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Economic Woes Hit Bellwether RV Industry
Coley Brady reduced assembly lines to four days a week at most factories as weaker spring demand signaled broader stress in the RV market.
- In late March, Alliance RV co-founder Coley Brady reduced production from five days a week to four across his five Elkhart, Indiana, factories after spring sales fizzled.
- Gasoline prices climbing 33% and diesel up 43% have pressured an industry built on long-distance travel, forcing consumers to delay discretionary purchases amid economic uncertainty.
- Manufacturers shipped 13.5% fewer RVs during the first four months of 2026 compared to last year, while consumer registrations dropped nearly 22% in March and 17% in April.
- The RV Industry Association recently lowered its annual forecast to between 300,000 and 328,100 units, down from 342,200 in 2025 as the industry navigates post-COVID-19 recovery.
- Brady believes sales could rebound later this year if geopolitical tensions ease, though affluent baby boomers continue buying while many budget-conscious consumers remain on the sidelines.
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Waterloo Cedar Falls CourierReposted by 
Mason City Globe Gazette
Mason City Globe GazetteEconomic woes hit bellwether RV industry
Coley Brady in late March cut production from five days a week to four on most of the assembly lines at his sprawling complex of five recreational vehicle factories in Elkhart, Indiana, after it became apparent spring sales were fizzling.
·Waterloo, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution91% Center
Bias Distribution
- 91% of the sources are Center
91% Center
C 91%
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