The 2025 data presents a picture of an industry that has stabilized following the rapid expansion of the pandemic years.
RV shipments finished 2025 at 342,220 units, reflecting modest year-over-year growth. Forecasts project continued movement in the mid-300,000 unit range through 2026. These figures suggest that production has returned to more traditional historical levels rather than the record highs seen during 2020–2022.
At the same time, RV ownership remains strong. An estimated 8.1 million American households currently own an RV, and 16.9 million households report interest in purchasing one within the next five years. Median usage stands at 30 days per year across nine trips, with most owners reporting they are using their RV as much or more than expected.
Camping participation continues to support the broader market. One in four leisure trips is now a camping trip. RV camping reached nearly 10 million households in 2024, and 80 percent of RV owners report plans to camp in 2025. Total camping expenditures reached $61 billion in 2024, with average daily spend at $200 per day.
Several themes emerge from these numbers:
- RVing remains a widely used and actively planned form of travel.
- Participation has broadened beyond traditional demographics, with a median owner age of 49 and 36 percent of owners being first-time buyers.
- Towable units continue to dominate ownership, accounting for the majority of shipments and usage.
- Forecasts indicate gradual growth rather than dramatic expansion.
The data does not point to explosive growth, nor does it show contraction. Instead, it reflects a mature industry operating at elevated participation levels compared to a decade ago, supported by steady consumer demand and continued interest in outdoor travel.
Looking ahead, shipment forecasts, owner intent, and camping participation suggest that the RV market is positioned for continued stability, with incremental growth projected into 2026.
RV Shipment Forecast (2025–2026)
According to the Fall 2025 edition of RV RoadSigns, the quarterly forecast prepared by ITR Economics for the RV Industry Association:
- 2025 RV shipments are projected to range between 320,400 to 353,500 units, with a median of 337,000 units.
- 2026 RV shipments are projected to range between 332,400 to 366,100 units, with a median of 349,300 units.
The forecast states that wholesale shipments are expected to climb slightly by year-end to 337,000 units and continue into the mid-300,000 range in 2026.
Craig Kirby, President & CEO of the RV Industry Association, stated:
“RV shipments are expected to continue rise through the end of this year and into next. Economic uncertainty and elevated borrowing costs continue to be headwinds, but factors for growth are improving as inflation eases, financing becomes more affordable, and restocking picks up.”
2025 Year-End RV Shipment Totals
Results from the RV Industry Association’s December 2025 survey of manufacturers found:
- 23,220 total units shipped in December 2025, representing a 0.3% increase compared to December 2024 (23,153 units).
- Total 2025 shipments: 342,220 units, a 2.5% increase over 2024.
Towable RVs:
- December 2025: 20,425 units, down 1.9% from December 2024.
- Full year 2025: 306,191 units, up 2.5%.
Motorhomes:
- December 2025: 2,795 units, up 19.5%.
- Full year 2025: 36,029 units, up 3.3%.
Park Model RVs:
- December 2025: 333 wholesale shipments, up 22.0%.
- Full year 2025: 4,305 units, up 9.6%.
November shipment counts were revised upward by 99 units due to late survey responses.
RV Ownership in the United States
- 8.1 million American households currently own an RV.
- 16.9 million households show interest in owning an RV within the next five years.
- RV-owning households represent 6.7% of U.S. vehicle-owning households.
RV Usage Statistics
- Median number of days RV is used per year: 30 days.
- Median number of RV trips per year: 9 trips.
- Median distance per trip: 250 miles.
86% of current RV owners indicate they are utilizing their unit as much or more than expected
Types of RVs Owned
According to the 2025 RV Owner Demographic Profile:
- Towable units account for 83% of the RVs used most often.
- Motorhomes account for 15%.
- Conventional travel trailers comprise nearly two-thirds of units owned.
Breakdown of ownership by type:
- 66% Conventional Travel Trailer
- 17% Fifth Wheel
- 10% Class C Motorhome
- 5% Class B Motorhome
- 5% Toy Hauler
- 4% Class A Motorhome
- 3% Folding Camping Trailer
- 3% Park Model RV
- 2% Truck Camper
RV Owner Demographics
- Median RV owner age: 49 years
- 36% are first-time owners
- 43% have children under 18 in the home
- 73% identify as Caucasian
- 50% are employed full-time
- 22% report someone in the household works remotely
RV Owner Motivations
Top motivators for RV ownership:
- 58% Simply unwinding and relaxing
- 57% Spending time in nature
- 53% Visiting a location with natural beauty
- 43% Saving money on travel costs
- 43% Bringing a pet
RV Accident Statistics (Most Recent Available Data)
Recreational vehicles are involved in thousands of crashes each year across the United States. While RVs represent a relatively small share of total vehicles on the road, their size and weight can increase crash severity when accidents occur.
Annual RV Crashes
National safety reporting and aggregated crash analyses estimate that approximately 70,000 to 80,000 RV-related crashes occur each year in the United States.
Annual RV Injuries
An estimated 75,000 people are injured annually in RV-related accidents, based on federal crash reporting summaries and safety data compilations.
Annual RV Fatalities
Reported summaries indicate that approximately 26 fatalities occur each year in RV-related crashes.
Fatality Rate by Mileage
The fatality rate for RVs has been reported at approximately 0.44 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
For comparison, the overall U.S. motor vehicle fatality rate is about 1.48 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, meaning the RV rate is lower on a per-mile basis.
Common Contributing Factors
Commonly cited contributing factors in RV crashes include:
- Driver inexperience
- Vehicle size and weight
- High center of gravity leading to rollover risk
- Longer stopping distances
- Improper loading or weight distribution
It is important to note that RV-specific crash data is not always separated cleanly in federal databases, so many figures are derived from aggregated national crash reporting systems.
Sources
RV RoadSigns Forecast (Fall 2025)
https://www.rvia.org/news-insights/rv-shipments-rise-2026
RVIA December 2025 Shipment Report
https://www.rvia.org/reports-trends/rv-shipment-reports/2025-12/rv-shipments-end-2025-342220-units-modest-25-growth-over-2024
2025 RV Owner Demographic Profile – Go RVing
https://www.rvia.org/2025-go-rving-rv-owner-demographic-profile
Foran Law – RV Accident Statistics Overview
https://www.foranlaw.com/practice-areas/truck-accidents/recreational-vehicle-rv-accidents/
BestAttorney – RV Accident Statistics
https://www.bestattorney.com/rv-accidents/
Emergency Assistance Plus – RV Safety & Fatality Data
https://www.emergencyassistanceplus.com/resources/rv-statistics/
The RV Geeks – Common RV Accidents
https://www.thervgeeks.com/most-common-rv-accidents/