Although 600,000 motorhomes and camping trailers could be built this year, it comes with a price.
We love campers, and motorhomes in all sizes at motor1.com. As such, we closely monitor the RV industry. Despite the fact that new RV sales have been increasing in the US during the pandemic it is possible that this might be an exaggeration. Despite sales reaching record levels, such production has its consequences.
The good news is first. According to the Associated Press, the yearly US sales of motorhomes/camping trailers is at its highest ever mark with almost 560,000 units sold in November 2021. According to the RV Industry Association, production is at an all-time high.
Further breakdowns of the numbers reveal a record 49.135 units were shipped in November. This is an increase by 15.6 percent over November 2020, which was, incidentally, the previous month’s record. The majority of the production comes from camping trailers with just 5,000 motorhomes.
With 80 percent of America’s total RV production being located in Northern Indiana, it is America’s hub for mainstream RV manufacturing. The industry could reach 600,000 units by 2021 at this rate. However, there are potential problems with such a fast pace. We reported in September on RV dealers complaining about the quality of their products. It was described by one dealership representative as “some of my worst experiences in 30 years.”
Another representative said that there were problems with staffing at manufacturing plants. He criticized poor workforce management and the retention of skilled workers. As they do in many other industries, supply issues persist in RV industry. A representative from a dealership said that it could take weeks or even months to get parts for complete repairs.
We will soon find out if 2021 was a great year for RVs in America, as we are about to enter the history books.