Gr8LakesCamper: Two RV Shows a Bellwether for Industry
Two RV shows in the next few weeks will be an interesting study on whether we can truly believe the recent reports that the RV industry is on the rebound.
According to a television report, RV manufacturers in Elkhart County, Indiana, home to 70 percent of the nation’s RV makers, are ramping up production. A spokesman for Jayco, the nation’s third-largest RV manufacturer, said they are building twice as many trailers and motor homes as they did a year ago.
As we all know, RV sales are seen as an indicator of the nation’s economy. When people stopped buying RVs because the economy hit the skids, RV manufacturers laid off thousands. This preceded the recession that hit the rest of the nation. But since it appears people are ready to start buying RVs again, dealers want more trailers and motor homes to put on their lots, so manufacturers are calling people back to work.
Two RV shows — the Pennsylvania RV & Camping Show and the Fall Detroit Camper & RV Show — will be a good indication of whether the RV industry is indeed on its way back. I mention the Detroit show in particular because Michigan was the hardest-hit state in the nation during this recession. If people are buying RVs in the Great Lakes State, then it’s safe to say the RV industry is on its way back.
I would expect attendance at these and other RV shows will be high — it seems like they always are. But we’ll know if the industry is indeed back from the dead if dealers at these shows actually sell some RVs.
True, people might not be ready to whip out the checkbook at the RV shows this fall. But come springtime, when they’ve had a full winter to think about it, it will be interesting to see how many go ahead and pull the trigger.
UPDATE: Dealers at the annual Pennsylvania RV & Camping Show in Hershey are saying sales are booming, from entry level pop-ups to the priciest motor homes. According to an article at PennLive.com, dealers said sales are up 81 percent through July compared to a year ago, and they are expecting a 48-percent overall increase over 2009 sales. This is pretty significant as it follows years of 9.5-percent, 33-percent and 30-percent decreases in the previous three years. In addition, the Pennsylvania RV show only had 660 dealers last year, but this year over 1,000 are at the show and officials had to turn some away. All positive signs for sure!
UPDATE II: Click here to see my preview of the 21st Annual Fall Camper & RV Show in Metro Detroit. There’s also a video with it, but please be gentle since it’s my first attempt at an Internet video.
Pennsylvania RV & Camping Show
The Pennsylvania RV & Camping Show, held Sept. 15–19 at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, will feature more than 900 of the latest RVs with units ranging from the smallest folding campers to the largest motorhomes. There are various sizes and styles for every taste and budget creating the perfect place to shop and compare all the major manufacturers. In addition to the many RVs, the show also hosts a wide variety of suppliers, vendors, and the largest display of recreational park trailers found anywhere.
A diverse range of educational seminars will be held throughout the week, including Gary Bunzer’s tips on troubleshooting plumbing systems; John Holod’s RV Adventure Videos; and Bob Marx’s insight on choosing an RV and traveling full time in your RV.
RVing has been a part of America’s history for 100 years and continues to be one of the most popular and inexpensive ways to vacation. In celebration of the RV Centennial, America’s Largest RV Show will host an RV History Exhibit complete with antique RVs and historic campsite display.
This year’s show includes $25 limited overnight parking, free daily parking, and golf cart tram service to get you to your destination quickly.
For more information, or to print a discount coupon for the show, visit www.largestRVshow.com.
21st Annual Fall Detroit Camper & RV Show
The Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC) is sponsoring the 21st Annual Fall Detroit Camper & RV Show, Oct. 6-10, at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi (about 30 minutes west of Detroit on I-94).
Over 200 new recreation vehicles will be on display including folding campers, motor homes, travel trailers, truck campers, park models and fifth wheel travel trailers. Booths featuring parts and accessories, campground information, on-site RV financing and RV rentals make this the complete RV show experience.
At the show, enter to win the Ultimate MIS Race Experience package from Michigan International Speedway. Includes tickets, camping and VIP access (valued at nearly $3,000).
The 21st Fall Detroit Camper & RV Show will be open weekdays 2-9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The cost for adult admission (ages 13 and up) is $8; senior admission is $7; children ages 12 and under are admitted free. Your RV show ticket will also get into the Fall Remodeling & Design Expo in adjacent area, Thursday through Sunday.
For more information, call 517-349-8881 or visit marvac.org.
From the personal blog: In addition to the Pennsylvania RV & Camping Show and the Fall Detroit Camper & RV Show, there are a number of other RV shows this fall and winter. Click here for a list of those shows.
Gr8LakesCamper celebrates the world of RV Camping in the Midwest. Gather around the campfire and share tips, ideas and stories on RVing, camping and travel destinations. Follow Gr8LakesCamper on Twitter, Facebook and the personal blog.
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My patience with the pop up registration screen is almost up. How hard is it for your web people to eliminate it for people who are already signed up. Are you trying to drive people away?
[...] Gr8LakesCamper: Two RV Shows a Bellwether for Industry [...]
A great article and whilst I live in England within the Lake District National Park, and if it was not for our narrow and winding country lanses I would love to buy an RV to go out camping and enjoying Lake District Walks this summer and fall.