During the COVID-19 pandemic, the RV market exploded as many craved getting out of the house while travel restrictions were set in place. As a result, demand for self-sustaining travel skyrocketed. In 2020, there were 430,412 shipments, surpassing 2019 by 6%. This trend is likely to continue with record numbers of travelers purchasing or renting an RV.
RV Supply Shortages and Price Increases
At the beginning of the pandemic, the RV industry had taken a hit, but travelers soon discovered RVing to be a safe and fun way to get away and travel. Young travelers are beginning to hit the road, embracing RV traveling while working remote positions. Demand has boomed over the past year and the demand for RVs continues to soar. The growth has been so exponential that manufacturers and part suppliers couldn’t keep up with demand resulting in shortages and price surges.
RV prices have surged in part due to the demand boom and the rise in lumber and steel prices. Even basic RV models are going for premium prices. In addition, supplies are having a hard time keeping up with the demand. In 2020, there were hundreds of RVs at manufacturing plants waiting on refrigerators, air conditioners, and other appliances. This resulted in a backlog for RV manufacturers. The demand in the RV market doesn’t seem to be slowing down and is likely to keep growing at a rapid pace.
Will RV Prices Go Down in 2022?
With record sales the past two years, RV sales will likely continue to rise in 2022. According to Camper Smarts, most RV categories, including Class A's, full-size travel trailers, and 5th wheels, will see a drop of 3-5% in overall sales. However, some RV types will see sales elevations as high as 8%.
RV Camping Demand is High in 2022
Due to the surge in people purchasing RVs, campgrounds, national parks and boondocking spots have been busier than ever. You’ll find popular campgrounds are packed and it’s a lot harder to get reservations. The issue, right now, for us campers is that there are a lot of different reservation engines out there making it easy for others to quickly snag campground sites.
In addition, now you need reservations to gain entry into certain national parks. Six of the sixty-three national parks in the United States now require reservations. This includes the following National Parks: Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, Glacier, Zion, Acadia, and Haleakala.
Don’t let this discourage you and your 2022 RV camping plans! There are generally a lot of other campgrounds around the area, so you don’t necessarily need to stay at the most popular campsite. When traveling in your RV it’s a good idea to open your radius up around the area you will be visiting. You may get lucky and discover a cool spot that is less crowded and just as beautiful.
Make Your 2022 Camping Reservations
With new campgrounds opening up, you may have better luck this year getting a premium camping site you want. Our recommendation is to make camping reservations as soon as possible, ideally over the off-season. We hope you have great RV adventures! To learn more RV tips and tricks, season predictions, and places to visit check out the RV Shop Blog.
