequently. The average RV owner is 38-55 years old, and male.

RV Industry Growth and Trends

The industry has seen a remarkable growth of 200% between 2009 and 2017 due to more people owning and using RVs. The growth is driven by younger generations, such as millennials and Gen Xers, who are attracted by the RV lifestyle.

Conclusion

The RV industry is a dynamic and thriving sector that offers many benefits to consumers and the economy. It is expected to continue growing in the future as more people discover the joys of RVing.

However, the industry also faces some challenges such as competition from other travel modes, environmental regulations, consumer preferences, and supply chain issues. Therefore, the industry needs to adapt and innovate to meet the changing needs and demands of the market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the dominant RV sales trend regarding unit types?

Towable travel trailers represent the dominant RV sales trend, accounting for roughly 80 to 85 percent of all wholesale shipments reported by the RV Industry Association. Buyers favor travel trailers because lighter curb weights allow towing with standard half-ton pickup trucks and mid-sized SUVs. Conventional travel trailers maintain lower manufacturing costs and monthly loan payments compared to Class A motorhomes, which continue to see softened demand.

What does the rise of off-grid features mean for RV sales trends?

Factory-installed off-grid features indicate an RV sales trend shifting toward dispersed camping, remote boondocking, and mobile work lifestyles. Manufacturers now include standard 200-watt to 600-watt solar panel packages, lithium-ion battery banks, and larger fresh-water holding tanks directly on base trims. This equipment eliminates the need for expensive aftermarket electrical upgrades, appealing directly to younger digital nomads and dispersed public land campers.

How do dealerships track regional RV sales trends to price their inventory?

Dealerships track regional RV sales trends by analyzing wholesale auction data from Black Book, dealer management system transaction histories, and monthly RVIA shipment metrics. Dealers adjust inventory turn rates by comparing local lot days-on-market against regional averages. If inventory sits longer than 90 days, dealers reduce markups and apply manufacturer rebates to clear aged stock before floor-plan interest rates erode operating margins.

How long does it take for seasonal RV sales trends to lower dealer prices?

Seasonal RV sales trends typically cause dealer prices to drop over a 60-day to 90-day window between October and January. Foot traffic slows significantly after Labor Day, prompting dealerships to offer discounts of 15% to 30% off manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Sellers aim to minimize inventory carrying costs before new model-year units arrive at lots in early spring.

Are travel trailers selling better than fifth wheels under current RV sales trends?

Travel trailers outsell fifth wheels by a margin of nearly four to one under prevailing RV sales trends. While fifth wheels offer multi-room residential layouts and elevated ceilings, their higher weight necessitates heavy-duty three-quarter-ton or one-ton trucks. Travel trailers cost between $20,000 and $45,000 on average, making them far more accessible to budget-conscious weekend campers than premium $80,000 fifth wheels.

How much have average purchase prices dropped due to recent RV sales trends?

Average RV purchase prices have decreased by 10 to 20 percent from post-pandemic highs as dealer inventories normalized. Wholesale prices stabilized throughout 2023 and 2024, bringing average new travel trailer prices down to roughly $25,000 to $35,000. Used unit prices experienced an even steeper correction of nearly 25 percent across major dealer networks as trade-in volumes surged.

What mistake do first-time buyers make when following popular RV sales trends?

First-time RV buyers frequently purchase oversized floor plans without verifying their tow vehicle payload capacity and gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCWR). Buyers often focus solely on advertised dry weights and trendy bunkhouse layouts. Exceeding hitch weight or axle capacity causes dangerous trailer sway, premature brake wear, and transmission failure, which often forces owners to trade in their rig at a steep financial loss within one year.

Is buying an electric camper van worth it based on current RV sales trends?

Electric camper vans are currently not worth the investment for cross-country travelers due to limited driving range and high retail costs. Most commercial electric vans provide real-world ranges between 110 and 160 miles per charge while costing upwards of $120,000 to $180,000 fully outfitted. Unless your travel takes place strictly between well-developed charging corridors or within regional state parks, gas or diesel Class B vans provide significantly better practicality and resale stability.