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  7. Record-High RV Shipments Projected in 2021

Record-High RV Shipments Projected in 2021

Increased Consumer Demand Among the Reasons for the Uptick

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A quarterly forecast has projected that RV wholesale shipments will climb to their highest level on comparable record in 2021.  ITR Economics made the forecast for the RV Industry Association.

The latest projection shows total 2021 RV shipments ranging between 523,139 and 543,572 units with the most likely year-end total being 533,356 units. If that is the case, the total would represent a 23.9 percent increase over the 2020 year-end total of 430,412 units. It would also mark a 5.7 percent gain over the current comparable record high of 504,600 units in 2017.

RV Shipments Projection

camper vans on the assembly line in a factory

“RV shipments in 2021 are forecast to reach record highs as the industry continues its more than 40 years of long-term growth,” said RV Industry Association President & CEO Craig Kirby. “We expect consumers to continue to turn to RVs not only because they allow people to recreate responsibly, but also because RVs allow people the freedom to live a fun, active outdoor lifestyle.”

The shipment numbers have come as a surprise to many in the RV industry as it was just a year ago that RV plants shut down for nearly two months in response to the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ITR Economics attributes the strong forecast to three main factors: relief from supply constraints, OEM plans to expand capacity, and robust consumer demand outpacing very low inventory levels.

Shipments could finish in the lower end of the forecast range if supply chain problems persist.  However, if exceptionally low inventories and strong consumer demand keep up  the upper range is entirely possible.

This scenario would likely require negligible supply chain issues, increased industry capacity, and another hard push through the typical seasonal slowdown late in the year.

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