RV makers are optimistic industry will rebound in 2011

Indiana RV makers still struggling to recover from the recession say they're hoping for a banner year as the economy improves.

A University of Michigan survey has found that the industry is expecting a nearly 4 percent increase, which would build on a nearly 48 percent increase in shipments in 2010.

"We had an excellent year in RV sales in 2010. We feel that 2011 is going to be the best year we have ever seen in the RV industry," Gary Miller, owner of Wana RV in Shipshewana, told The Goshen News.

Dealers say they've seen improvements in financing for RV purchases but that terms have changed. Instead of buying with no down payment, buyers are expected to put down 10 percent now, Miller said.

"It really is a good thing because people will pay that 10 percent so when they are ready to sell it or trade it in they are not upside down on the unit. They don't feel like they are taking such a loss," Miller said.

Dealers acknowledge there are still challenges for the industry, which has continued to struggle since the recession ended. In 2010, Class A luxury motor coaches averaged around 1,000 units shipped each month. The Class C motorhomes averaged even less.

But Jim Jacobs, a vice president at Jayco in Middlebury, said there are still buyers for quality products.

"There are a lot of consumers out there still buying high-end diesel products. That customer is still there," he said.

Phil Sarvari, executive vice president of Gulf Stream Coach in Nappanee, said people have embraced RVs as a way of life. But he said the year's sales will depend on consumers' attitudes.

"As long as people feel good and they know they are going to have jobs, they will be willing to spend," Sarvari said.