Despite steep declines in recreational vehicle sales during the recession, analysts believe RV enthusiasts will help the industry rebound in 2011 and 2012.

According to a story on MSNBC.com, RV sales have plummeted 65 percent from their peak of 390,000 units in 2006 as the recession has hit the core RV demographic of people aged 40 to 60. As these people have faced huge losses in their home values, stock portfolios and household wealth, many have held off buying new RVs.

Industry revenues were down 22.5 percent to $12.5 billion in 2008, and according to an IBISWorld report, they could fall another 19.6 percent this year. IBIS expects the number of RV dealers to decline by 12 percent this year.

However, University of Michigan economist Richard Curtin, who studies the RV industry, believes sales could pick up again to about 169,500 units next year from 136,500 units this year. But given the uncertain economic outlook, that figure could swing 15 percent in either direction, he said.

One positive sign is that campgrounds and national parks are reporting strong RV visits, with some places booked for the summer, Curtin said.

IBISWorld predicted over the next five years, RV sales could rebound, with the biggest improvements in 2011 and 2012.

Part of that rebound may depend on the industry producing vehicles that are green and fuel-efficient, steering away from an earlier decade, when people turned to large trailers.

Forest City-based Winnebago Industries Inc.’s 2010 lineup in July showed a focus on more fuel-efficient vehicles after the RV manufacturer posted an $8.6 million loss in its fiscal third quarter ended May 30.