Michigan RV Sales Data 2000-2013

There are approximately 10 million American households that own an RV—up from 7.9 million in 2005. Here are some additional facts and statistics:

  • The RV markets saw significant growth in 2013 with wholesale shipments finishing the year at 321,100 units, the highest level since 2007, according to Recreational Vehicle Industry Association’s (RVIA) survey of RV manufacturers.
  • Michigan is the third top destination for RV shipments; receiving 4.65 percent of the new RV delivery market, behind Texas (8.6 percent) and California (6.3 percent).
  • A recent vacation cost comparison study showed that a family of four can save 27 to 62 percent on vacation costs by traveling in an RV, even after factoring in ownership costs and fuel.
  • For a family of four, gas would have to be more than $12 a gallon before vacationing loses its economic advantage, according to PKF Consulting, Inc.
  • According to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, there are over 1,300 licensed private recreation vehicle parks and campgrounds in Michigan, which represent more than 145,000 campsites.
  • Buyers aged 35-54 are the largest segment of RV owners, according to the 2011 University of Michigan study commissioned by RVIA.
  • A study by Michigan State University shows that 10 percent of all pleasure travelers in Michigan are campers.
  • The RV rental business is a $350 million industry, according to the U.S. Census of Retail Trade and the RV Rental Association.
  • There are more than 12,000 RV-related businesses in the U.S. with combined annual revenues of more than $37.5 billion.
  • The RV industry currently employees an estimated 525,000 people in manufacturing, suppliers, dealers and service departments.

chart_compare_2013chart_totalunits_2013chart-towables-2013chart-motorhomes-2013Sources: Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA,) South Bend Tribune and Statistical Surveys.