RV sales results for March
http://www.rvbusiness.com/2015/05/ssi-towable-sales-show-13-9-gain-during-1q/
Interesting break down of company sales.
Interesting break down of company sales.
Forum Discussion
7 Replies
SoundGuy wrote:
Only supports what many dealers have known for quite a few years now - folding trailer sales continue to tank since peaking in the early 2000s, many dealers won't even bother selling them, and those that do use them strictly as a loss leader, knowing it's only a matter of time that the family that did buy one will most likely return and upgrade to a travel trailer, 5th, etc.mich800 wrote:
Part of the problem is they lost their way on what the folding trailers were about. Entry level, easy towing, and fit is tight camping spots. Now they have slide outs, huge bodies, and the price differential has been severely squeezed relative to regular entry level travel trailers. Why spend upwards of $20k on a pop up when you can get a hard sided travel trailer.
Exactly. IMO, the death knell began when companies like FFT began introducing fully blown out high wall campers that THEY insisted offered all the advantages of a travel trailer but without the disadvantages such as towing. Yeah, right - and pigs may fly :E - they're still a tent on wheels. The reality is that as nice as these high wall popups may be most recognize that for what they cost they might as well move into a nicely equipped hybrid or travel trailer which would require the same type of TV as would one of these monster high wall popups. Why this should be such a mystery to popup manufacturers is the real mystery. :h Guess they never heard of the K.I.S.S. principle! :S- Timely thread. I just asked our dealer over the weekend what sales were like YTD. They sold around 540 if I remember correctly. The largest sellers were travel trailers and fivers. A few pop-ups and around 40 MH's .
Just adding some real rough numbers that's 26 -30 million in 5 months. - Even showing the "shipped RV" only tells us shipped, not sold.
As we travel around the country, we see RV lots (acres and acres) filled with an uncountable number of TT, 5'er, MH and wonder how much inventory sits on the lots and the value. We see some lots with hundreds of RV's, most covered with some dust and dirt -- wonder how long they sit before selling ?
On occasion, we stop in for a part. Sales-force jump to their feet as soon as we walk in, then disappear when we approach parts counter. And we see numerous salesmen sitting around. It makes us wonder about the overhead and inventory costs for RV's and buildings and staff. A puzzle, for sure. SoundGuy wrote:
Only supports what many dealers have known for quite a few years now - folding trailer sales continue to tank since peaking in the early 2000s, many dealers won't even bother selling them, and those that do use them strictly as a loss leader, knowing it's only a matter of time that the family that did buy one will most likely return and upgrade to a travel trailer, 5th, etc.
Part of the problem is they lost their way on what the folding trailers were about. Entry level, easy towing, and fit is tight camping spots. Now they have slide outs, huge bodies, and the price differential has been severely squeezed relative to regular entry level travel trailers. Why spend upwards of $20k on a pop up when you can get a hard sided travel trailer.jmtandem wrote:
Percents are nice but real actual numbers would tell more. Also, include the 'B' vans; truck campers; and 'A' and 'C' motorhomes.
2015 RV Shipments- Percents are nice but real actual numbers would tell more. Also, include the 'B' vans; truck campers; and 'A' and 'C' motorhomes.
- Only supports what many dealers have known for quite a few years now - folding trailer sales continue to tank since peaking in the early 2000s, many dealers won't even bother selling them, and those that do use them strictly as a loss leader, knowing it's only a matter of time that the family that did buy one will most likely return and upgrade to a travel trailer, 5th, etc.
