The RV industry is facing a tough time. It has seen demand decline seasonally every summer and has faced bad economic news. The industry is beginning to see the writing on the wall. But how can it turn around? Here are some things to keep in mind. 1. What’s changing in the RV industry?
Demand for tow-along RVs
Tow-along RVs, also called motorhomes, are becoming more popular than ever. They’re a comfortable way to travel for camping and sightseeing trips. But when it comes to driving, motorhomes can be difficult to maneuver, especially on narrow roads. And parking spots can be a hassle.
Despite the increasing prices, demand for tow-along RVs remains strong. As of the end of October, the backlog of RV manufacturers topped $18 billion, nearly doubling from a year earlier. In addition, the price of raw materials has increased, putting pressure on RV manufacturers. The surge in RV sales began early in the pandemic as worried Americans sought an alternative to staying in motels or traveling by airplane.
Another important consideration is safety. Because RVs are much heavier than passenger vehicles, the weight distribution of the vehicle can be uneven. A poorly-balanced vehicle can affect the handling and tire durability. A faulty tire can cause a serious accident, especially at high speeds. To avoid this, it is important to keep the weight distribution of the RV equal on both the right and left sides of the vehicle.
Supply chain disruptions
As the RV craze has become a global phenomenon, the supply chain has been affected by a number of factors. As a result, consumers have been facing long wait times. For popular Class B vans, waiting times are up to two years. Although there is no shortage of Class A or B RVs, Northeast RV dealerships have reported significantly lower sales inventory than their counterparts in the southwest. But despite these setbacks, the overall supply chain has worked out well for consumers.
While the demand for new RVs has been growing at a fast rate, some parts are running out. For example, the supply chain is strained due to the shortage of chip components, making them difficult to procure. This is causing prices to rise. However, experts believe that the chip shortage will be resolved this fall. Moreover, President Biden has publicly expressed his concern over the situation. He has directed the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy (APEP) to take action to resolve the crisis. Happy Buyer Camper’s blog post about what is my RV worth to sell and APEP have also reviewed potential risks in the supply chain.
While recent events are not directly affecting the supply chain, the impact on the industry could be significant. For example, the recent shutdowns in Chinese factories and travel restrictions have affected the supply chain. However, the majority of component orders were placed before the start of the Chinese New Year and the onset of fears about the spread of the coronavirus. As a result, the disruptions in the supply chain are minor.
Flexibility of travel lifestyle
The flexibility of RV travel can be a great thing. You can set your own itinerary, avoid crowds and delays, and avoid the expense and hassle of hotel stays. You can even enjoy the freedom to camp in different locations depending on your preference. In addition, you can escape the crazy hotel rules and noisy neighbors.
Another advantage of living in an RV is that you can work from anywhere. If you are a writer, you can spend hours working on your book in a remote location. You can also walk to a waterfall to find inspiration. Creative professionals can take a break from their work to sit in nature and get inspiration.