This empty parking lot is a scene that is becoming familiar at RV dealerships across the country due to RV shortages.

What’s Causing the Recent RV Shortages in 2020 and 2021?

What happens when you have ten hungry teenagers and only eight slices of pizza? A demand for more pizza, of course! The law of supply and demand can be found in any basic Economics lesson. The recent RV shortage is similar to the pizza scenario but, as with most economic situations, there are many more factors that come into play than hungry teenagers and pizza.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Although roughly 80 percent of RVs are manufactured in Elkhart County, Indiana, not all of the parts that make up an RV are made there. RVs, like automobiles, boats, and a myriad of other finished products, are made up of a lot of different parts which are supplied from separate manufacturers. A delay in just one part can mean production for an entire RV line comes to a halt. (Think about the delay in pizza production if there’s no cheese!)

Many parts are being manufactured in lower quantities – or not at all – due to COVID or other issues. When a part is delayed it means an RV is kept from being completed and being approved for sale. Each component for production of an RV is important for the quality of the finished product. When even one of the components is unavailable, the RV remains incomplete. From air conditioners to toilets, the lack of parts available results in RV shortages.

Reduction in Transportation Availability

Even though the majority of RVs are made here in the United States, there are parts manufactured in other countries. The COVID situation has resulted in fewer transportation vessels. International shippers are highly cautious. So even when parts are completed there could be shipping delays.

With lower manufacturing rates and delayed shipping, the supply of parts and components to build RVs results in RV shortages.

High Demand

The other half of the equation is, of course, demand. Demand has increased and RVs are generally gaining popularity, partly due to COVID. Not only have high-risk workers in the healthcare and other professions used RVs as a satellite home to avoid exposing their families to the virus; but according to a recent report on WXYZ-TV 7, “Now infectious disease specialists do say RV traveling is one of the safest ways to go.”

RV travel is an activity where families can go places together with their own things (bed, bathroom, kitchen, etc.) and not have to wonder about who else may have slept there, sat there, or touched the TV remote. It’s a great way to get a change of view with a little peace of mind.

Increased RV travel demands, coupled with limited supply, means RV shortages. It’s a simple formula. So what’s a person to do?

Shopping for an RV? Here Are Some Tips

Know What You Want

The reality is RV shortages and a limited RV supply, but that doesn’t mean shopping for an RV is impossible. Being prepared amid RV shortages means it’s important to be ready to buy. Know what you want! Do you want a bunkhouse, toy hauler, fifth wheel, and how many does it need to sleep? Do you already have a tow vehicle and what is your towing capacity? When you know what you are looking for and you find an RV that fits your criteria, don’t hesitate.  

Used RVs Are Harder to Find

Since the supply of new RVs is lower, you may think it’s a good time to turn to a used model. If you don’t need the most recent features available in the current year’s model, they are just as good as new models, especially when you purchase from a reputable dealer.

Unfortunately, the used market is just as challenging to find RVs in right now! So don’t be surprised if you’re left searching high and low when shopping used too!

Stay Vigilant

The RV Wholesale Superstore website is updated with new stock when it’s available, so keep an eye on our site! You can also reach out to us for updates and find out if the model you’re looking for is available or may be available soon!

Contact RV Wholesale Superstore 

The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for you and your family. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (419) 786-1126

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