Kickstand wrote:
dlowry wrote:
I sell towable products, Arctic Fox, Nash, Desert Fox (toy haulers), and Fox Mountain 5th-wheels, plus Sunnybrook products and some used units. Got out of the motorized sales during the gas crunch in the early 80's. I've been doing this since 1975, never seen it as bad as it has been the last 4 years.
Even though the media keeps telling us that the country is not in a recession, I think it is. There are high end diesel pushers selling cheap (or so I am told). I am refering to the Prevost conversions. I would think the towable toy hauler stuff would endure the economy better than the regular RV due to the price and versatility... but i am no expert.
SINCE 1975... you have been in that industry since I was in Elementry.
You are right on both counts, Kickstand. The motorized products, including high end, have taken the biggest hit. I do dealer only RV auctions every month. Most class A motorhomes are bringing about 30% under wholesale, some more. But it surprizes me at these auctions that they are even selling. Prices run from 100K to 180K on the upper line units, and I'm thinking, who has the money to buy these when the dealer gets them on their lot? Used toy haulers have always remained strong. I'm paying close to retail for nice clean units. The problem is, new sales have been so slow for the past 4 of 5 years, that the supply of used trade-ins is down and the demand is up. Same goes for smaller travel trailers and 5th-wheels.
Sort of getting off topic here, but it does boil down to election results. People just don't have the confidence to spend money. This is a great time to do it. Interest rates are the lowest I can remember. Finance companys really want to loan money, but need better qualifing buyers than before. Crazy business!!