Comments on: RV Shipments and National Truck Sales

By: Richard W May

Richard W May — Tue, 06 May 2008 02:12:35 +0000

It seems strange that no one has made a comment about the price of fuel causing the slow down in customers purchasing Pick up trucks and towables, Our so-called goverment has had an offer from Canada, to sell the United States oil companys barrels of oil for $50.00 a barrel. and they turned it down. Canada has hit an oil field, stating that there is enough oil in that field to last over 4000 years. this oil field is in sand, they are removing the oil from the sand using steam. at the present time they are producing 400,000 barrels of oil daily. this field is in Alberta. and they have just hit a bigger field in Saskatchwan Canada. who says that the oil companies aren’t running this country

By: Darlene

Darlene — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:32:46 +0000

This season is what we as dealers make of it…..if we choose to sit back and complain about the economy and lot traffic, without trying to figure new ways to market ourselves, business will be in the toilet. We are trying new venues for selling, and our sales are up 31% over last year. Bring trailers to a Home and Garden Show? I would never have waisted my time in the years past…..but if that is what I have to do this year to survive- so be it. Our lot traffic has been dead, as a result of the 146″ of snow that we recieved this winter. Winter shows saved our butts. Local campgrounds start to open this weekend…let’s hope that gets the customers out shopping.

By: Gene

Gene — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:39:31 +0000

Dana,

While it may be reasonable to suggest a strong relationship between towable” sales and the sales of light trucks, I believe that may be to much of a stretch.

A much stronger relationship can easily be made between the availability of discretionary funds and the need to put those discretionary funds into the family pocket book and use them to purchase fuel, food, and pay the mortgage.

On the other hand, it is also a true statement that nothing sells like something new. It has been several years since the RV Industry made a significant move toward significantly new technology within the RV structure. Maybe the down-turn in RV sales, which may last for several years, could be the spur that perks up the RV Industry Engineering Departments to bring out some much needed innovations.

By: David Helton

David Helton — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:18:18 +0000

I see more motorhomes and travel trailers at homes and private lots with for sale signs this spring than past years.

By: Norm Jacobson

Norm Jacobson — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:12:28 +0000

Two points. There are many newer RVs for sale by private parties right now. That hurts manufacturing and dealer sales. My second point is that it does not take a new truck to haul a new camper or tow a trailer or fifth wheel. There are plenty of newer trucks for sale as people move to more economical transportation.

It may not get better until there are reasons for consumer sentiment to escalate.

By: Rich Stockwell

Rich Stockwell — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:47:18 +0000

Dana,

towables may be down because the inventory is still up from the lack of last year due to siphoning off sales by the FEMA trailer sales.