Getting the Best Price When Buying an RV

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information

Buying an RV is a big deal. It’s exciting, yes, but it can also be a little bit scary—especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. Fortunately, there are ways to make sure you aren’t overpaying for your RV.

If you’re in the market for a trailer or motorhome, make sure you use the tips below to get the best deal possible when you finally do decide to buy.

Decide What You Really Need

First things first, you need to have a clear understanding of your needs. Ask yourself the following questions to determine what sort of RV might be ideal for you:

• Do you prefer a towable rig and a truck, or a motorhome with a car?
• Do you want to buy new or used?
• What is your budget?
• How many beds do you need, and do they need to be permanent?
• Do you want slide-outs?
• What sorts of features does the RV need to have?

Knowing your must-haves will help you avoid overspending on bells and whistles you don’t need, something that is easy to do when faced with a persuasive salesperson.

Research Real Market Values

Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, figure out how much that sort of RV tends to sell for. Don’t rely on dealership prices, as these can be marked up significantly. Instead, use the resources listed below:

• RVTrader.com — Compare listings nationwide.
• NADA RV Guides — Get estimated values based on condition, make, and model.
• Facebook Marketplace / Craigslist — See what local private sellers are asking.

Knowing the going rate will give you negotiating power, something you are definitely going to want to have in order to get the best price possible.

Shop at the Right Time

Believe it or not, the time of year helps determine RV prices. Therefore, those who are looking for a good deal might want to buy during certain parts of the year.

Generally speaking, dealers are more willing to negotiate at the following times:

• End of the month, quarter, or year — They need to hit sales goals.
• Just before new models arrive — Dealers may discount last year’s stock.

Additionally, both dealers and private sellers are more open to lower offers during late fall or winter. This is when demand drops and sellers are more motivated.

Buying during one of these times will almost certainly help you snag a good deal.

Don’t Buy at the First Dealership

It might be tempting to buy the first nice rig you see. Don’t do it. Instead, shop around. From one dealership to the next, prices can vary thousands of dollars for the exact same RV model.

As you’re shopping, get written quotes from multiple places so you can compare and have some leverage for negotiating. You might also try checking smaller or out-of-state dealers to see what kinds of deals they offer. Sometimes, even with travel costs, it can be cheaper to travel for a good deal.

Negotiate Like a Pro

In addition to shopping around, you also won’t ever want to pay the first price a dealer or seller throws out there. Most RV prices are negotiable, and sometimes you can talk a dealer down to 20% or more off MSRP.

Start the negotiation process by asking for their best out-the-door price, including fees. Once that’s been established, don’t be afraid to ask for free add-ons—i.e. hitch, propane, starter kit, extended warranty—especially if they won’t move much on price.

If the deal doesn’t seem sweet enough, be ready and willing to walk away. Silence and patience are your friends, and often both dealers and private sellers will contact buyers with a better deal after they walk away.

Consider Private Sellers

Yes, buying from a dealership is often the easiest and most straightforward route, but it isn’t usually the cheapest route. Purchasing a used RV from a private seller can save you thousands. For starters, there is no dealer markup, and often there is a lot more room to negotiate.

On top of all that, a private seller is more likely to know the history of the RV you’re buying and share that history with you. Of course, you’ll still want to do your homework: inspect the RV thoroughly and ask for maintenance records.

Factor in the Total Cost of Ownership

Keep in mind that the purchase price of an RV is not the only cost of owning the rig. You’ll want to add up the total cost of ownership to be sure you can actually maintain whatever rig you end up purchasing.

Make sure to factor in:

• Sales tax
• Registration
• Insurance
• Repairs/maintenance
• Storage (if you’re not parking it at home)

Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection

It may seem crazy to spend money when you’re trying to save money, but trust me when I say an inspection is well worth the cost. This is especially true if you plan to buy a used RV. A few hundred dollars up front can save you thousands later.

Financing Tips

Paying cash is always the best financial decision. Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible. If you have to finance an RV, make sure to shop for RV loans outside of what the dealership offers. Credit unions usually have the best rates.

While shopping for a loan, compare interest rates and other loan terms to determine what makes the most sense for you. It’s also important to watch out for hidden fees or early payoff penalties.

Be Patient

Shopping for an RV can be time-consuming, and waiting for the right RV to come around can be frustrating. That said, practicing patience can pay off in a big way. You’re more likely to find the perfect RV and pay less for it if you just allow plenty of time.

Essentially, getting the best price when buying an RV involves knowing the market, timing your purchase well, and negotiating with confidence. Understanding these things is sure to help you find the best deal on the right RV for you.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.