The RV Industry Association (RVIA)’s Model Year Task Force has reaffirmed that the Voluntary Model Year Introduction Recommended Best Practice dates will remain June 1 through June 30.
The Task Force recommends that RV manufacturers make their annual model year and major product design changes between June 1 through June 30 for the 2027 year, matching the recommendation for the 2026 model year.
The Model Year Changeover Timeframe: Why It Matters
The voluntary, recommended best practice on RV model year changeover was initially adopted in 2020 in an effort to improve the RV buying experience by alleviating a common source of confusion that consumers were experiencing when purchasing RVs.
The adoption of the model year changeover period has assisted consumers in distinguishing between model years and helped in determining the value of used RVs when consumers want to trade in a currently owned RV for a new unit.
In addition to improving the customer experience, the voluntary adoption of a model year changeover timeframe also benefits RV industry businesses. RV dealerships can more efficiently manage their inventory and communicate model year information to shoppers. Component part suppliers can more efficiently produce and stock the changing part needs of manufacturers. RV manufacturers and suppliers are better able to provide dealer service centers with current parts for consumer repairs, and the ability of finance institutions to establish RV valuations will be enhanced.
The adoption of this best practice is entirely voluntary and encourages RV manufacturers to exercise their individual, independent discretion in deciding whether to adopt the recommendation.
