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Reading Time: 3 minutesLast Updated on October 6, 2025 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
Current RV Industry News And Trends
Key Takeaways
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2025 shipments steady: motorhomes up, towables easing.
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Used RV prices are down, creating opportunities for buyers.
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Tariffs & policy shifts may raise costs in 2026.
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New models emphasize off-grid power, lighter builds, and luxury.
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Legal and environmental accountability are front-and-center issues.
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New vs. Used RV: Navigating the Price Trends
Can You Rent an RV for a Year?
RV Industry News
October 2025 Roundup: Sales, Tariffs & Travel Trends
The latest RV industry news for October 2025 sales trends, used RV values, tariffs, travel demand, and upcoming models. Stay ahead with key updates from RVIA, Thor, Winnebago, and industry events.
Industry Overview: Growth Slows, but Momentum Remains
As the leaves turn and camping season winds down, the RV industry is holding its course with steady but moderating growth.
According to the RV Industry Association (RVIA), 2025 is on track to close slightly ahead of 2024, with total shipments projected to be between 320,400 and 353,500 units (median: 337,000) (RVIA.org).
Highlights:
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August 2025 shipments: 28,212 units (−3.1% YoY)
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Towables: −4.6%
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Motorhomes: +11.3% YoY
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YTD Growth: +4.2% overall (GoRVrentals.com)
Industry experts anticipate a slight cool-off heading into winter, as high interest rates and fuel costs pressure buyers, but dealers remain confident that 2026 will rebound with new models and buyer incentives.
Used RV Market: Prices Slide with the Season
If you’ve been eyeing a used RV, October is prime time. According to Black Book, both towables and motorhomes saw price dips this month:
| Category | Average Price | MoM Change | Average Model Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorhomes | $70,241 | −2.2% (−$1,547) | 2016 |
| Towables | $17,292 | −4.4% (−$792) | 2020 |
Auction volume for motorhomes jumped nearly 16%, suggesting more sellers are offloading inventory before the holidays. Towables, meanwhile, saw slower movement, signaling dealer caution.
Takeaway: If you’re buying, this is your season to score deals. If you’re selling, be prepared for leaner margins.
Policy Watch: Tariffs, Trade, and Timber Trouble
October brought new trade ripples.
The Trump Administration’s Section 232 tariffs on select softwoods and lumber products may not directly target RV materials yet, but analysts warn it could raise cabinetry and paneling costs downstream.
(RV Business)
Simultaneously, the U.S. Court of Appeals upheld the Section 301 China tariffs on RV-related imports, ranging from tires and frames to interior components, with 25% and 7.5% duties remaining intact. (RV PRO)
The Outdoor Industry Association also issued a warning that a potential federal government shutdown could disrupt public lands, national parks, and campground operations, significantly impacting RV travel demand.
(RV PRO)
RVIA spokesperson Craig Kirby commented:
“While the fundamentals remain solid, cost volatility and policy uncertainty will require manufacturers and dealers to stay flexible through Q4.”
Events & Launches: Detroit, Hershey & New Model Buzz
Fall Detroit RV & Camping Show
Held from October 1 to 5 in Novi, Michigan, the show featured hundreds of 2025 and early-release 2026 models. It’s a must-see for Midwest buyers looking to snag end-of-season discounts and preview next-year designs.
(RV Business)
New Hires & Model Moves
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Keystone RV welcomed Nick Simeri as Assistant Product Manager for the Montana and Montana High Country lines, signaling renewed focus on family-friendly luxury fifth wheels.
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Ember RV expanded its off-grid lineup with new laminated travel trailers featuring solar-ready systems and lithium upgrades.
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Forest River continues to dominate the production capacity market, while indie builders like Iron Peak Campers (formerly Denali Campers) expand into the overlanding niche.
Takeaway: The 2026 model year is shaping up to be lighter, smarter, and more tech-ready than ever.
Safety & Legal Spotlight: Texas Flood Lawsuit
A sobering reminder for campground operators:
In early October, the family of a flood victim filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against HTR TX Hill Country RV Park, alleging the park failed to warn or evacuate guests during July’s deadly Texas floods.
(Washington Post)
The case highlights the growing liability and climate risk exposure in the campground sector. Expect renewed attention to emergency planning, insurance coverage, and guest communication protocols.
Sustainability Snapshot: Eco-Pressure Mounts
Environmental watchdogs continue to highlight the RV industry’s reliance on tropical hardwoods, which are used in cabinetry and flooring. The New York Times reported earlier this year that much of it can be traced back to Borneo’s deforestation zones, prompting sustainability pledges from several manufacturers.
Meanwhile, Indiana’s Elkhart County remains the nation’s RV heartland, contributing $32 billion to the state’s GDP and over 126,000 jobs, but facing increased scrutiny over emissions and waste management.
(Wikipedia)
What’s Next for the RV World
Despite tighter margins and global uncertainty, optimism persists.
Dealers report that younger buyers and digital nomads are entering the market at a faster rate than ever. Compact, solar-powered trailers and EV-compatible towables are leading new-model interest lists heading into 2026.
Expect financing incentives and show-floor discounts to remain stable through the winter, while the luxury motorhome segment continues to drive profit margins.
Final Thoughts
The road ahead for the RV industry may be bumpy, but it’s far from slowing down. Innovation, consumer flexibility, and a growing love for outdoor freedom continue to drive the market forward.
Looking Ahead
Despite choppy waters, the RV industry remains resilient. Shipments are trending upward overall, luxury buyers are reshaping demand, and innovation is alive with 2026 models already creating buzz. But affordability, sustainability, and consumer education will shape whether the growth continues into 2026.
As RVIA President Craig Kirby recently put it: “The RV lifestyle is evolving, and the industry is adapting. Our challenge is ensuring that growth remains sustainable for businesses, consumers, and the planet.”
