I can assure you that every segment of motorhome production is on the rise and also riding this incredible wave.
By Chris Smith, Executive Director
February 2017
As you read this newest issue of Family Motor Coaching, I’m hoping you are snuggled up with a loved one in a warm place. It is February after all. Here in Cincinnati, we are happy when the temperatures rise above freezing at this time of the year. February is also a month to share time with that special someone … if nothing else so they can keep you warm!
I wanted to talk a bit about my experiences at the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky. For those of you not familiar, Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) is the national trade association that represents RV manufacturers and component parts suppliers, as well as other organizations that promote the RV lifestyle. RVIA is an excellent source for RV-related information. One of the organization’s main objectives is to promote the RV lifestyle, as well as give the industry a voice on the governmental level.
The show itself took place from November 29 through December 1. It is not open to the public but rather is focused on industry representatives sharing the latest and greatest with each other. I attended the show for one day three years ago, and I must say the energy and excitement was much stronger this time around. The RV industry is thriving right now, and the show was a testament to that strength. Following are some numbers RVIA provided that really help to demonstrate just how much of a crest the market is riding:
The RV industry as a whole provided a $50 billion U.S. economic impact in 2015. That includes employing nearly 300,000 Americans.
In 2016 total RV shipments were expected to reach 419,500 units. That would represent seven straight years of growth, as well as the highest output since 1977.
2017 is predicted to have an output of 438,000 units, which would be an eighth straight year of growth and the highest production levels ever.
Keep in mind the numbers above are for all RV units, not just motorhomes. I can assure you that every segment of motorhome production is on the rise and also riding this incredible wave. Keep in mind, too, that today’s fifth-wheel owner may be tomorrow’s motorhome owner.
Just prior to the show, RVIA hosted a luncheon for RV clubs. It was great to meet many of the other players in our industry. Some very nice discussions happened during this meeting. It was interesting to hear the other club leaders’ perspectives on successes, failures, and challenges. One theme that came out of the meeting is that the various clubs need to work together on some level. For example, a suggestion was made to create a calendar that all clubs have access to so as to help coordinate event dates.
Also prior to the show, FMCA hosted a luncheon that was attended by a number of our partners. One partner I want to focus on in particular this month is Courtney Wooge from Farm and City Insurance Services (FCIS). He heads up the FMCA RVinsurance Coalition. Courtney is a huge advocate of the RV industry, something that has been in his blood for quite a long time now. His father, Gaylord Wooge, got the FCIS agency involved with the RV insurance niche because of the issues RV club members were having with insuring their vehicles.
So, Gaylord became a strong advocate for the clubs to educate members on the need for specialized RV insurance. The challenging, and perhaps the most rewarding, part was working with the carriers to design the right specialized coverages at the right price for the RV consumer, Gaylord noted. Courtney said he has tried to carry that same philosophy through in his tenure while adding the technology component to make it easy for consumers to interact with agents.
This passion is evident in the customer service and products the RVinsurance Coalition offers FMCA members. The offerings are impressive. Members have their pick of multiple RV specialty carriers, as well as automobile and homeowners insurance options. FMCA members receive some sort of discount off their policy. The process is very easy, and I encourage everyone to at least give them a call for a quote.
I also encourage you to mention it to a friend who owns a motorhome but might not yet be a member of FMCA. He or she also can call in to receive a free, no-obligation quote. In many instances, they will receive a discount on the yearly premium that is greater than the cost of an FMCA membership.
Anyone interested can receive a quote by doing one of the following:
Call (877) 589-3599 to speak with a representative directly.
Visit our website at www.FMCA.com/rvinsurance, where you will find a link to request a quote.
Join us for Rally In The Valley
Switching gears, I would like to extend an invitation to FMCA’s 95th International Convention in Chandler, Arizona. It will occur at the Rawhide Western Town and Event Center from March 7 through 10. This is the first time we have hosted an event at this facility, and the first time we have been to Arizona with an international convention in quite some time. You can catch informative seminars presented by RV experts, exhibits from the biggest names in the industry, and top-notch entertainment to cap off your nights. Come park your motorhome on the grounds for the whole event or come visit us for a day. For more information and to register, please visit www.FMCA.com/conventions-64/chandler-2017/.
Before the event, we also will be presenting a new two-day workshop called RV Basics. It will be held on March 5 and 6 at the same location as the convention. Whether you are new to motorhoming or a seasoned pro, there will be something for everyone. You will learn everything from caring for fresh-water systems to fire safety . . . and many things in between. Sign up for this two-day class and stick around for the convention as well. Once you are done with both, you will know so much more about motorhoming!
Racing toward Indy! Looking toward this summer, I’d also like to invite you to join us July 12 through 15 for FMCA’s 96th International Convention, set to take place at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. The registration form appears on page 97 of this magazine. Don’t forget that FMCA now offers a convenient payment plan if you’d like to sign up now and pay half and then have the rest charged to your credit card at the early-bird registration date.
Safe travels to all, and I hope to see you in Chandler and in Indy!