Year-over-year wholesale shipments of towable and motorized RVs increased for the fourth consecutive month in November, although year-to-date they still lag 2008 orders from dealers by nearly a third, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA).

Led by a 161.5% increase in fifth-wheel shipments — 3,400 units this year compared to 1,300 units last year — overall, dealers ordered 13,700 units in November, representing a 140% increase over the November 2008. Total year-to-date shipments were 140,100, a decrease of 31.2%

Here’s a breakdown of RVIA’s November wholesale shipment report:

*  Wholesale travel trailer shipments increased to 8,300 compared to 3,400 last year. Year-to-date travel trailer shipments are off 25.5%.
* Although spiking in November, fifth-wheels lag total year-to-date 2008 shipments by 39.6%.
* Wholesale shipments of 100 truck campers remained unchanged from 2008 while folding camping trailers increased 75% to 700. Year-over-year, truck campers lag 2008 by 61.7% and folding camping trailers are down 37.1%.
* Class A motorhome wholesale sales of 500 coaches represented a 25% increase compared to November 2008. Year-to-day shipments have declined 39.6%.
* The shipment of 100 Class B motorhomes in November was the same as 2008. Year-to-date, Class B shipments are off 42.1%.
* Class C motorhome wholesale shipments increase from 300 units in 2008 to 600 units this year. Year-to-date Class C shipments of 5,500 units are off 51.3%


Source: RVIA