Results for the RV Industry Association’s November 2023 survey of manufacturers found that total RV shipments ended the month with 25,160 units, an increase of 2.8% compared to the 24,470 units shipped in November 2022. To date, RV shipments are down (-38.4%) with 291,652 units.
Although the November numbers show a decrease in RV shipments, the RV and boat storage industry has a long way to go to catch up with the need for safe places for boat and RV owners to store their precious belongings, according to expert developers and investors at the most recent Toy Storage Nation Executive RV and Boat Storage Workshop, hosted in Fort Myers, Fla., in December.
“I hope everyone attending this workshop goes and builds a facility,” said Baja Carports Founder and experienced RV and boat storage facility developer/operator Bob Hayworth. “There is a huge need for Class A facilities to balance out supply and demand. Plus, from my experience, this is the business I’ve ever been in.”
According to RV Industry Association President & CEO Craig Kirby, “Coming off of the holidays, we are encouraged by reports of increased RV vacations and campground reservations throughout the winter months.
“As we enter 2024, there are signs pointing to increases in RV shipments and retail sales, particularly in the latter half of the year as RV usage remains high and there are expected improvements to the macroeconomic environment this year.”
Towable RVs, led by conventional travel trailers, ended the month up 4.4% from last November with 21,429 shipments. Motorhomes finished the month down (-5.4%) compared to the same month last year with 3,731 units.
Park Model RVs finished November down (-17.5%) compared to the same month last year, with 325 wholesale shipments.
