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RV dealerships experienced a banner first seven months of the year selling highline fifth wheels, according to data collected through July from Statistical Surveys.

“It seems like it is the bigger product and the more expensive product that is having the growth in the industry now,” Tom Walworth, president of Statistical Surveys, told RV PRO.

While overall fifth wheel sales improved 5 percent through July, units priced at $60,000 or greater retailed 92 percent ahead of last year’s tally. Among all fifth wheel sales, those 31 feet or longer increased 9 percent through July, while those under 31 feet long decreased by 4 percent.

In other segments, fifth wheel units priced between $20,000 to $40,000 decreased in sales by 8.5 percent; and units costing $40,000 to $60,000 improved 3.6 percent, according to Statistical Surveys.

Walworth speculated the $60,000-plus fifth wheel customer is most likely a Baby Boomer upgrading from a travel trailer or a lower-end fifth wheel.

“These are probably Baby Boomers who are getting ready to retire and they aren’t settling for the cheap stuff,” he said. “If they’re going to buy another (RV), it probably won’t be for a few more years, if they buy another one at all. They’re going to make this one a good one.”