• The latest projection shows total 2021 National RV shipments ranging between 565,848 and 586,281 units with the most likely year-end total being 576,065 units. That total would represent a 33.8% increase over the 2020 year-end total of 430,412 units. It would also be a 14.1% gain over the current comparable record high of 504,600 units in 2017.
  • According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), Michigan continues to be one of the top 5 states for RV deliveries. In 2020, 16,571 RVs were shipped to Michigan, 1,336 RVs were shipped in the first quarter (January-March) of the year. So far, in the first quarter of 2021, more than 5,270 RVs have been shipped to Michigan.
  • The total 2019 country-wide economic impact of RV sales and services is $20.1 billion.
  • Indiana overwhelmingly continues to lead the country in RV production, manufacturing nearly 83 percent of all RVs in the United States and Canada
  • RV ownership has increased over 62% in the last twenty years with a record 11.2 million RV owning households.
  • The 2019 economic impact of RVs in Michigan is $3.4 billion. $1.6 billion for RV manufacturers and suppliers, $712.6 million for RV sales and services, $1.1 billion for RV campgrounds and travel according to RVIA.
  • The Michigan RV and campground industry supports 18,795 jobs, 1,173 RV businesses and $969.9 million in wages.
  • Go RVing and the RVIA commissioned a study highlighting how RV vacations present a clear budget benefit over other forms of travel. Popular RV mini-vacations can reap a cost savings of 21- 64 percent for a four-person travel party.
  • RVs support a balanced and active lifestyle. In a Harris Interactive survey, owners reported that RV travel enables them to experience nature and outdoor activities and enjoy quality family time. RVers reported stronger bonds with loved ones and benefits to children. RVers also cited healthier eating on the road, sleeping in their own beds, and having their own bathroom facilities as advantages of RV travel.
  • Research by GoRVing and the RVIA show that when fuel prices are higher, RVers save on fuel costs by driving fewer miles, taking trips closer to home and staying longer at one destination.
  • According to a GoRVing survey conducted at a recent MARVAC RV & Camping Show:
    • 39 percent of attendees polled are age 55+ and 71 percent own an RV.
    • 33 percent are soon to be empty nesters, ages 45 to 54 and 68 percent own an RV.
    • Of the 28 percent of show attendees ages 18 to 44, 45 percent already own an RV.
  • According to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (DEGLE), as of April 2019, there are more than 1,354 licensed recreation vehicle parks and campgrounds in Michigan, which represent more than 157,000 campsites.
  • A study by Michigan State University shows that 10 percent of all pleasure travelers in Michigan are campers.
  • Buyers aged 35-54 are the largest segment of RV owners, according to a University of Michigan study commissioned by RVIA.
  • New RVs can range in price from $6,000-$22,000 for folding campers; $8,000-$95,000 for conventional travel trailers; $43,000-$200,000 plus for Type C motorhomes; $18,000 to $160,000 for fifth wheels and $60,000-$500,000 for Type A motorhomes.
  • The average spent on an RV $75,000. Millennials spent the most, with an average of $82,000.
  • IRS tax deduction. For most RV buyers, interest on their loan is deductible as second home mortgage interest.
  • 80th Anniversary
    As one of the oldest state associations, the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC) has been connecting camping and RV enthusiasts with Michigan-based dealers, suppliers and campgrounds for 80 years.
    Founded in 1941, the association has been championing camping and RVing to consumers through outreach and the always popular RV Shows. The association introduced RV and camping shows to the Metro Detroit area 55 years ago in 1966 with the original Detroit Camper and Travel Trailer Show, which has become the third-longest running public RV show in the country.
    The first show was held at the Detroit Artillery Armory on 8 Mile Road in February 1966. The SE Michigan shows have also been held at Cobo Hall, the Pontiac Silverdome and was the inaugural show for the Novi Expo Center. It was also the first public show at Suburban Collection Showplace, in Novi.

Visit www.marvac.org to find campgrounds, RV resorts and RV dealers by region.
The Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC) is a statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging growth in the recreation vehicle and private campground industries while contributing to the quality of Michigan tourism. For more information, visit MARVAC’s website, www.marvac.org. MARVAC, 2222 Association Drive, Okemos, Mich. 48864-5978; 517.349.8881.

Sources: Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), Michigan Association of Recreational Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC)