Motorcoach, Travel Trailer & Camper Manufacturers NAICS 336213, 336214

Mar 25, 2026 - RV Shipments Set for Continued Growth in 2026

• US motorcoach, travel trailer, and camper manufacturers are positioned for continued growth, with 2026 RV wholesale shipments forecast between 328,800 and 367,000 units (median 349,000), according to a quarterly forecast prepared by ITR Economics for the RV Industry Association. This follows 342,200 units shipped in 2025, marking a projected third consecutive year of industry growth. The outlook reflects stabilizing market conditions and improving economic fundamentals, supporting steady near-term demand. Momentum is expected to strengthen in the second half of 2026, helping manufacturers build a more durable growth trajectory. Overall, while growth remains moderate, the consistent upward trend in shipments signals improving production stability and a more favorable operating environment for RV manufacturers.
• The US motorcoach, travel trailer, and camper industry showed continued growth in February 2026, with dealer performance rising 6.1% year over year, accelerating from +2.5% in January, according to Lightspeed data reported in RV Business. Sales increased 6.0%, indicating improving demand, while service grew 7.7%, highlighting strong aftersales activity. Parts declined slightly (-0.7%), reflecting uneven accessory demand. Performance varied significantly by region. The Northwest surged 29.5%, driven by sales growth of 32.4%, signaling strong retail momentum. The West rebounded to +12.8% overall, with sales up 14.3%. In contrast, the South declined -3.3% and the Northeast fell -1.2%, both weighed down by weaker sales. Overall, the data points to strengthening national demand and service activity, but with regional disparities that may impact dealer performance and inventory strategies across the RV segment.

• Improving US consumer sentiment offers cautious support for the RV industry, as the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index rose to 91.2 (up 2.2 points) in February 2026. Gains were driven by a rebound in expectations (up 4.8 points), though current conditions weakened (Present Situation Index, down 1.8 points). For RV demand, increased intent to purchase big-ticket items and continued growth in auto buying plans signal potential upside for discretionary purchases. However, confidence remains below the 112.8 peak in late 2024, while consumers expect elevated inflation and interest rates, which may pressure financing affordability. Additionally, vacation plans declined, pointing to softer near-term travel demand. Overall, improving expectations support gradual recovery, but cost concerns and cautious sentiment may limit near-term growth.
• According to a report in RV Pro, motorcoach and camper manufacturers are increasingly pressured to integrate reliable wi-fi as a core feature, reflecting the rise of digital nomads and remote workers. By 2030, jobs that can be performed from anywhere are expected to grow 25%, fueling demand for RVs that double as mobile offices. Yet connectivity remains a challenge: national parks and rural campgrounds often lack infrastructure, leaving RV owners reliant on congested public networks or costly hotspots. The rollout of 5G, offering speeds up to 10x faster than 4G and lower latency, is beginning to close these gaps, with coverage expanding into rural areas. Manufacturers and dealers are responding by offering portable 5G hotspots, signal boosters, and satellite internet options. For the industry, connectivity is now a differentiator: RVs equipped with seamless internet access are better positioned to capture growth in the mobile professional segment, while policymakers and providers are urged to invest in rural broadband.