RAMSEY, Minn. — During the pandemic, most industries saw a big change in business.
RV World General Manager Kevin Strusz that was definitely the case for RV’s and campers.
“It was extremely crazy,” Strusz says.
“It was taking up to six to eight months to get campers and it was just all of the shortages.”
Fast forward to today and Strusz says customers can order a brand new camper from the manufacturer and it will be ready in about six weeks.
“We also have about 100 here on the lot and people can buy them and take them home the same day,” Strusz says.
RV sales are down nationwide after a crazy few years during the pandemic.
The RV Industry Association says manufacturers sent out half as many RV's to dealerships this spring.
“I’d say we’ve come back down to those normal levels we saw in 2018 and 2019,” Strusz says.
Despite less interest in RV’s and campers nationwide, Strusz says the prices haven’t come down since the pandemic.
“The manufacturers are keeping their margins where they were at and so we’re maybe seeing a slight drop in prices, like 2% or 3%,” Strusz says.
Despite prices staying steady Strusz says it’s a great time for first-time campers to buy.
He says most dealers have several beginner campers on the lot and a lot of people who bought during the pandemic are now selling their used campers because it wasn't for them, or they're looking to upgrade.
"People that like camping are starting to get something bigger, or something different. Maybe their kids have grown up and they don't need the bunks anymore so they're getting something just for them,” Strusz explains.
Prices and sizes vary greatly for campers.
Strusz says new campers typically start out in the $19,000 to $21,000 range.
Mid-range campers will usually cost around $30,000 and the higher-end campers can go as high as $100,000 to $120,000.
Strusz says buyers may also consider waiting until later this summer when the new 2024 models come out.
He says a lot of dealers will have to sell some of their 2023 and 2022 models to make room on their lots for the 2024 models, so there’s an opportunity for buyers to get a good deal.