November 2024 RV Sales Report: Key Market Insights for Buyers

old RVs lining street with text RV Industry Report: November 2024

Are RV sales slowing down, or are we just seeing a market shift?

If you’re planning on buying or trading an RV, understanding these downward trends is critical.

At Bish’s RV, we stay on top of the latest RV news so we can help you make smart decisions in a rapidly-changing market.

In this article, we’ll break down recent RV sales data, explore why shipments are up even as sales decline, and look at how these shifts impact both new and used RV pricing.

Keep reading to stay in the know. Knowledge is power.

Get up-to-speed on all the latest RV news with Josh the RV Nerd.

New RV Sales Numbers
New RV Sales by Type
New RV Shipments

Sales Down/Shipments Up- How bad is it?
USED RV Sales Numbers
NEW vs USED – which is best to buy?

The End of Year is a Great Time to get a Good Deal on an RV!
Check out the Low Prices on Must-Go Clearance Sale Campers.

New RV Sales Trends in 2024

New RV sales have been steadily dropping in 2024, reflecting a painful, but much-needed market correction after the high demand of previous years.

The most current RV data is usually 2 months behind the actual date– so although this month is November, we have the sales data up through August. (Sales data is provided by Statistical Surveys, an independent research company.)

As of August 2024, total RV retail registrations reached 260,289 units, down from nearly 290,000 units at the same time last year—marking a 10.1% year-over-year decline.

2024 RV Sales are down 10.1% compared to 2023 Sales.

RV Sales by Type

Here’s a breakdown of sales by RV class, showing each category’s performance as of August 2024:

Travel Trailers: 19,530 units (down 12.8% from last year)
Fifth Wheels: 5,096 units (down 14.5% from last year)
Pop-Ups: 413 units (down 31.4% from last year)
Class A Motorhomes: 734 units (down 19.6% from last year)
Class C Motorhomes: 1,541 units (down 11.3% from last year)
Class B Motorhomes: 858 units (down 24.5% from last year)

While every category has seen declines, pop-ups and motorhomes have been hit particularly hard, reflecting a wider slowdown across all types.

family hanging out of RV window smiling — **RVs are a great way to make memories with your family– year after year.**

Why Are New RV Sales Down?

The dip in RV sales this year can largely be traced back to an unusual surge in buying during the pandemic years. Families wanted safe vacation options, so RV sales sky-rocketed.

Many customers who might have purchased RVs in 2023 or 2024 had already made those purchases back in 2021 and 2022 because of Covid. As a result, fewer buyers are entering the market now.

Additionally, the high prices set during the pandemic still affect many buyers, who may not be able to trade up to a new RV as easily as they’d like, further limiting new sales. (A lot of RV owners bought when demand was high, so prices were high — and now they owe more on their RVs than they’re worth, so they’re stuck.)

Did you buy an RV during the Pandemic and now thinking about trading up?
Find out what your RV is worth.

RV Shipments in 2024

While RV sales have dropped this year, shipments from manufacturers to dealerships have actually increased.

As of August 2024, RV shipments have continued a steady increase over the previous year, with 231,817 units shipped year-to-date and 29,105 units shipped in August alone.

This marks ten consecutive months of increased shipments compared to 2023 — reflecting the RV industry’s effort to balance out the production slowdowns and inventory challenges from recent years.

Why Are Shipments Up While Sales Are Down?

During the pandemic years, manufacturers ramped up production to meet the unprecedented demand. Lots of RVs were made.

However, by late 2022, the market had started to cool off, and dealers were left with a significant backlog of unsold units. Lots of RVs remained unsold. Dealer lots were full, so they ordered less new RVs.

With less orders coming in, some manufacturers paused or slowed production for months, which affected overall RV shipment numbers in 2023. Shipments were super-low in 2023.

Now, with production picking back up, shipments are up relative to last year’s unusually low levels, essentially bringing inventory back in line with market demand.

This increase in shipments is less about growing demand and more about “catching up” from previous pauses. Supply and demand is finally starting to balance out.

By shipping units now, manufacturers are helping dealers restock and prepare for a normalized sales pace, which could make it easier for customers to find the specific models they’re interested in without long wait times.

Sales Are Down, Shipments Are Up—What Does This Mean for the RV Industry?

The trend of falling sales and rising shipments marks a big shift in the RV industry.

After years of high demand and inventory shortages, the industry is now finally adjusting and beginning to balance out.

Family at picnic table at RV park in the mountains

Here’s what Sales Down / Shipments Up means for manufacturers, dealers, and buyers:

For RV Manufacturers: Shipments are up, helping manufacturers stabilize production after the shutdowns in 2023.
- By restocking dealership inventory gradually, they can avoid the big ups and downs in supply and demand from recent years.
- Some manufacturers are also making tough calls—like reducing production lines or consolidating facilities—to stay afloat as the market slows.
For RV Dealerships: Dealers are filling up their lots again, giving buyers more models to choose from.
- With extra inventory and slower sales, dealers may be open to negotiating or offering deals, especially as new models come in. The end of the year is a great time to get a good deal on an RV.
For RV Buyers: This market shift can be good news for buyers. With more RVs on lots and some price adjustments, there’s a better chance to find good deals.
- Plus, as manufacturers focus on steady production, buyers can expect more availability and shorter wait times.

In short, the RV industry is finding its balance after years of rapid changes.

If you’re in the market for an RV, now could be a great time to take advantage of better prices and more choices.

Used RV Sales in 2024

Used RV sales have experienced some big shifts in 2024 —as market demand cools and the prices for new RVs continue to drop.

While the used RV market has generally held steady as far as the number of used campers sold this year, there’s a bit more pressure on pricing as newer models become more affordable and available.

With more new campers now being made with affordability in mind — complete with low price tags — the value of used campers declines as well.

The price of used campers are adjusted to be below the cost of new campers, or else no one would ever buy a used camper.

Used Towable RVs

bar graph of used travel trailer and 5th wheel value trends over past 5 years

Towable RVs (Travel Trailers and 5th Wheels) in the used market are seeing a slight dip in value, partly due to seasonal factors and partly due to the availability of lower-priced new campers.

As more 2025 models arrive, dealerships are adjusting prices on their older inventory to keep them appealing.

Additionally, the average age of used towables on the market is now around six model years (2019), which affects financing options for buyers—especially since RVs over five years old often have shorter loan terms and higher rates — which means higher monthly payments.

Used Motorized RVs

bar graph of used motorhome value trends over past 5 years

In the motorized RV market, prices have also declined, though not drastically.

Some buyers may find that payments on newer models are more affordable compared to older motorhomes due to more favorable financing terms — financing can be affected by how old the used motorhome is you’re looking to purchase.

As with towables, the used motorized market is facing some seasonal pressure. With colder weather in many regions, buyers may seek bigger discounts to make a purchase worthwhile before buying in the winter — and having to deal with storing it over the winter months.

With Prices dropping on Used RVs, You can Find High Quality Used Campers at Low Prices.

New vs. Used – Which Is Best for You?

used jayco jay flight and new jayco jay flight side by side with text "New vs Used"

With new RV sales slowing and dealerships well-stocked, you’re likely to find deals or incentives on new models.

At the same time, used RV prices have dropped slightly, giving buyers more options if they’re looking to save.

At Bish’s RV, we’ve been buying and selling RVs for over 30 years, and we’re always happy to share the latest RV news and trends—even if you don’t buy from us. Our goal is to help you make the right choice for your needs.

The Case for Buying New

If you want the latest features, warranties, and more flexible financing options, a new RV could be the right choice. Monthly payments on new RVs are often lower due to longer loan terms and potentially better interest rates.

With dealerships carrying more inventory, now could be a great time to buy new and get more value for your money, especially as some brands have reduced prices on newer models.

Shop Now. Check Out End of Year Low Prices on NEW RVs.

The Case for Buying Used

For those looking for the lowest possible upfront cost, a used RV may be ideal. While used RVs typically offer significant savings on the purchase price, monthly payments can sometimes be higher than expected.

Financing options for used RVs—especially those over five years old—often come with shorter loan terms and higher rates. However, for buyers focused on overall cost rather than monthly payments, used RVs can still be a smart choice.

Now is a great time to buy a Used RV!

Have Questions?

Not sure where to start, or need a bit more guidance? Our experienced Outfitters at Bish’s RV are here to help.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring your options, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to answer your questions and provide expert advice.