RV Dealers NAICS 441210

Jul 13, 2026 - RV Dealer Impact Reaches $38 Billion

• The US RV dealer industry generated $38 billion in economic output in 2026, highlighting the sector's growing importance even as new RV shipments have leveled off, according to the RV Industry Association's RVs Move America study. RV sales and service, including dealerships, generated $38 billion in annual economic output, helping drive the industry's total $159 billion economic impact while supporting 643,238 jobs, $46.4 billion in wages, and $19.6 billion in tax revenue. Although RV manufacturing has leveled off following its post-pandemic surge, the study attributes overall industry growth to a larger installed base of 8.1 million RV-owning households, which continues to support dealer revenue through vehicle sales, service, parts, accessories, and trade-ins. For RV dealers, the findings suggest that long-term demand is increasingly supported by aftermarket services and an expanding owner base, making customer retention and service operations critical as new vehicle sales normalize.
• Statistical Surveys data in RV Pro showed a challenging May for the US RV dealer industry, with new RV retail sales falling 19.0% year over year, marking a sharp slowdown from the nearly flat comparison a year earlier. Towable RV sales declined 19.6%, while motorized RV sales fell 13.5%. Among new units, Class B (-9.3%), Class C (-11.7%), and fifth wheels (-17.2%) outperformed the market, while Class A motorhomes (-24.8%) posted the steepest decline. In contrast, the used RV market proved more resilient, with sales down just 2.4%, an improvement from -8.6% a year earlier. Used Class B (+0.6%) and travel trailers (+0.1%) posted gains, suggesting value-conscious consumers are increasingly choosing pre-owned models. Dealers may need to emphasize used inventory and stronger-performing segments until demand for new RVs improves.

• AAA reports that rising fuel prices could create a modest headwind for the US RV dealer industry during the peak summer travel season, according to a RV Business report. The national average gasoline price rose to $3.84 per gallon, up 5 cents overnight as uncertainty surrounding the U.S.-Iran ceasefire renewed concerns about oil supplies. While prices remain well below the $4.56 peak reached in May, higher fuel costs could discourage some RV trips and weigh on consumer interest in RV purchases if sustained. However, gasoline demand declined to 8.84 million barrels per day, and drivers in key RV markets such as Texas ($3.41) and Oklahoma ($3.40) continue to benefit from relatively low fuel prices. Overall, the increase bears watching, but fuel costs remain lower than a month ago and are unlikely to significantly disrupt RV sales unless geopolitical tensions push prices materially higher.
• Wholesale RV shipments are expected to grow modestly in 2026, supporting inventory availability and sales opportunities for US RV dealers, according to the Spring 2026 RV RoadSigns forecast from ITR Economics for the RV Industry Association. The report projects 2026 wholesale shipments between 328,800 and 367,000 units, with a median estimate of 349,000 units. This would build on 342,200 units shipped in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of industry growth, according to RV Industry Association President and CEO Craig Kirby. Kirby noted that improving economic fundamentals and stabilizing RV market conditions are supporting the near-term outlook, with momentum expected to strengthen in the second half of 2026. For RV dealers, rising wholesale shipments signal increased product availability and a gradually improving market environment as the industry continues its recovery and positions for more durable long-term growth.