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RVIA President Richard Coon

After a stormy year, an enthusiastic audience of 1,000 cast an optimistic eye to the future of the RV industry at the Dec. 1 “Outlook 2010: Let the Sun Shine” kickoff breakfast to the 47th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville. In a presentation titled, “Radiant, Relevant, and Ready,” RVIA President Richard Coon (pictured, right) reported that the RV industry is primed and ready for recovery.

Coon emphasized the continued popularity of RVing among customers and potential buyers and the recent uptick in wholesale RV shipments as evidence that the worst of times may be over for the RV industry.

“We have survived the Great Depression…numerous recessions and market downturns…fuel crises…acts of terrorism and wars. But we have endured,” Coon said. “Why? Because RVs are woven into the fabric of America. Americans love RVing, they love our products and how they enrich their lives, allowing them to spend time in the great outdoors with loved ones.”

He pointed to a strengthening stock market, slowing job loss, higher productivity, increasing home sales, and rising manufacturing hours as reasons for economic optimism; while noting that weak consumer confidence, continued high unemployment, and anemic consumer spending still present challenges.

Slight Bump in Attendance, Upbeat Mood Mark Day One of National RV Trade Show Attendance at the 47th National RV Trade Show was up 1.2% from 2008, according to RVIA registration data, and attendees described the mood as “upbeat” at the conclusion of day one of the show. Attendance was 7,508 on day one this year, compared to 7,421 last year. Individual dealer registrants were down by 72 (from 2,545 in 2008 to 2,473) or 2.8%. The RV industry’s premier event, the 47th National RV Trade Show runs through Thursday, December 3.

But the most telling sign that the RV industry is on the road to recovery can be found in wholesale shipment numbers, which have been trending upward for several months. Coon reported that, in October, total units were 16,600, an increase of 23 percent over October 2008 shipments.

Seasonally adjusted, October shipments hit an annual rate of more than 216,000 units, marking the third consecutive month that annualized shipments topped 200,000 units.

Based on these positive developments, Coon reported that University of Michigan economist Dr. Richard Curtin now forecasts wholesale shipments to finish this year at 159,500 units.

Looking ahead to 2010, Dr. Curtin sees RV shipments climbing by 27 percent to 203,500 units, with increases spread across all vehicle types:

• Travel trailer shipments are expected to climb 31 percent to 130,400 units
• Fifth wheels are expected to jump 25 percent to 42,800 units
• Folding camping trailers will increase by 11 percent to 13,900 units
• Truck campers will see an 11 percent rise to 2,000 units.
• Motorized segments are also expected to see gains:
• Type A motorhome shipments are set to rise 20 percent to 6,100 units.
• Type B motorhomes will hit 1,400 units on 17 percent growth Type C motorhomes will increase by 30 percent to 6,900 units.

During his talk, Coon briefly outlined RVIA’s plans to lead celebrations of the RV industry’s 100th Anniversary in 2010, and encouraged industry members to take part in noting the proud past and bright future of the industry. “As we head into a new year, we should all resolve to have the courage to believe in our industry’s recovery, and resolve to overcome these difficult times” he said.

Hosted by RVIA Chairman of the Board Jim Sheldon, the popular market expansion showcase also featured engaging tales from the road by the Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, hosts of History’s new show, “American Pickers;” the debut of innovative new Go RVing ads set for launch in early 2010; a hilarious appearance by Silvio DiSalvatore, the winner of NBC’s hit reality show “Great American Road Trip;” and a broad perspective on the industry’s history by RV historian and RVIA Spirit of America Award winner David Woodworth. The event concluded with a stirring tribute to the RV industry as it embarks on its 100th year.