We live in Elkhart Indiana. My husband has been in the Rv industry for over 10 years. So many plants have closed their doors, so many have been laid off. Im surprised the unemployment rate isn’t higher.
I don't understand the dynamics of the industry, but besides the obvious factors of higher interest rates and higher costs of living, maybe the higher RV prices and lack of quality is also hurting sales? I want to buy too in the next 5yrs, but trailer costs are obscene ... and I'd go for 2019 and older.
There are a record number of used RVs for sale just now. Some are situations where the original owner has worked the kinks out. If you do look at used, you may want to consider a trained RV inspector to look at the unit. Here is a link: nrvia.org
I don’t know if this matters but my Mom called the lender on her Sprinter Van with an 81K balance and submitted the paperwork to have it repossessed. She told them exactly where it is. That was October 2022. They still haven’t come to get it. I think there is a flood of repossessions in the pipeline. I can’t imagine the enormous amount of repos backed up out there.
Glad we bought our Class C in 2020. Price on a new one has almost doubled. LED tail lights are the only issue we had and replaced. Chevy 4500 Chassis and its solid. Thanks for the info John
Nice video, thanks. I have been RV Camping for over 35 years, having owned multiple Fifth wheels and travel trailers along the way. Have had many good years with kids and now grandkids. I've noticed over the last three or four years that the campgrounds are being neglected and are packed to the gills every weekend. The fees are up 35 - 50% in just the last few years and yet the facilities are not seeing improvements, in fact, they are getting worse. Amazes me as to how they were all much less expensive and only half full just five years ago and yet the campgrounds were clean, well kept and up to date. Now with record campers and higher fees, that should mean more money to spend on the parks, but, I'm not seeing it. I'm in Kansas, not sure if the rest of the country is seeing this same thing. We go to both federal and state parks. Oh, and we still fly now and then, most recently flew to Quebec for vacation and going to England this month, though work related, but my wife gets to go as well. Air travel has gotten worse though.... takes longer to get through airports, flights are always and I mean always packed to the gills, people are grumpy, seats are cramped, the whole experience is worse. Maybe I'm just getting older, lol, but I've been traveling overseas and all around the U.S. for 30 years with my job and I remember flying was a lot of fun, now it's become more of a hassle.
During lockdown folks couldn’t travel to the beach …. they bought campers & ruined camping for us old time campers. Reservations are booked so far out you can’t spontaneously go camping. The local Corp of Engineers campground is manned by volunteers 🙄
You left out another replacement for RV, people are now going off grid in remote cabins, many more videos on remote cabins construction,RV activity is coming to an end
I think people upgrading RVs has slowed down very steeply. The industry forced forward hundreds of thousands of sales to new RVers during the pandemic and now are paying for it. There likely will still be 250,000 to 300,000 people buying new RVs per year going forward. Not sure of the numbers of new people who are opting for cabin life. If you have some stats on this, please let me know.
I still have my 2020 Keystone Bullet which has been working well lately. Thanks for sharing your travel plans. I think more people are vacationing by air now. All the best!
We fly and rent a car to explore National parks, National Monuments and such. We slept in 32 states and explored 30 National Parks so far...not including all those National Monuments and State Parks which are amazing too. I always considered buying an RV to do this but keep finding the idea to limit possibilities, experience and limits time to explore. I just got back from SD, ND, Wyoming and Colorado.Drove 3000 miles and stayed in NP log cabins in Badlands and the black hills. VRBO, Airbnb and Hotels in other places (all with kitchens) I think flying, renting a car and using the above accommodations is more affordable than RV'ing. I'm a sailor, you see a sailboat and think of freedom....it's actually restrictive, time consuming and a bit of a jail sentence...just like RV's. Still, I would buy an RV....just not for the reasons most buy them. It's more for the challenge. Note to people buying Drivable RV's. Be sure to get one with adaptive cruise control and lane assist. We rented a class B with this for the PNW and it's a game changer! Driver fatigue is cut dramatically. 6 hours of driving and you'll still have energy to explore the parks!
Going to wait on purchasing next RV that’s if I ever do again as I’ll rent/borrow one as I desire the open road (today full of detours) Got rid of last RV 10 years ago as even then costs for owning one was going up all be it slightly. Now seeing prices of campground stays, seeing how they have become parking lots crammed in with as many rv’s as possible, the costs of all the maintenance and rv Park add ons make RVing unattractive. Oh did I mention the outrageous costs of the RV that will depreciate greater and faster than anything else ill purchase. I’m now seeking land that I can enjoy and control without having to pay the campground (private equity firm owners and there investors) a dime from me so they can enjoy life off my back.
I continue to prefer RV travel over flying. I only fly if I absolutely have no other choice. Starting to plan my 2024 RV trips. Nice job on your report.
Great Content and certainly well-researched. Bought a 2 year old AS Caravel 20FB this summer. Replacing tent camping that has been on a 5 year sabatical. Only local weekend camping, no interest in traveling long distances. My air travel is an annual ski trip, annual trip to Europe and a couple domestic trips. So a mixture of both.
Relevant and meaningful content as always. Thank you. I have a very small camper that I purchased in May 2023 and have only traveled short distances this summer. I plan to venture out more next year. For air travel, I have had several adventures abroad and thoroughly enjoy it. To visit other countries and experience other cultures is a great travel adventure. I am excited to do more in the future. For now I am hoping to see much of the US in my little camper.
I never owned a Motor Home before, but I just bought a Bounder 35 ft. E , for $30,000 gas, from original owner,it is 2004 with the mileage just turned 14,000 as I test drive,I only wanted to buy one with low mileage or none at all, and definitely not a new one.
Great video. We flew once since the lock down. We were limited because of the Covid Passport restrictions. We traveled abroad when the lock downs were lifted. We don't expect to do any more air travel in the near future. We travel with our 2019 Rpod 179. We are looking to sell it, looking for a more durable, small off-road trailer. Still want to stay in the 17-18 foot living space.
It’s tough to find a smaller off-road trailer that is built well. I suppose InTech and Oliver come to mind, but plan to spend considerable money and I am not certain of their off-road capabilities.
12 volt refrigerators and "Boondocking" camping are not compatible unless the coach comes with enough solar panels to do the job of battery replenishment. Much rather have an absorption refer.
Hello! My wife and I are in the market for a new travel trailer and have one lined up at a steep discount (31%), venture stratus 28vbh. Is now not a good time to buy?
I don’t think 31% is a steep discount depending on the model year. If it is a 2024 model, that may be all you can hope for. Older new units (2022 & 2023) you likely can get a deeper discount and may want to contact several dealers. We have heard of well over 40% discounts on 2022s.
Hello! We still plan on camping in 2023 and into 2024. No trips in the work that would require air travel. Side Note: When did you trade in the R Pod for a Bullet?
Really good news John . The Sol is not worth the money in my opinion. The Oliver is a great unit . I think involvement with dealers is a mistake for Oliver! I don’t care if I ever fly again. I did read that left over 2022 Rv’s are now going to auctions ! Thanks ! 👍
We still use air travel but mostly for non vacation travel. We looked at Oliver when we bought our R-Pod. We liked the reputation of the company but the wait was far to long.
I grew up with motorhomes and owned a couple. They seem like a great idea until you own one. There's too many downsides to RV ownership and travel so it remains a tough sell for this family even in a buyers market.
Understood. Lots of risk to the owner, as I can testify. I think many people are opting out of RVing just now, given the latest record number of used RVs for sale.
Great video. I agree I think the bottom is still coming in the future. Economic conditions are continuing to get worse. The RV market will feel that worse then most.
I think the RV industry may be a leading indicator, given they are almost fully discretionary purchases. If that's the case, with RV sales down significantly, you may be correct.
I disagree, with people becoming more and more unable to buy a house they will seek alternative living....van life, rv life, moblie living is increasing leaps and bounds!
Travel Trailer and RV sales soared during Covid, at the same time people were spending MORE time on You Tube and Social Media hearing what JUNK they are....what can you expect? So many videos on the crap the RV industry is turning out was bound to have an effect. Junk falls apart on the first trip, then it's a battle to get them "fixed". What a dumb hobby.
It seems social media is the only counter balance to the well funded RVIA that lobbies for the industry. Many people will just upgrade what they now have vs buying higher priced lower quality units. Recently, my unit (2020 pre-pandemic Keystone Bullet) has worked well, after working the issues out. Thanks for commenting.
It really depends on the deal. MSRPs are much higher than a few years ago and quality is generally lacking, but significant discounts can be negotiated. Many are opting for quality used units, and using certified RV inspectors to ensure the used units are in good shape before the sale.
I think there is and Australian off-road brand that is having some structural piece built in China then shipped to the US for final assembly. I would think China will be a competitor to Elkhart at some point.
If China thought there was a real market and profit they would be in it. They know better… imho RVing is going to continue to slide as all the marketing (youtube, instagram, tictok, X and others) supported by the RV industry is starting to develop cracks just like the rv manufacturers products…
However China could off-load their quality problems onto American dealers. And not lose any sleep over it. I admit I don't know the state of tariffs on the product. @@wallye8713
We are looking for a travel trailer, but the prices are just too high for us. It seems like dealers are making really good sale prices, but the MSRPs seem to be going up si in my opinion, there isn't a good sale. And I am also scared to buy after listening to all the stories about poor quality (such as leaks, heaters, ac's, electrical not working and trailers falling apart just going down the road). We can fix small things like screws falling out, but I do not know how to fix a water pump. And then it seems to take months to get an appointment and then months to get it back. Needless to say we are watching for used ones now. I look forward to your reports every month so thank you so much for keeping us informed!!
I have heard from a viewer who got over 40% off a 2022 model, but the fact is MSRPs are much higher now, and even with a discount, RVs are generally more expensive than pre-pandemic.
Excellent information and very well presented. I’m hoping that if the RV market continues to cool down it will translate into having an easier time getting state park reservations. It’s been brutal the last couple years. Just retired a month ago and looking to follow through on our planned trips this fall and early next spring with our travel trailer.
I think getting state park reservations may still be tough for a while given the sheer number of RVs sold the past several years. Sales have cooled this past 12 months, but prior to this there were record numbers produced and sold. I do have a state park booking window map to use to know when each state starts taking reservations: johnmarucci.com/state-park-map-desk/
I’m done with air travel to the extent that I’m able. Much prefer exploring the US and Canadia in a camper.
Thanks for sharing! Makes sense for a lot of people.
We live in Elkhart Indiana. My husband has been in the Rv industry for over 10 years. So many plants have closed their doors, so many have been laid off. Im surprised the unemployment rate isn’t higher.
I don't understand the dynamics of the industry, but besides the obvious factors of higher interest rates and higher costs of living, maybe the higher RV prices and lack of quality is also hurting sales? I want to buy too in the next 5yrs, but trailer costs are obscene ... and I'd go for 2019 and older.
There are a record number of used RVs for sale just now. Some are situations where the original owner has worked the kinks out. If you do look at used, you may want to consider a trained RV inspector to look at the unit. Here is a link: nrvia.org
I don’t know if this matters but my Mom called the lender on her Sprinter Van with an 81K balance and submitted the paperwork to have it repossessed. She told them exactly where it is. That was October 2022. They still haven’t come to get it. I think there is a flood of repossessions in the pipeline. I can’t imagine the enormous amount of repos backed up out there.
Thanks for sharing this info!
Where is it? I'll come pick it up 🤣
I always look forward to your vlogs. You are one of two out of many RV vlogers i trust and believe in.
Great job.
The kind words are much appreciated!
I concur. John offers down to earth insight and information that can be used to help make realistic decisions.
As RV production slows and manufacturers battle for market share is there a increase in reliability and quality?
I think there will be somewhat, given more tenured employees likely are retained and the pace of construction slows.
Glad we bought our Class C in 2020. Price on a new one has almost doubled. LED tail lights are the only issue we had and replaced. Chevy 4500 Chassis and its solid. Thanks for the info John
Thanks for sharing your experience with your Class C.
Nice video, thanks. I have been RV Camping for over 35 years, having owned multiple Fifth wheels and travel trailers along the way. Have had many good years with kids and now grandkids. I've noticed over the last three or four years that the campgrounds are being neglected and are packed to the gills every weekend. The fees are up 35 - 50% in just the last few years and yet the facilities are not seeing improvements, in fact, they are getting worse. Amazes me as to how they were all much less expensive and only half full just five years ago and yet the campgrounds were clean, well kept and up to date. Now with record campers and higher fees, that should mean more money to spend on the parks, but, I'm not seeing it. I'm in Kansas, not sure if the rest of the country is seeing this same thing. We go to both federal and state parks. Oh, and we still fly now and then, most recently flew to Quebec for vacation and going to England this month, though work related, but my wife gets to go as well. Air travel has gotten worse though.... takes longer to get through airports, flights are always and I mean always packed to the gills, people are grumpy, seats are cramped, the whole experience is worse. Maybe I'm just getting older, lol, but I've been traveling overseas and all around the U.S. for 30 years with my job and I remember flying was a lot of fun, now it's become more of a hassle.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!
During lockdown folks couldn’t travel to the beach …. they bought campers & ruined camping for us old time campers. Reservations are booked so far out you can’t spontaneously go camping. The local Corp of Engineers campground is manned by volunteers 🙄
You left out another replacement for RV, people are now going off grid in remote cabins, many more videos on remote cabins construction,RV activity is coming to an end
I think people upgrading RVs has slowed down very steeply. The industry forced forward hundreds of thousands of sales to new RVers during the pandemic and now are paying for it. There likely will still be 250,000 to 300,000 people buying new RVs per year going forward. Not sure of the numbers of new people who are opting for cabin life. If you have some stats on this, please let me know.
Hi there, no air travel for me. Never did like it. Rather hook up our rv and drive, stop when & where & see scenery. TY. 😊
Thanks for sharing!
👍 What camper do you have now? Going to Cayman Islands Jan 2024. Starting my Cargo camper conversions spring 2024.
Cheers
I still have my 2020 Keystone Bullet which has been working well lately. Thanks for sharing your travel plans. I think more people are vacationing by air now. All the best!
Please let me know how the drive goes to Cayman Islands ..
We fly and rent a car to explore National parks, National Monuments and such. We slept in 32 states and explored 30 National Parks so far...not including all those National Monuments and State Parks which are amazing too. I always considered buying an RV to do this but keep finding the idea to limit possibilities, experience and limits time to explore. I just got back from SD, ND, Wyoming and Colorado.Drove 3000 miles and stayed in NP log cabins in Badlands and the black hills. VRBO, Airbnb and Hotels in other places (all with kitchens) I think flying, renting a car and using the above accommodations is more affordable than RV'ing. I'm a sailor, you see a sailboat and think of freedom....it's actually restrictive, time consuming and a bit of a jail sentence...just like RV's. Still, I would buy an RV....just not for the reasons most buy them. It's more for the challenge. Note to people buying Drivable RV's. Be sure to get one with adaptive cruise control and lane assist. We rented a class B with this for the PNW and it's a game changer! Driver fatigue is cut dramatically. 6 hours of driving and you'll still have energy to explore the parks!
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Going to wait on purchasing next RV that’s if I ever do again as I’ll rent/borrow one as I desire the open road (today full of detours) Got rid of last RV 10 years ago as even then costs for owning one was going up all be it slightly. Now seeing prices of campground stays, seeing how they have become parking lots crammed in with as many rv’s as possible, the costs of all the maintenance and rv Park add ons make RVing unattractive. Oh did I mention the outrageous costs of the RV that will depreciate greater and faster than anything else ill purchase. I’m now seeking land that I can enjoy and control without having to pay the campground (private equity firm owners and there investors) a dime from me so they can enjoy life off my back.
Thanks for commenting and sharing your experience.
Done with air travel, don’t know anyone buying Airstreams
Thanks for sharing!
Hoping to go back to New Zealand or Peru in 2024 but will still hike and camp in my RV in State ParKs.
Sounds like some nice trips. I think more people are thinking to do similar things in the near future.
I continue to prefer RV travel over flying. I only fly if I absolutely have no other choice. Starting to plan my 2024 RV trips. Nice job on your report.
Thanks for weighing in on air travel. All the best!
Great Content and certainly well-researched. Bought a 2 year old AS Caravel 20FB this summer. Replacing tent camping that has been on a 5 year sabatical. Only local weekend camping, no interest in traveling long distances. My air travel is an annual ski trip, annual trip to Europe and a couple domestic trips. So a mixture of both.
Thanks for sharing!
Relevant and meaningful content as always. Thank you. I have a very small camper that I purchased in May 2023 and have only traveled short distances this summer. I plan to venture out more next year. For air travel, I have had several adventures abroad and thoroughly enjoy it. To visit other countries and experience other cultures is a great travel adventure. I am excited to do more in the future. For now I am hoping to see much of the US in my little camper.
Thanks for sharing!
I never owned a Motor Home before, but I just bought a Bounder 35 ft. E , for $30,000 gas, from original owner,it is 2004 with the mileage just turned 14,000 as I test drive,I only wanted to buy one with low mileage or none at all, and definitely not a new one.
Not a bad plan. I hope you get many years of enjoyment from your new RV!
Great video. We flew once since the lock down. We were limited because of the Covid Passport restrictions. We traveled abroad when the lock downs were lifted. We don't expect to do any more air travel in the near future. We travel with our 2019 Rpod 179. We are looking to sell it, looking for a more durable, small off-road trailer. Still want to stay in the 17-18 foot living space.
It’s tough to find a smaller off-road trailer that is built well. I suppose InTech and Oliver come to mind, but plan to spend considerable money and I am not certain of their off-road capabilities.
12 volt refrigerators and "Boondocking" camping are not compatible unless the coach comes with enough solar panels to do the job of battery replenishment. Much rather have an absorption refer.
Me as well. I think the industry is slowly moving away from propane appliances.
Hello! My wife and I are in the market for a new travel trailer and have one lined up at a steep discount (31%), venture stratus 28vbh. Is now not a good time to buy?
I don’t think 31% is a steep discount depending on the model year. If it is a 2024 model, that may be all you can hope for. Older new units (2022 & 2023) you likely can get a deeper discount and may want to contact several dealers. We have heard of well over 40% discounts on 2022s.
Hello! We still plan on camping in 2023 and into 2024. No trips in the work that would require air travel. Side Note: When did you trade in the R Pod for a Bullet?
Thanks for sharing. I had both the RPod and Bullet for a couple of years. Sold the RPod in May 2022. Still own and actively use the Keystone Bullet.
Really good news John . The Sol is not worth the money in my opinion. The Oliver is a great unit . I think involvement with dealers is a mistake for Oliver! I don’t care if I ever fly again. I did read that left over 2022 Rv’s are now going to auctions ! Thanks ! 👍
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
We still use air travel but mostly for non vacation travel. We looked at Oliver when we bought our R-Pod. We liked the reputation of the company but the wait was far to long.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts around air travel and your choice of RVs. Wait time can be a big deal.
I grew up with motorhomes and owned a couple. They seem like a great idea until you own one. There's too many downsides to RV ownership and travel so it remains a tough sell for this family even in a buyers market.
Understood. Lots of risk to the owner, as I can testify. I think many people are opting out of RVing just now, given the latest record number of used RVs for sale.
Thanks John, I always find your reports helpful.
Glad to hear it, thanks!
We travel both ways! I'm glad I waited 2 yrs to buy my B van! Saved a ton
Glad to hear. Sounds like waiting paid off. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks John. Another fine video. Very well done.
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video. I agree I think the bottom is still coming in the future. Economic conditions are continuing to get worse. The RV market will feel that worse then most.
I think the RV industry may be a leading indicator, given they are almost fully discretionary purchases. If that's the case, with RV sales down significantly, you may be correct.
I disagree, with people becoming more and more unable to buy a house they will seek alternative living....van life, rv life, moblie living is increasing leaps and bounds!
Travel Trailer and RV sales soared during Covid, at the same time people were spending MORE time on You Tube and Social Media hearing what JUNK they are....what can you expect? So many videos on the crap the RV industry is turning out was bound to have an effect. Junk falls apart on the first trip, then it's a battle to get them "fixed". What a dumb hobby.
It seems social media is the only counter balance to the well funded RVIA that lobbies for the industry. Many people will just upgrade what they now have vs buying higher priced lower quality units. Recently, my unit (2020 pre-pandemic Keystone Bullet) has worked well, after working the issues out. Thanks for commenting.
So… NOW would be a good time to buy. 😊
It really depends on the deal. MSRPs are much higher than a few years ago and quality is generally lacking, but significant discounts can be negotiated. Many are opting for quality used units, and using certified RV inspectors to ensure the used units are in good shape before the sale.
It would be interesting if the product was manufactured and shipped from the PRC. Just saying.
I think there is and Australian off-road brand that is having some structural piece built in China then shipped to the US for final assembly. I would think China will be a competitor to Elkhart at some point.
If China thought there was a real market and profit they would be in it. They know better… imho RVing is going to continue to slide as all the marketing (youtube, instagram, tictok, X and others) supported by the RV industry is starting to develop cracks just like the rv manufacturers products…
However China could off-load their quality problems onto American dealers. And not lose any sleep over it. I admit I don't know the state of tariffs on the product. @@wallye8713
Good video, as always. Thanks, John.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks John. Excellent rich content.
Much appreciated!
We are looking for a travel trailer, but the prices are just too high for us. It seems like dealers are making really good sale prices, but the MSRPs seem to be going up si in my opinion, there isn't a good sale. And I am also scared to buy after listening to all the stories about poor quality (such as leaks, heaters, ac's, electrical not working and trailers falling apart just going down the road). We can fix small things like screws falling out, but I do not know how to fix a water pump. And then it seems to take months to get an appointment and then months to get it back. Needless to say we are watching for used ones now. I look forward to your reports every month so thank you so much for keeping us informed!!
They’re raising the MSRP and giving bigger discounts so people think they’re getting a bargain but they’re not
I have heard from a viewer who got over 40% off a 2022 model, but the fact is MSRPs are much higher now, and even with a discount, RVs are generally more expensive than pre-pandemic.
Excellent information and very well presented. I’m hoping that if the RV market continues to cool down it will translate into having an easier time getting state park reservations. It’s been brutal the last couple years.
Just retired a month ago and looking to follow through on our planned trips this fall and early next spring with our travel trailer.
I think getting state park reservations may still be tough for a while given the sheer number of RVs sold the past several years. Sales have cooled this past 12 months, but prior to this there were record numbers produced and sold. I do have a state park booking window map to use to know when each state starts taking reservations: johnmarucci.com/state-park-map-desk/
@@JohnMarucci I use the booking window map. Super helpful! Thanks.
Glad to hear that the map is getting used!