SSI: Canadian Towable Sales Drop 4% for May

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Year-over-year Canadian retail sales of towable RVs declined 4% in May but were up 2.9% for the first five months, according to the latest report from Statistical Surveys Inc. (SSI). The Grand Rapids. Mich.-based firm noted that the provinces of British Columbia and Ontario are incomplete for the month.

A sector-by-sector breakdown shows:

• Sales in the travel trailer sector edged down 3.7% in May, but showed a 4.7% gain for the five months.

• Fifth-wheel sales were flat for the month, up 1.7%, and rose 3.8% year-to-date.

• Folding camping trailer registrations dropped 20% in May and 17% for the five months.

• Recreational park trailers declined 36% for the month and 20.4% year-to-date.

Thor Industries Inc. was the overall Canadian towables sales leader through May with a 33.9% market share, followed by Forest River Inc. at 17.6% and Jayco Inc. at No. 3, holding a 17.5% share.

Thor also was also the leader in travel trailer sales for the five months with a 33.1% market share while Jayco was No. 2 with a 19.1% share, followed by Forest River, which captured a 16.4% share.

Thor held a commanding lead in the Canadian fifth-wheel sector through May, capturing a 44.4% market share, with Forest River at No. 2 posting an 18.5% share followed by Jayco at 9.8%. Thor was also No. 1 in park model sales with a 42.5% share followed by Forest River (19.5%) and General Coach (15.9%).

Jayco led folding camping trailer sales for the five months with a 30.1% market share while Forest River posted a 29.2% share and Forest River’s Coachmen RV division held an 18.3% share.

To subscribe to this or other SSI reports, contact Scott Stropkai, national RV sales manager, at (616) 281-9898 ext 128, or (616) 446-8179 (cell).