The Recreational Vehicle industry has long been a backbone of the workforce across Northern Indiana, and economists are beginning to worry that the downturn in shipments to consumers are suggesting that the economy may be looking down the road at a possible recession in the works.

Various data shows that more than 80% of recreational vehicles sold in the United States are produced in Indiana, and of those manufacturered 65% come from Elkhart County.

According to the Indianapolis Star, shipments of RVs are down 20% so far in 2019, and various companies who build the vehicles have dramatically cut production, and in some cases even the workweek to slow production to help counter market oversaturation.

While many reports show an uptick in the economy, consumers in many cases do not tend to buy RVs and other luxury items when money is tight. A similar effect is expected to be seen in the automobile industry if this trend holds true, which could show warning signs of a contracting U.S. economy.