When is the Best Time to Buy an RV? The Best Season, Day, and More

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When is the best time to buy an RV? With the RV market booming, and more and more people looking to get out on the road, this is a question that many people are asking these days. 

This is a reasonable question. After all, when you buy can affect the final purchase price of your RV. Considering how expensive RVs are right now, this can be the key to how to buy an RV cheap, and it might determine whether a person can afford to buy an RV at all. 

So when is the best time to buy an RV? In this article we will take a look at the best time of year and day of the week to buy an RV in order to get the best deal possible. We’ll also discuss how where you buy and who you buy from might have an affect on how much you end up paying. 

When is the Best Time to Buy an RV?

Okay, let’s get started by looking at the best time to buy your new (or new-to-you) RV. This includes time of year, of course, but the day of the week and even the time of day you buy can also make a difference, so we’ll discuss those as well. 

The Best Time of Year to Buy an RV

As you might have guessed, the best time of year to buy an RV is the off season. 

The end of the summer—right before everyone starts putting their rigs away for the season—is definitely the start of the off season. This means you could start shopping sometime between September and November, depending on what the weather is like where you are. That said, buying a camper during December and January is your best bet, as these are the slowest months and prices nosedive during this time. 

Another great option? Waiting until February or March, just before new models are released and old inventory is being cleared off the lots. Individuals looking to buy a new rig will often sell during this time as well.

Basically, the best time to buy an RV is winter. Starting the shopping process during late September and buying before early March should get you a decent deal. 

The Best Day of the Week to Buy an RV

As mentioned before, some days are actually better for RV shopping than others. With the exception of holiday weekends (which are often designated for clearing old RVs off the lots) it’s better to avoid weekend shopping, as these are busy times and sellers are less motivated to move inventory. 

Instead, many say the best time to buy RV campers is on Mondays. This is because most salespeople will be in a good mood after a busy weekend of sales, and fewer people will be shopping on Mondays. That said, any day between Monday and Thursday is likely just fine. 

Where Should You Buy an RV?

Now that you know when to do your RV shopping, the next question is where to buy an RV. Believe it or not, where you buy can also make a huge difference, so be sure to read on before you dive into your search for the perfect RV. 

When to Buy from a Dealership

Buying an RV from a dealership might seem like the thing to do, but it isn’t always the best option. If you’re looking to buy an RV on the cheap, we only recommend purchasing from a dealership when you want to buy brand new (not something we necessarily recommend), require a warranty, or need to finance and cannot get financing elsewhere. This is because dealers tend to mark their RVs up quite a bit and can be more difficult to negotiate with. Those who want a used rig should definitely look at buying from an individual. 

If you do choose to buy your RV from a dealership, make sure to do your research on the business in question to ensure they are honest and that they honor their warranties. Never buy a third-party warranty. 

Are RV Shows a Good Place to Buy?

Another time buying from a dealership makes sense? When attending an RV show. Buyers can save thousands of dollars by purchasing their rigs at RV shows. Not only are most RVs at the show marked down already, dealers tend to be pretty ready to haggle on the last day of the show. This is because they would rather sell the RVs than have to lug them all back to their lot. 

If you see an RV you like at an RV show, wait until the last day and make an offer. You might just get the deal of a lifetime!

Where is the Best State to Buy an RV? 

Some people are convinced that buying an RV in Indiana will save you money because so many RVs are manufactured there. Others believe purchasing in Montana is a money-saver since the state doesn’t tax vehicle sales. However, unless Montana is your domicile state, neither of these rumors are true. 

What is true is that you can find good deals in states with a lower cost of living. You might also find a better deal in a northern state in the fall, as camping is truly impossible during the winter in states like Maine and Washington. 

If you do buy out-of-state, keep the conditions of that state in mind. For instance, states that are near the ocean might have problems with ambient moisture and salt damaging vehicles. Meanwhile, states that see a lot of hail might be home to many hail-damaged RVS. 

Is Now a Good Time to Sell an RV?

What if you aren’t looking to buy, but you want to sell instead? When is the best time to sell an RV? Well, right now isn’t a bad pick, considering the incredible hot RV market. Since it’s currently spring, a lot of people will be looking for RVs to use this camping season, meaning there will be plenty of potential buyers and you’re likely to get top dollar. 

There you have it: everything you need to know about when and where to buy an RV! Start browsing now to get a feel for prices and get ready for the camping adventure of a lifetime.

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