Several RV dealerships across the U.S. say they remain open for business amid growing “shelter in place” strategies implemented by local governments to suppress the COVID-19 outbreak.
On Friday, according to Melissa Shetler, associate director of the California RV Dealers Association, the majority of dealers in the Golden State remain open to provide essential services, which can include in-transit RV service, generator repair, and LP gas service.
“RV dealers across the country are ready to serve as hospital mobile clinics, law enforcement mobile command centers, as well as temporary emergency housing and quarantine centers if needed,” said Shetler.
Meanwhile, Corey Shaw, general manager at Windish RV in Colorado, reported on Monday that the dealership is on pace to be up in sales by 38 RV units this month compared to March 2019.
Brian Wilkins, former RVDA chairman and owner of Wilkins RV in New York, said on Monday that his dealerships have made staff adjustments but continue to help customers.
“We are able to keep service open as essential operations,” said Wilkins. “So, we have a very trimmed down staff just to support those operations.”
Bob Zagami, executive director of the New England RV Dealers Association, also had some good news in light of recent events. Speaking with three of the RV dealers in his association’s territory on Saturday, he mentioned how one was delivering five units, and that the other two had eight units each scheduled for delivery.
“Lees’ Family Trailer Sales in Windham, Maine, actually had more people on his lot (recently) than he had last weekend,” said Zagami. “And he had an open house last weekend (as) the virus news was just leaking out.”
Zagami also mentioned that Cold Spring RV in Weare, N.H., had a favorable crowd at the dealership, mid-day, with eight deliveries scheduled.
Editor’s note: RV PRO would like to know how other dealerships are holding up during the COVID-19 crisis. Feel free to keep us updated by emailing Tony Kindelspire at tkindelspire@nbm.com.