Expert: RV shipments expected to remain level in '09

Despite a soft economy, shipments in the recreational-vehicle industry are expected to remain about what they were last year, according to a presentation prepared by Richard Curtin, director of surveys at the University of Michigan.

Curtin presented his projections at "Forecast 2009," an event that took place Tuesday and was sponsored by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. During his presentation, Curtin said RV shipments will total approximately 303,100 units in 2009 - nearly identical to the projected total for 2008.

Curtin said seasonally adjusted shipments are expected to reach a low point in the first quarter of 2009, but then are expected to grow throughout the remainder of the year, concentrated first in conventional travel-trailers and closely followed by motorhomes. Read more...