Recreational Vehicles in the US by Product, 6th Edition

Featuring 44 tables and 47 figures – now available in Excel and Powerpoint! Learn More

Manufacturing Expansions Show Strong Outlook

Since 2016, at least three dozen RV manufacturing locations have added or announced expanded plant capacity. While the top two manufacturers in the RV industry, Forest River (4 projects) and Thor (13 projects), account for the most activity, smaller companies, like nüCamp and RV Factory, have also made additions to their manufacturing square footage. While the expansions are intended to support production for a variety of products, the majority are aimed at travel trailer manufacturing. The construction projects are an indication of confidence in the extended outlook of the market.

Key Findings in the Recreational Vehicles in the US Study:

A Healthy Economy Has Spurred Consumer Confidence and Expenditures

Since the Great Recession, during which demand for recreational vehicles fell sharply, the economy has been slowly improving, along with consumer spending. Interest rates remain low, keeping loans for large purchases relatively affordable. Moreover, home values continue to rise, giving consumers access to equity to support loans for RVs.

Travel Trailers Have Led the RV Industry Recovery and Will Continue to Do So Going Forward

Sales of travel trailers continue to grow, even surpassing pre-recession peaks. In 2017, unit sales of travel trailers were nearly 200% of 2007 levels. Travel trailers are favored for their variety of options, from luxury to low-cost entry-level versions, and from those that require a large truck to pull them to those that can be managed by most small automobiles. In general, trailers are preferred because, unlike motorhomes, they can be left behind at a campsite while the owner tours the area in a conventional automobile that can be parked anywhere. Current models appeal to a range of consumers – from those looking for a retro or European look or a functional vehicle that can haul their ATV or snowmobile, to long-term travelers and to those on a quick weekend getaway.

More Reasons to Own an RV and More Demographics to Own Them

The typical RV owner still falls in an older demographic – retirees and “snow birds” – but younger consumers are particularly motivated by lifestyle reasons including:

taking just the basics to escape the bustle of daily life
traveling with all of the comforts of home, including pets, while connected via Wi-Fi and electronic devices
living the “weekend warrior” lifestyle, tailgating at sporting events or concerts, camping, or taking motorcycles or other gear out for recreation
living and working full-time or for extended stretches on the road

Study Coverage

This study presents historical data (2007, 2012, and 2017) and forecasts for 2022 by product (conventional travel trailers, fifth-wheel travel trailers, class A motorhomes, class B motorhomes, class C motorhomes, folding camping trailers, truck campers) in units and US dollars, and by region (Northeast, Midwest, South, West) in US dollars. The study covers accessories for RVs sold in the aftermarket. In addition, it evaluates key industry players in the RV market and analyzes consumer survey data.

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Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

OVERVIEW

Key Findings

Recreational Vehicle Supply & Demand

Historical Trends

Supply & Demand Forecast

RV Owner Demographic Profile

Travel Preferences of RV Owners

Overview

RVs Offer Better Value & Convenience

RVs Offer Better Opportunities to Meet People

Road Travel Is More Enjoyable

Outdoor Lifestyle Trends

Tiny House Movement Spreads to RVs

Overview & Preferences

Demand Opportunity

Recreational Vehicle Retail Environment

Recreational Vehicle Stock

Recreational Vehicle Ownership Costs

RV Rental Market

Pricing

Motorhomes by Engine Type

Product Highlights

Overview

Outdoor Kitchens

RUVs

Slide-Outs & Other Space Expansions

Toy Haulers

Regulatory & Safety Issues

Licensing & Taxation

Safety Standards

Global Outlook

North America

Western Europe

Asia/Pacific

Trade

PRODUCTS

Key Findings

RV Supply & Demand

Overview

Manufacturing Expansions

Recreational Vehicle Supply & Demand Forecast

Travel Trailers

Product Overview

Supply & Demand Forecast

Conventional Travel Trailer Overview

Conventional Travel Trailer Demand

Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailer Overview

Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailer Demand

Producers & Market Share

Motorhomes

Product Overview

Supply & Demand Outlook

Class A Motorhome Overview

Class A Motorhome Demand

Class B Motorhome Overview

Class B Motorhome Demand

Class C Motorhome Overview

Class C Motorhome Demand

Producers & Market Share

Campers & Camping Trailers

Product Overview

Supply & Demand Outlook

Folding Camping Trailer Overview

Folding Camping Trailer Demand

Truck Camper Overview

Truck Camper Demand

Producers

Aftermarket Accessories Demand

Overview

Demand Outlook

Navigation & Electronic

Other Separately Sold Components

REGIONS

Key Findings

Regional Trends

Overview

Economic Environment

Population

RV Travel Trends

Demand by Region

Northeast

Northeast: Overview

New England

Middle Atlantic

Midwest

Midwest: Overview

East North Central

West North Central

South

South: Overview

South Atlantic

East South Central

West South Central

West

West: Overview

Mountain

Pacific

INDUSTRY STRUCTURE

Key Findings & Industry Composition

Market Share

Competitive Strategies

Manufacturing

Marketing

Brand Awareness & Loyalty Marketing

Lifestyle Marketing

Channels of Distribution

Mergers & Acquisitions

Cooperative Agreements

List of Industry Participants

APPENDIX

Scope

Methodology

Sources

Associations & Agencies

Related Freedonia Group Studies

Definitions

Abbreviations

Macroeconomic Assumptions

Economic Environment

Demographic Trends

Consumer Spending

Recreational Expenditures

Consumer Financing

List of Tables

OVERVIEW

Table 2-1 | Recreational Vehicle Supply & Demand, 2007 - 2022 (million dollars)

Table 2-2 | Activities of Consumers Who Traveled by Motorhome/RV for Any Trip in Last 12 Months

Table 2-3 | Recreational Vehicle Retail Sales (million dollars)

Table 2-4 | Recreational Vehicles in Use

Table 2-5 | Recreational Vehicle Prices, 2007 - 2022 (thousand dollars per unit)

Table 2-6 | Motorhome Demand by Engine Type, 2007 - 2022 (units)

Table 2-7 | RV Features & Their Regulatory Standards

Table 2-8 | Recreational Vehicle Foreign Trade (million dollars)

PRODUCTS

Table 3-1 | Recreational Vehicle Types Overview

Table 3-2 | Selected Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Expansions

Table 3-3 | Recreational Vehicle Supply & Demand, 2007 - 2022 (million dollars)

Table 3-4 | Travel Trailer Supply & Demand, 2007 - 2022

Table 3-5 | Conventional Travel Trailer Demand, 2007 - 2022 (thousand units)

Table 3-6 | Fifth-Wheel Trailer Demand, 2007 - 2022 (thousand units)

Table 3-7 | Selected Travel Trailer Manufacturers & Products

Table 3-8 | Motorhome Supply & Demand, 2007 - 2022

Table 3-9 | Class A Motorhome Demand, 2007 - 2022 (thousand units)

Table 3-10 | Class B Motorhome Demand, 2007 - 2022 (thousand units)

Table 3-11 | Class C Motorhome Demand, 2007 - 2022 (thousand units)

Table 3-12 | Selected Motorhome Manufacturers & Products

Table 3-13 | Camper & Camping Trailer Supply & Demand, 2007 - 2022

Table 3-14 | Folding Camper Trailer Demand, 2007 - 2022 (thousand units)

Table 3-15 | Truck Camper Demand, 2007 - 2022 (thousand units)

Table 3-16 | Selected Camper & Camping Trailer Manufacturers & Products

Table 3-17 | Recreational Vehicle Accessories Demand, 2007 - 2022 (million dollars)

REGIONS

Table 4-1 | US Personal Consumption Expenditures by Region, 2007 - 2022 (billion dollars)

Table 4-2 | Population by Region, 2007 - 2022 (million people)

Table 4-3 | Regional Share of Consumers Who Traveled by RV or Motorhome for Any Trip in the Past 12 Months, 2017

Table 4-4 | Recreational Vehicle Demand by Region, 2007 - 2022 (million dollars)

Table 4-5 | Northeast Recreational Vehicle Demand by Subregion, 2007 - 2022 (million dollars)

Table 4-6 | Midwest Recreational Vehicle Demand by Subregion, 2007 - 2022 (million dollars)

Table 4-7 | South Recreational Vehicle Demand by Subregion, 2007 - 2022 (million dollars)

Table 4-8 | West Recreational Vehicle Demand by Subregion, 2007 - 2022 (million dollars)

INDUSTRY STRUCTURE

Table 5-1 | US Recreational Vehicles Product Sales by Company, 2017

Table 5-2 | Competitive Strategies in the US Recreational Vehicles Industry

Table 5-3 | Selected Acquisitions & Divestitures

APPENDIX

Table 6-1 | Study Scope: US Geographic Regions & Subregions

Table 6-2 | Relevant Industry Codes

Table 6-3 | Abbreviations & Acronyms Used in Study

Table 6-4 | Macroeconomic Indicators, 2007 - 2022 (billion 2009 dollars)

Table 6-5 | Population & Households, 2007 - 2022 (million persons)

Table 6-6 | Personal Consumption Expenditures, 2007 - 2022 (billion dollars)

Table 6-7 | Recreational Expenditures, 2007 - 2022 (billion dollars)

Table 6-8 | Consumer Financing Environment, 2007 - 2017

List of Figures

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Figure 1-1 | Key Trends in the US Recreational Vehicle Market

OVERVIEW

Figure 2-1 | Key Trends in Recreational Vehicles

Figure 2-2 | Recreational Vehicle Market, 2007 - 2022

Figure 2-3 | Demographic Profile of Consumers Who Traveled by Motorhome/RV for Any Trip in Last 12 Months

Figure 2-4 | Consumer Attitudes About the Value of RV Travel Versus Staying in a Hotel

Figure 2-5 | Consumer Attitudes About the Convenience of RV Travel Versus Staying in a Hotel

Figure 2-6 | Consumer Attitudes About the Social Value of RV Travel

Figure 2-7 | Consumer Attitudes About Traveling on the Road Versus by Airplane or Train

Figure 2-8 | Consumer Attitudes About Living in a Tiny Home

Figure 2-9 | Destination Trailers

Figure 2-10 | Historical Recreational Vehicle Pricing, 2007 - 2017 (thousand dollars per unit)

Figure 2-11 | Motorhome Demand by Engine Type, 2007 - 2022 (units)

Figure 2-12 | Outdoor Kitchens

Figure 2-13 | RUV Motorhomes

Figure 2-14 | Space Expansions to Conventional Trailers

Figure 2-15 | Toy Haulers

PRODUCTS

Figure 3-1 | Key Trends in Recreational Vehicle Products

Figure 3-2 | Demand for Recreational Vehicles: Volume & Value, 2017

Figure 3-3 | Highlights of Travel Trailer Types

Figure 3-4 | Conventional Travel Trailers

Figure 3-5 | Conventional Travel Trailer Demand by Length, 2007 - 2022 (000 units)

Figure 3-6 | Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailers

Figure 3-7 | Travel Trailer Market Share, 2017 (billion dollars)

Figure 3-8 | Motorhome Demand by Type, 2007 - 2017 (billion dollars)

Figure 3-9 | Class A Motorhomes

Figure 3-10 | Class B Motorhomes

Figure 3-11 | Class C Motorhomes

Figure 3-12 | Motorhome Market Share, 2017 (billion dollars)

Figure 3-13 | Camper & Camping Trailer Demand, 2007 - 2017 (000 units)

Figure 3-14 | Folding Camping Trailers

Figure 3-15 | Truck Campers

Figure 3-16 | Accessories Demand Versus RV Demand, 2007 - 2017

Figure 3-17 | Rand McNally's OverDryve 7 RV GPS Tablet

REGIONS

Figure 4-1 | Key Regional Trends in Recreational Vehicles

Figure 4-2 | Recreational Vehicle Demand by Region, 2017 (billion dollars)

Figure 4-3 | Northeast Recreational Vehicle Market Position

Figure 4-4 | Midwest Recreational Vehicle Market Position

Figure 4-5 | South Recreational Vehicle Market Position

Figure 4-6 | West Recreational Vehicle Market Position

INDUSTRY STRUCTURE

Figure 5-1 | US Recreational Vehicles Market Share, 2017 (billion dollars)

Figure 5-2 | Recreational Vehicles: Leading Supplier

Figure 5-3 | Recreational Vehicles: Second Leading Supplier

Figure 5-4 | Recreational Vehicles: Third Leading Supplier

Figure 5-5 | Recreational Vehicles: Fourth Leading Supplier

Figure 5-6 | Recreational Vehicles: Fifth Leading Supplier

APPENDIX

Figure 6-1 | Annual Growth in Real GDP, 2000 - 2017, Compared to 1980 - 2005 Average (percent)

Figure 6-2 | Annual Population Growth, 2002 - 2017 (percent)

Recreational Vehicles in the US by Product, 6th Edition

Featuring 44 tables and 47 figures – now available in Excel and Powerpoint! Learn More

Manufacturing Expansions Show Strong Outlook

Key Findings in the Recreational Vehicles in the US Study:

A Healthy Economy Has Spurred Consumer Confidence and Expenditures

Travel Trailers Have Led the RV Industry Recovery and Will Continue to Do So Going Forward

More Reasons to Own an RV and More Demographics to Own Them

Purchase Recreational Vehicles in the US by Product, 6th Edition by the Section