Motorcoach, Travel Trailer & Camper Manufacturers NAICS 336213, 336214

Jul 23, 2026 - RV Industry Lowers 2026 Shipment Forecast

• 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.
• US motorcoach, travel trailer, and camper manufacturers may see improving dealer demand after RV dealership performance returned to growth in June, suggesting retail conditions stabilized as the peak selling season began, according to an RV Business report. According to Lightspeed, overall dealer performance rose 0.6% year over year after a 2.0% decline in May, with sales edging up 0.2% and a majority of dealers reporting sales gains for the first time in months. Stronger retail activity could support production orders if the momentum continues through the summer. Service remained the industry's strongest performer, rising 4.4%, while parts sales fell 4.0%, reflecting continued softness in aftermarket demand. Regionally, the Northwest and South led sales growth, while the Northeast remained the weakest market. Although June points to improving dealer confidence, manufacturers will likely look for sustained retail gains before significantly increasing production.

• 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.
• 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.