Recreational Vehicle Shipments Decline in September

Total RV unit shipments across the United States fell to 23,230 in September 2026, marking a 9.2 percent decrease.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Camping

Recreational Vehicle Shipments Decline in September

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Recreational vehicle shipments in the United States dropped to 23,230 units in September 2026, down from the 25,684 units shipped in September 2025. This 9.2 percent decline continues a broader downward trend for the industry throughout the year.

Why it matters

The decline reflects cooling demand for recreational vehicles as the industry faces sustained headwinds. This slowdown is evident in year-to-date figures, which show a 13.7 percent drop compared to the same period in 2025.

Towable RV shipments reached 20,667 units and motorhomes totaled 2,653 units, while park model RVs saw a 3.4 percent growth for the month. Year-to-date shipments currently sit at 230,511 units compared to 267,234 units during the same period in 2025.

The players

RV Industry Association

This is the national trade association that represents recreational vehicle manufacturers and parts suppliers.

The details

The RV Industry Association calculated these figures by surveying manufacturers to track industry health. While total shipments and motorhome sales dipped, park model RVs bucked the trend with a 19.8 percent increase in year-to-date shipments.

September 2025 saw 25,684 total RV units shipped.
September 2026 saw 23,230 total RV units shipped.

Culture Shift

The recreational vehicle market remains a bellwether for consumer confidence in outdoor travel and discretionary spending. This data follows the RV Industry Association monthly manufacturing shipment reports, which provide a critical baseline for evaluating national leisure trends.

Potential buyers may find increased availability at dealerships as manufacturers adjust production levels to meet the cooling demand. Those looking to purchase might also benefit from shifting inventory levels as retailers manage their existing stock of towable and motorhome units.

The takeaway

Consumers currently considering an RV purchase may find a more favorable inventory environment as the market continues its year-to-date cooling phase. Monitoring shipment trends can help prospective buyers gauge when might be the most opportune time to seek pricing incentives.