Towable RV registrations were down predictably in Statistical Surveys Inc.’s March retail registration report released today (May 20) by the Grand Rapids, Mich., firm.

Travel trailer and fifth-wheel registrations for the month totaled 10,411, compared to 16,997 in March 2008, a decline of 38.7%.

Retail registration totals by segment:

• Travel trailers: 7,239 compared to 11,599 in March of 2008.
• 
Fifth-wheels: 3,172 vs. 5,398 last March.
• Camping trailers: 983, down from 1,616 last year.
• Recreational park trailers: 135, off from 298 in ’08.

Thor Industries Inc. expanded its hold on the travel trailer market with a 30.8% share in March and 29.3% for the first quarter, more than double its closest competitor, Jayco Inc.

Thor had an even greater lead in the fifth-wheel market with a 40.6% market share in March and 39.7% share for the first quarter. Forest River Inc. was a distant second with a 12% and 13.6% share for March and the quarter, respectively.

FTCA Inc.’s Coleman camping trailer was the top selling folding camping trailer  manufacturer with a 33.8% market share in March and 34.1% share for the quarter. Jayco was second at 26.6% for March 25.4% for the quarter.

In the recreational park trailer segment, Thor and Skyline Corp. were in a dead heat for the quarter, each with a 16.1% market share with Chariot Eagle a close third with 13.5%. For March, Thor was tops with 19.3% market share, followed by Skyline with 16.3% and Chariot Eagle with 17%.