RV Dealers NAICS 441210

May 15, 2026 - New RV Demand Weakens

• The US RV dealer industry saw a sharp slowdown in new vehicle demand in March 2026, with new RV sales declining nearly 22% year over year, according to Statistical Surveys data in RV Pro. Towable RVs posted the steepest declines, while motorized RV sales also fell significantly. The weaker sales environment may reflect ongoing affordability pressures, elevated financing costs, and cautious consumer spending on discretionary purchases. In contrast, used RV sales increased 6.6%, suggesting some consumers are shifting toward lower-cost pre-owned options rather than purchasing new models. While certain regional markets continued to post strong gains, the broader industry faces uneven demand conditions heading into the peak summer travel season.
• Elevated fuel prices heading into the summer travel season could create mixed conditions for the US RV dealer industry, according to a RV Business report. Per AAA, the national average gasoline price reached $4.53 per gallon in May 2026, the highest Memorial Day level in four years, as crude oil prices remain above $100 per barrel. Higher fuel costs may discourage some consumers from purchasing or frequently using fuel-intensive motorhomes and larger RVs, particularly among price-sensitive buyers. However, strong holiday travel demand and continued interest in domestic road travel could help support RV usage and rental activity during peak summer months. Dealers may also see increased consumer interest in smaller towable RVs, fuel-efficient models, and RVs compatible with electric or hybrid towing vehicles as buyers look to manage operating costs more carefully.

• 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.
• Economic uncertainty could affect RV sales during the upcoming peak selling season, according to Thor Industries in a report by CamperFAQS. In its latest earnings update, the company said tariffs, inflation concerns, and geopolitical tensions have made the consumer outlook less predictable, which can slow large discretionary purchases such as RVs. Thor indicated dealers are likely to manage inventory cautiously until economic conditions become clearer. Despite these risks, the company maintained its fiscal 2026 guidance for net sales of $9 billion to $9.5 billion and earnings per share of $3.75 to $4.25. Thor also reported stronger quarterly results, with net income of $17.8 million, or $0.34 per share, compared with a $551,000 loss a year earlier, and sales of $2.13 billion, above analysts’ expectations of $1.96 billion. Segment performance was mixed, with motorized RV sales rising 29% to $577 million while towable RV sales fell 14% to $710 million.