Motorcoach, Travel Trailer & Camper Manufacturers

The 640 motorcoach, travel trailer, and camper manufacturers in the US produce motorized coaches and converted vans, campers that slide into truck beds, and towable campers, such as fifth wheels and pop-up campers. Firms may also modify cargo trailers such as toy haulers and horse trailers to include living space.

Dependence on Economic Health

The health of the economy and job markets affect consumer demand for new motorhomes, travel trailers and campers.

Reliance on Automobile Manufacturers

Motorcoach and travel trailer manufacturers rely on motor vehicle manufacturers, such as Ford and GM, for chassis, engines, and drivetrain assemblies, as well as vans for conversion.

Sep 23, 2026 - THOR Signals Subdued RV Outlook

• THOR Industries’ fourth quarter results point to a subdued outlook for US motorcoach, travel trailer, and camper manufacturers, as high interest rates, elevated fuel costs, and inflation continue to restrain RV demand. THOR expects the retail market to remain roughly flat in fiscal 2027 after an extended industry downturn. North American towable RV sales fell 22.7% in the fourth quarter as unit shipments dropped 19.7%, while motorized RV sales declined 10.4% on a 13.1% shipment decrease. Lower volumes, promotions, and higher material costs also pressured margins. Manufacturers are likely to keep production disciplined, emphasize affordability, and reduce costs until retail demand stabilizes.
• Weak August dealer results point to a softer near-term outlook for RV manufacturers, according to an RV Business report on Lightspeed data. Nationwide RV dealer sales fell 5.5% year over year, the steepest decline of 2026, while overall dealer performance dropped 5.2%. Sales weakened across most regions, including declines of 15.2% in the Northeast, 8.7% in the Northwest, and 7.5% in the West, while the South was essentially flat at +0.2%. Broad dealer weakness could restrain wholesale orders and encourage manufacturers to keep production and inventories conservative as the peak summer selling season ends. The decline in service and parts also signals broader pressure on dealer economics. Lightspeed does not break the results out by RV type, but the data suggest manufacturers face a subdued fall demand environment.
• The RV Industry Association in June lowered its 2026 wholesale shipment forecast, signaling a weaker production outlook for US motorcoach, travel trailer, and camper manufacturers as softer consumer demand weighs on the market. The association now expects shipments of 300,000 to 328,100 units, with a midpoint of 314,000, an 8.2% decline from the 342,200 units shipped in 2025. Higher financing costs, inflation, household budget pressures, and economic uncertainty are causing consumers to delay discretionary RV purchases, reducing demand for new units. The lower forecast suggests manufacturers may continue adjusting production schedules and inventory levels to match softer retail demand. Despite the near-term slowdown, the RV Industry Association said long-term demand drivers remain intact, noting that consumers continue to value RV travel for its flexibility and affordability.
• Camping participation remains above pre-pandemic levels, signaling continued long-term demand potential for the RV manufacturing industry, according to a new KOA Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report analysis in RV News. The report found 49% of campers now book trips to improve mental well-being, while 81% reported better sleep, stress reduction, and recovery from outdoor travel. Camping demographics also broadened in 2025, with adults 65 and older accounting for 22% of campers, nearly double 2024’s 12%. Millennials remained the most active camping generation for the sixth consecutive year. KOA also reported strong interest in 2026 travel events, including Route 66 celebrations, where 55% of attendees plan to camp. The findings suggest sustained consumer interest in RV lifestyles, extended camping seasons and experiential travel could continue supporting demand for RV manufacturers and suppliers.

Industry size & Structure

A typical motorcoach manufacturing firm operates out of a single location, employs 288 workers, and generates about $156 million annually. A typical travel trailer and camper manufacturing firm operates out of a single location, employs 104 workers, and generates $45 million annually.

• The motorcoach, travel trailer and camper manufacturing industry consists of about 640 companies that employ about 75,000 workers and generate about $31 billion annually.
• The industry is highly concentrated with the four largest firms accounting for over 70% of industry revenue.
• Large companies include Thor (Keystone, Heartland, Starcraft, Dutchman, Airstream), Gulfstream (Ameri-Lite, Vista Cruiser, Innsbruck, Conquest), Forest River (Rockwood, Flagstaff, Salem, Wildwood), Brinkley, and Winnebago.