RV Sales Rebound, Dealers Optimistic
Wed Feb 3, 2010
Author: Elizabeth Willis
Source: Battle Creek Enquirer
An economic recession and high gas prices caused RV sales to plummet in 2009. But according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, shipments to retailers increased 2 percent in December and are up a whopping 150 percent compared with a year ago.
And this weekend, hundreds of motor homes, mini-homes, fifth wheels, travel trailers and tent campers are on display at the 2010 Battle Creek RV Show at Kellogg Arena.
That's encouraging news for Steve Uldricks, owner of Battle Creek RV Sales. Last week, he moved from his former site at 2030 W. Dickman Road to a new location at 848 E. Columbia Ave., where he has potential room to grow his business.
Uldricks said sales of new RVs have fallen the farthest. By sticking to pre-owned vehicle sales, he said he has been able to survive the slowdown.
"People aren't going to stop RVing," he said. "They might change their habits. The might find a place they like and park it there, or make shorter trips."
The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association also reports to save on fuel, RVers typically spend more time enjoying the campground experience and less time on the road. They also are learning to increase fuel economy by packing lighter and driving slower.
And vehicles are being made with lighter, more environmentally friendly materials every year, Uldricks said.
Uldricks has been in RV sales since 1985, but he bought his own business in May 2008, just before the bubble burst.
"Last year was not a great year," he said. "A lot of RV businesses were going under."
Employees in the Elkhart, Ind., area felt the brunt of the downturn when thousands lost their jobs in the heart of America's RV production industry.
Reports now say the town -- considered emblematic of the nation's unemployment woes -- is optimistic a turnaround in RV sales is signaling an end to the nation's recession.
"I think it's going to take a while, but yeah, it will happen," Uldricks said.
