RVIA’s September 2026 manufacturer survey reports a 9.2% year-over-year decline in wholesale RV shipments. Class B camper vans moved in the opposite direction, with shipments up 23.3%.

The association’s September report describes deliveries from manufacturers, not completed purchases by consumers. It is an industry supply measure rather than a price guide for an individual buyer.

A mixed picture across RV types

Towable shipments declined 9.7%, while motorhome shipments fell 5.5%. The camper-van increase shows why one overall percentage does not describe every type of RV equally.

A source discrepancy readers should know about

RVIA’s headline and summary give a September total of 23,230, but its table lists 23,320. The year-to-date summary and table also disagree: 230,511 versus 230,508. HitchPath has not verified an official correction and is not treating either conflicting total as settled. Both sections report the 9.2% monthly decline.

What shoppers can use this information for

HitchPath’s interpretation is that the report provides context for questions, rather than proof of a bargain. It does not establish what a dealer has in stock, whether a specific model is discounted or what a trade-in is worth.

If you are comparing rigs for full-time travel or a seasonal work assignment, request written quotes for equivalent vehicles. Ask the dealer to separate the vehicle price, taxes, fees, optional products and trade-in allowance. Compare model years and included equipment before deciding that one offer is cheaper.

The same discipline applies to camper vans. An increase in shipments does not tell you whether a particular van has enough storage, suitable living space or the equipment your travel plans require.

What campground owners and workampers should take away

Manufacturing data cannot tell a park how many guests will arrive next month. Operators should compare broad industry news with their own reservation pace, cancellations and guest feedback before changing staffing plans.

For workampers, the more useful evidence remains a direct conversation with the employer: assignment dates, hours, compensation, site arrangements and the duties in the written agreement. A shipment decline is not a count of available campground jobs.

What to watch next

Watch for RVIA to reconcile its totals and for subsequent reports to show whether the category differences persist. Keep monthly comparisons separate from year-to-date trends, and wholesale shipments separate from retail demand.

Reviewed October 28, 2026. Industry figures come from RVIA’s September report. Shopping, staffing and workamping considerations are HitchPath’s editorial analysis.