RV industry posts gain for second month in a row

By Marilyn Odendahl, Truth Staff

modendahl@etruth.com

Wholesale shipments of recreational vehicles turned in a repeat performance in September.

A total of 17,400 units were shipped to dealers during September, a 13 percent increase over the number shipped in September 2008. This is the second month the RV industry has entered positive territory with August shipments posting a year-over-year gain for the first time in nearly two years.

Towables led the September recovery with a 17.5 percent improvement over the previous year. Motorhomes shipments lagged behind at 23.5 percent but analysts point out the decline in motorized segments are moderating.

Still year-to-date, 2009 shipments trail 2008 by 42.7 percent. January through September shipments show towables down 39.7 percent compared to the same period in 2008 while motorhomes have dropped 64.8 percent.