RV Market Outlook 2025: Current Trends and Future Predictions

Over the last few years, the RV lifestyle has evolved in many ways. With an influx of new RVers, rising costs of ownership, supply and demand issues, and more, National Vehicle has been in the RV industry for 25 years, so we wanted to share our insights on what we have observed this year.

Whether you are a weekend warrior or a full-time RVer, you might be wondering where the RV market or industry stands right now. The good news: RVing is alive and well.

Sustained Growth For RV Ownership Since the Pandemic 

It should come as no surprise that over the last four years, we have seen an increase in RV ownership. The beginning of the pandemic brought a surge of new RVers into the market. And the influx of RV purchases happened so quickly that it took time for the RV industry and infrastructure to catch up.

Many in the industry thought the “newbies” who joined the RV lifestyle would depart as soon as other travel opportunities reopened. Although there has been some pandemic-induced turnover, it appears as though the number of people getting out of RVing doesn’t match the number who have become active campers in recent years. The conclusion: RV life has captured the hearts of many new people who have fallen in love with recreational activities and the great outdoors.

Many of us have been wondering when the flood of lightly used pre-owned RVs would hit the market, but it just hasn’t happened. Sure, we have seen and helped many sell their RVs purchased during COVID, but not at the level in which the masses entered.

Does This Mean the RV Industry Has Forever Changed?

Yes and no. It has changed in the sense that more people have found RVing to be a viable and fun way to travel. Your travel may require more ahead-of-time planning and involve more people, but the act of RVing itself remains the same. Tranquil views, peaceful outdoors, and memories made with loved ones will continue to be staples of the RV lifestyle.

The sustained growth the RV industry has found is an opportunity for all of us. It gives us a chance to meet new people, make new friends, and share experiences. The existence of any good hobby, pastime, or lifestyle depends on shared interests with others. The way we see it, the new RVers have helped solidify that the RV lifestyle we all love is here to stay!

The New Economics of RVing

We have all seen the cost of living increase substantially over the last few years. RVs were not immune to that. The cost of ownership for an RV, financing rates, insurance, maintenance, fuel expenses, and campgrounds are all on the rise. It seems like every time we turn around, it costs us more money. But it is not all bad for the RV market. If I have learned anything over the years in this industry, it is that RVers are a resilient bunch.

A few years ago, while the cost of fuel was rising, many thought that RV travel might subside as a result. Fortunately, it had little to no impact on overall RV travel. As gas prices began to rise, there was mild panic about how the increased costs would affect RVing. It was a natural response, considering RVs are not known for their fuel efficiency. However, that was short-lived, and RV owners continue to travel the same as they always have.

The rising interest rates had a similar impact on the RV market. There was a subtle dip in RV sales, followed by steady market growth once again. The truth is, we may never see the historically low interest rates that we saw a few years ago; that ship has sailed. While the Fed dealt with the economy and the nagging inflation that increased the cost of living across the board, their only hope to temper it was to increase rates. The rates we are seeing today are getting closer to the historic level of RV loan rates.

What National Vehicle and our partners in the RV industry are seeing today with RV sales and financing is that the overall number of RVs sold is lower than during the first year of COVID, but higher than pre-COVID sales numbers. What we gather from this is that many RV buyers are less focused on the high interest rate than the lifestyle they want. We believe they see this as a temporary problem since they can refinance when the rates start to relax.

RV Sales: Supply and Demand

The question we are asked most often is, “How is the current RV market?” The sellers’ market experienced from late 2020 through early 2023 has slowed. This is not to say that RVs are not selling because they are. The premium price and length of sale have tempered a bit, but RVs are still selling at a good pace. According to the RV Industry Association, the average RVer is still buying and selling their RV every 3-5 years, which is helping maintain sales numbers.

A new phenomenon born because of the pandemic is that “pre-COVID” recreational vehicles are more popular than ever. Meaning RVs manufactured and produced prior to spring 2020 are preferred over those manufactured during the pandemic. The overall thought is that RV manufacturers rushed their production during COVID to deal with the market’s growth and may have defects as a result. Although the reasoning behind this thinking is understandable, the reality does not match the thought process. We have heard the same thing about durable goods (washers and dryers), but the numbers don’t bear this out.

Many new RVs and RV owners experience a “working out the kinks” process, regardless of when the RV is built. If you have ever owned a new off-the-lot RV, you know exactly what I am saying. Remember, you are essentially driving a home down the road—what could go wrong, right? It’s easy for us, the consumer, to blame shoddy craftsmanship due to the rush manufacturers experienced, but the conclusion is that the warranty claims numbers, from a percentage of new RVs sold standpoint, remains the same.

A Growing Trend With RV Wholesale Values

One thing to mention, based on the thousands of RVers we talk with yearly, is that we are hearing there’s a downward trend in the wholesale value of RVs. Wholesale value means the price you would get trading in your travel trailer to RV dealers or selling it to them. While less severe lately, it’s still noteworthy. Timing, such as warmer weather and peak season, tends to play a role in the stabilization of RV pricing. Does that mean you shouldn’t consider trading or selling your RV? No, you should look at your options and make a sound decision based on facts.

According to the RV Industry Association (RVIA), although fewer people are buying new RVs, the number of new RV shipments to dealers has increased. It looks like buyers are wary of purchasing at new prices, especially with interest rates being up. As mentioned above, the private party market continues to provide the opportunity to sell your RV at a good price. Many RV buyers are looking at the private party market to save money.

What’s Ahead For the RV Market?

Our take on the RV market is if interest rates start to relax, fuel prices continue to be relatively steady, and the markets continue to stabilize, RVing will continue to grow. New experiences will emerge, new RVers will join the fold, and new relationships will be forged.

While it’s true that none of us have a crystal ball and can accurately guess what the future will bring, at National Vehicle we have reason to believe that RVing, the RV market, and the RV industry are well-positioned to grow. The resiliency of RVers, new and old, continues to drive this pastime to new heights. Just four short years ago, while the world was dealing with a pandemic, small businesses were closing throughout the country, and many industries were negatively altered, but RVing and the RV lifestyle found a way to grow.

So, hit the road! Make memories, explore new places, and meet new people. Remember, RVing is as much a lifestyle as a way to escape. If the market at the moment means the best way for you to do that is to buy a pre-owned RV or hang on to your current RV a little longer, so be it. 

Your Next RV Adventure Awaits with National Vehicle

As you navigate the ever-changing RV market, consider National Vehicle, your trusted partner for all your RV needs. If you are thinking about listing your current RV for sale, contact our sales team. We offer a seamless and efficient process to help get your vehicle sold. With our extensive experience and commitment to customer satisfaction, we ensure you get the best value and support. If you’re hunting for a new to you RV, check out our RV listings online!

Feel confident in your RV journey, knowing that National Vehicle is here to support you in making the most of your road trips and adventures. Enjoy the lifestyle!