North America Recreational Vehicle Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

North America Recreational Vehicle Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

The North American recreational vehicle (RV) market was valued at USD 26.7 billion in 2020. The market is anticipated to reach USD 35.7 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of about 5% during the forecast period (2021 – 2026).

The outbreak of COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdowns have affected the RV industry in almost every country in the region. The negative impacts of the pandemic are visible in the sales and registrations of RVs. Hence, the decline in production rates due to the pandemic-induced disruptions is expected to hinder the growth of the market during the initial few years of the forecast period.

North America has more than 370 national chain outlets and local RV dealers. These dealers are involved with state-of-the-art, as well as latest RV units. These sellers offer deals not just on new motorhome models, but also on pre-owned units for savings, along with easy financing for eligible and legitimate borrowers.

The Canadian government recommended investing in tourism policies, such as advertising and messaging, which is expected to promote domestic RV dealers over foreign RV dealers in the market. There are more than 4,300 campgrounds across Canada. Thus, the investment in camping and RV infrastructure is likely to improve the tourism industry and the Canadian RV market.

Over the years, the renting process of a new RV has become easier. In addition, the RV rentals are offering lucrative deals to lure customers. With the new models and technologies arriving in the market every year, customers have a plethora of options to choose from. Every new trip can be made with a new RV model with different amenities. This factor provides the customers a new experience every time they rent a new type of RV.

Key Market TrendsImpact of COVID-19 on the Recreational Vehicle Market

After the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, initially worldwide retail and manufacturing sites were shut down, which halted the supply-demand chain and caused the RV shipments to decline. The total RV shipments in March 2020 were estimated at 30,288 units, a decrease of 20.3% from the 38,015 units shipped in March 2019.

Towable RVs, led by conventional travel trailers, totaled 27,723 units in March 2020, a decrease of 17.9% compared to March 2019’s total of 33,754 units. Motorhomes finished the month with 2,565 units, down 39.8% compared to March 2019’s total of 4,261 units. Park model RVs finished the month with a 12.9% decrease compared to March 2019’s 364 wholesale shipments.

However, in the second half of the year, as the restrictions were lifted, the demand for RVs soared. People, tired of being locked in their homes for months, opted for safer travels with their RVs, as opposed to other public modes of transport.

The RV Industry Association published that the suppliers are witnessing as much as 170% increase in first-time RV buyers, with around 46 million Americans planning on taking an RV trip within the next 12 months. According to the organization’s monthly survey of manufacturers, the total number of RV shipments in July 2020 was 43,035 units, which was an increase of 53.5% from the 28,044 units shipped in July 2019.

United States is Expected to Dominate the Market

The increase in the number of campgrounds in the country illustrates the increasing preference for recreational travel with motorhomes. Thus, the United States has more than 230 chain outlets and local motorhome dealers engaged in the trading of motorhomes, to meet the increasing demand for the same. These dealers provide not only a range of state-of-the-art motorhomes but also the latest-model-year second-hand motorhome units preferred by most fleet operators.

The quick and steady recovery of the United States from the recent COVID-19 pandemic, along with the availability of a healthier financing environment, drives the motorhome market in the United States. Currently, the country forms the largest market for RVs, globally.

Motorhomes are widely used in the country, not only for travels during vacations, but also for tailgating, traveling with pets, for business, and as a preferred mode of transportation in outdoor sports and other leisure activities.

These vehicles provide campers with comfortable sleeping quarters and all the necessities, along with some luxurious features, such as a refrigerator, hot water, air conditioning, and heating. However, they miss out on some features, such as a full-sized entertainment system and laundry facilities, owing to their small size.

Competitive Landscape

The major players of the North American RV market are Thor Industries Inc., Forest River Inc., Winnebago Industries, and REV Group. The recreational vehicle market is highly competitive amongst the dominant players. The companies are continually competing with each other and are opting for strategies, like acquisitions and heavy investment in R&D projects, while offering more luxurious services in the vehicle. For instance, in 2019, Thor Industries Inc. announced the complete acquisition of Erwin Hymer Group, excluding its North American business.

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support

Companies Mentioned

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LightEdge Solutions, Inc

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