RV sales booming amidst coronavirus pandemic

TOLEDO — Sales of RVs and motor homes are trending up nationally, and dealers in northwest Ohio are seeing similar results. The coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of countless summer vacations. Despite economies and businesses starting to reopen, RV dealers are finding many people prefer to travel with just their families. "We're getting that comment several times a day," said Greg Raab, general manager of Labadie RV Sales & Rentals in Holland. "We're selling to people from all across North America. East Coast, West Coast, Florida, Texas. Which isn't that unusual for us, but the numbers are multiplying this year." Raab said sales are "absolutely through the roof" and twice what they normally are this time of year. He estimates he has just 25 campers left in stock. While the increased sales are good for the bottom line, Raab could face inventory shortages as the summer wears on. Most manufacturers are located in Indiana and were shut down for nearly two months during the height of the pandemic. "Once I'm sold out, I'm being told by all our manufacturers we won't see inventory until late July or early August," he said. "We're seeing a significant slowdown of some of the basics people need like water hoses and sewer hoses, some of the items a new person would need if they were just starting." Raab said he sold the last used RV on the lot Tuesday. Young's RV Center in Fremont is experiencing similar results. Business manager Mike Thomas said he hasn't seen sales like this in 20 years. "Once things opened in May it was gangbusters," Thomas said. "We sold record months in May and June. Before COVID, I had maybe four or five of one model. Now I'm done to one. My lot has never been this empty." Thomas said Young's RV is seeing similar issues related to inventory. He said he's struggling to get units ordered despite the proximity to Indiana. Many units are pre-ordered and already have a buyer in line before they arrive at the lot. He said customers are looking for a different type of experience in the age of social distancing. "People are still a little hesitant to go into a hotel," Thomas said. "They're not flying or going on a cruise, so I think they can feel safer. They can wash their own sheets and get out and have some fun. People have been secluded since mid-March and this gives them something to do to enjoy the summer." A study released by Kampgrounds of America found 34 percent of prospective campers in the U.S. and Canada believe road trips are the safest form of travel. The RV Industry Association estimates 46 million Americans will take an RV trip in the next year. The organization also found 20 percent of U.S. residents became more interested in RV travel than flying and cruises since coronavirus hit. Camping World — which has a location in Rossford — saw its stock price rise 35 percent last month. Thomas said he thinks surging sales will continue a while longer. "We're probably good for another month or six weeks with what we have coming," he said. "But I think a lot will depend on schools. If they don't go back in the fall, that may extend the summer and kids can study from the campground." ——— ©2020 The Blade (Toledo, Ohio) Visit The Blade (Toledo, Ohio) at www.toledoblade.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.