When Is the Best Time To Buy an RV? (2024)

FAQs

When Is the Best Time To Buy an RV? ›

Late fall and winter are generally the best times to buy a travel trailer or motorhome. Fewer people shop for RVs during this period, and less competition means you have more negotiating power.

RV Manufacturers Discount RVs in the Fall and Winter

To keep sales going, these manufacturers often give dealerships discounts in the fall to encourage the dealers to increase orders. Buying an RV during the slow season means you may be able to pick one with extra features for a lower price.

Is an RV a Financial Investment? The short answer is no. With the exception of some in-demand vintage models, the value of an RV depreciates over time. An RV is an investment in a lifestyle, but you can mitigate the expense by renting it out when not in use through a third-party rental site like Outdoorsy or RVshare.

Arizona, Florida, and Texas are the cheapest place to purchase an RV if the buying price is the only consideration. These three are popular domicile states for full-time RVers. You can find great deals whether buying brand-new or used campers, especially during summer when they are readily available.

What's the best day of the week to shop for RVs? You may find that the best time to buy RVs is during the week. Dealerships tend to attract more customers on the weekends. Weekdays come with lower levels of competition, which means it will be easier to get one-on-one time with a salesperson.

The 3-3-3 rule is a fantastic strategy for RV travelers. When you travel according to the 3-3-3 rule, you drive 300 miles or fewer per day, arrive at your destination before 3 p.m. and stay at your destination for at least three days.

Don't Give them Your Drivers License or Social Security number! You'll need it to break off negotiations and leave. Many dealers photocopy your license before a test drive. Tell them there is no reason for them to.

Being prepared to go to a dealership is the best way to make sure you're not getting ripped off. In most cases, you will know more about the RV than the salesperson. Stick to your guns and don't be swayed by traditional sales tactics. Forewarned is forearmed.

What are the hidden costs of owning a camper? ›

Apart from the initial purchase price, expenses like depreciation, maintenance, insurance, storage, fuel, and campground fees can accumulate to a significant amount. Renting an RV is a practical alternative, offering the chance to experience the RV lifestyle without the financial responsibility of ownership.

RVs require a lot of upkeep. You need to keep on top of cleaning, which includes dumping RV waste. You also need to make sure fluids are topped up and tires are inflated. Then, of course, there could be occasional repairs that need doing.

a) Summer to Autumn

This time of year, is good for buyers, because the seller may be more motivated to sell quickly before winter – in other words there may be more 'wriggle room' on pricing. Like new motorhomes, used motorhomes sold by dealerships can also be subject to end-of-season price drops.

First-year – After a year of use, an RV will lose about 20% of its value. Year 2 – Two-year-old rigs haven't lost much of their value and are worth approximately 77% of their purchase price. Year 3 – At three years old, an RV will have lost about 28% of its value.

How long an RV, motorhome, or travel trailer lasts depends on various factors. However, generally speaking, two decades is reasonable for a well-maintained vehicle. The average lifespan of a Class A or a Class B RV or motorhome is between 10 and 20 years.

June and September are pleasant months for RV travel because the weather is good, there are fewer tourists and rental prices are more competitive. Early October is relatively calm on the American west coast, as there are fewer tourists, making it easier to meet the locals.