NADAguides has released its year-end market insights for 2019, showing that all segments of the RV market performed either on par with last year or notably better.
The fifth wheel segment was the standout, according to the report. Other segments saw values rise and fall in line with seasonal trends of previous years, with the exception of Class A motorhomes, which fell more steeply in the second half of 2019.
Starting with standard hitch trailers, values were nearly identical to last year on average, with a stronger peak-season bump. Fifth wheel trailers really took off in late spring, ultimately averaging 8.3 percent more money in 2019 versus 2018.
Class A pricing was somewhat more volatile in 2019 compared to 2018, with a nice early spring bump followed by linear depreciation beginning mid-year, according to NADAguides. Despite this volatility, there was less than 1 percent difference in pricing year-over-year. Class C motorhomes also saw somewhat more movement in the first half, with seasonal trends similar to 2017. This segment ultimately averaged 1.4 percent lower pricing in 2019 than 2018.
Camping trailers performed similarly to the two previous years, with 2019 averaging 1.3 percent higher pricing than 2018. Truck campers started the year lower than 2018 but saw a seasonal increase which helped the segment keep the year-over-year decline to only 1.1 percent.
Going forward, lower-priced segments remain stable, and NADAguides does not foresee notable changes there. The boom in Class A values may have run its course, but strong employment data and record stock valuations will help support the higher end of the market at least through the first half of the year. Economic conditions in the second half look a bit cloudy, so perhaps additional discretion is in order when making trade-in and inventory decisions.
