The 2025 RV Industry Association Annual Report highlights a year of resilience, collaboration and forward momentum for the RV industry. Despite economic headwinds, the industry continued to achieve meaningful progress through legislative wins, workforce development initiatives, consumer outreach and strong industry collaboration.
As a key contributor to the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy, the RV industry remains focused on innovation, workforce growth and engaging the next generation of RVers.
Inside the report, you’ll find highlights including:
- Advocacy wins for the RV industry, including reforms to the de minimis exemption and a fix to the 2017 tax cuts, allowing RV dealers to fully deduct interest on floorplan loans for non-motorized towable trailers.
- Expansion of RV technician training, including new partnerships with Navarro College in Texas and Littleton Public Schools’ EPIC Campus in Colorado, to grow the industry’s skilled workforce pipeline.
- Release of the 2025 RV Owner Demographic Profile, providing the industry with valuable insights into today’s RV consumer. The research shows the median age of RV owners has dropped to 49, and 16.9 million households report an intention to purchase an RV, offering a clear roadmap for reaching the next generation of RVers.
- Major workforce milestones, with more than 7,500 certified RV technicians nationwide and nearly 1,000 dealerships employing at least one certified technician.
- Industry events that promote industry collaboration and bring leaders together, including the Leadership Conference, RVs Move America Week, and the RV Aftermarket Conference.
- The launch of Go RVing’s “Just Beyond Your Door” campaign is designed to connect with new and younger audiences through emotionally driven storytelling and multi-platform marketing.
- Experiential marketing events across the country, where more than 70,000 consumers toured RVs in person, introducing thousands of new audiences to the RV lifestyle.
- The fourth annual All-Industry Volunteer Day, where more than 300 volunteers participated through the Emerging Leaders Coalition, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to service and collaboration.
View the full RVIA Annual Report here.
Message From President & CEO Craig Kirby
To Our Members and Industry Partners,
With 2026 already underway, I wanted to share some insight into how the RV Industry Association remains focused on the strategic initiatives that serve our members, strengthen our industry, and broaden our reach. This year presents significant opportunities to leverage new data, engage our workforce, and connect with an evolving consumer base that views RVing as a primary way to experience the outdoors.
Quantifying Our Economic Impact
A cornerstone of our advocacy work is demonstrating the vitality of our American-made industry to legislators and the public. During RVs Move America Week, we will release the updated RVs Move America Economic Impact study. This research serves as a critical benchmark, providing a data-driven look at the industry’s contribution to the national economy and local communities. Additionally, early this year the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) will release their report detailing the economic impact of the outdoor recreation industry. These two reports are vital for our ongoing efforts to protect the interests of our members and ensure a favorable regulatory environment.
In 2025, year-end shipments finished up slightly and in line with the forecasts shared by ITR Economics throughout the year. As we move into 2026, we are optimistic that this modest upward trend will continue, fueled by improving economic conditions and an incredible lineup of travel milestones perfect for RVing. Our research shows the 74 million Americans plan to take an RV trip this year, and with nationwide celebrations for America’s 250th birthday, the global excitement of the FIFA World Cup, and the 100th anniversary of Route 66, there has never been a more iconic year for travelers to experience the freedom of the open road.
Professional Development and Industry Alignment
Our 2026 event schedule is designed to foster the leadership and collaboration necessary to navigate the modern marketplace. We begin in early March with the Leadership Conference (March 10–12), focusing on developing the next generation of industry leaders and long-term industry health. Following this, RVs Move America Week (May 31–June 4) will bring our members to Washington, D.C., to engage directly with policymakers as well as set the strategic direction for your Association with more than 20 committee meetings. We will then transition to the RV Aftermarket Conference (Aug. 10–13), an essential forum to discuss supply chain optimization and consumer trends.
There has never been greater alignment between all segments of the RV industry. This year, the RV Industry Association and RV Dealers Association will hold all three of their board meetings at the same time and in the same location, with the RV Dealers Association joining us at the Mayflower Hotel for the first time in D.C. during RVs Move America Week. And the Campground Coalition continues to strengthen the relationship between manufacturers, suppliers, and campground operators through sharing resources and collaborating on how to improve the experience for our shared customer: the RVer.
Strengthening the Industry Foundation
We are leaning into the momentum driven by a younger, more diverse generation of RVers. Market indicators suggest that Millennials and Gen Z represent the highest purchase consideration for 2026. To engage these groups, Go RVing will continue to emphasize the core values of freedom and affordability through the “Just Beyond Your Door” campaign.
This initiative ensures our message of adventure reaches the right audiences at the right time. By aligning the RV lifestyle with major cultural milestones — including America’s 250th birthday — we are positioning RVing as a permanent centerpiece of the American experience.
Simultaneously, the RV Technical Institute is deepening its collaboration with dealer partners to ensure training and certification programs align with the real-world needs of today’s service departments. By listening closely to dealers, service managers, and technicians, RVTI is shaping a curriculum that is practical, accessible and relevant meeting learners where they are and supporting clear, achievable pathways through the training pipeline. This approach helps dealers develop, retain, and advance skilled technicians who can keep pace with the evolving RV market.
The work we are doing in 2026 will build a more resilient, inclusive and economically significant industry.
