Are you an RV enthusiast who desires to live the RV Lifestyle for six months, twice a year? Or probably, you are the kind that wouldn’t stay in a hotel even if it’s the last resort! This is the article to kickstart your RVing journey!
Due to the increasing prices of recreational vehicles, it’s now more feasible to buy a used one instead of a new one. However, this can be a costly decision. In addition to the price, other factors make a used camper a good deal.
This guide will walk you through the various steps involved in finding and buying a used RV. It will also give you the necessary details to make an informed decision.
Understanding RVs
Class A RVs
The largest and most fully equipped drivable RVs are class A motorhomes. They consequently have the most expensive price tags. These enormous, luxurious RVs frequently have mechanical slide-outs that increase living space and leave room for furnishings of a full size.
Class A typically has a master suite and additional sleeping quarters in the form of bunk beds and convertible sofas.
Additionally, there are well-stocked kitchens with standard household appliances. These kinds of campers frequently have huge refrigerators and multi-burner stoves. A Class A motorhome should be your top option if you desire a mobile home and have the funds to sustain it.
Class B RVs
Ideal for lone campers or married couples who frequently vacation, Class B RVs are the smallest drivable RVs. Despite their small size, they include enough amenities to make them acceptable for extended travel and permanent habitation.
Additionally, their modest size makes it simpler to move them between campgrounds and RV parks.
Class B campers often come with a small but handy wet bath and a similarly modest but functioning kitchen. A Class B motorcoach often provides a queen bed or larger via reclining bench seats or additional furniture. Pop-up bunk spaces are included in some to provide extra sleeping space.
Class C RVs
Class C RVs are a good compromise between the two, bigger than Class B motorhomes and smaller than Class A motor coaches. Smaller groups or families can travel in them comfortably, and they are more fuel-efficient and maneuverable than Class A vehicles.
A Class C RV often has amenities comparable to those in a bigger Class A. To accompany a master bedroom, there should be a few additional sleeping alternatives, a well-equipped kitchen, and a wet bath that is quite spacious.
Travel Trailer
Unlike motorhomes these are non engine RV’s that need to be towed behind a car or truck. They are obviously the cheapest option in RV’s and also provide a lot space as they don’t have their own engine.
5th-Wheel Trailers
In the realm of RVs, fifth-wheel RVs, sometimes referred to as “fivers,” are essentially the towable version of Class A motorcoaches. They are so named because of the locking system that secures them to a truck’s bed.
If you desire Class A RVs’ expansive floor plans and conveniences but in a towable package, a fifth-wheel RV is a wonderful option.
As a result, a fifth-wheel RV and its drivable equivalents will have similar features. This calls for a sizable kitchen, roomy restrooms, and many dining and seating areas. Most of these trailers have a loft-style section with a master bedroom or bunk space because of their construction’s overhang.
Where can I get a Used RV
There are several avenues through which one could purchase a used RV. Key among them for better deal are:
Use of a repos list
Repos lists have so far proved to be very effective when it comes to buying a used RV. There are numerous ways you can access this list, as discussed below.
From the bank
Look at a bank’s list of repos. If you want to access their repo list, inquire with your bank or credit union. View and bid on the cars the lender has repossessed and is trying to sell, which may include RVs, by glancing at this list.
Keep in mind that selecting this method has the advantage that you may finance the RV directly through the bank, frequently with low or 0% interest rates. The drawback is that before selling repossessed vehicles, lenders often don’t invest the money to clean or repair them.
Buy from a reseller of a repo.
The most frequent method of purchasing repossessed RVs is through auctions organized by resellers. To examine and bid on the options offered by resellers, or to determine the location of an in-person auction, check out their local classified advertisements.
Keep in mind that one benefit of purchasing from a reseller at an auction is that they properly repair the vehicles and are more concerned with moving a large amount of inventory than they are with raising the beginning price.
Just be wary of those who impose “viewing costs” or other extraneous up-front fees.
Engaging a dealer
Buy from a dealer if you can. Check out the repossessed RVs that a used RV dealer has fixed up after buying them at auction.
Although purchasing from a dealer avoids the bidding process and can provide you with more financing and warranty options, keep in mind that this technique doesn’t provide as much savings on RVs as some others do.
Take into account the benefits of purchasing repo RVs from a dealer. Dealers buy these RVs at auction and do a fantastic job of preparing them for sale by cleaning them up, replacing some parts, and even performing minor repairs.
Check online
For options, look online. There are numerous websites where you can purchase a used RV or trailer.
Examine the remainder of the market. Look at other auctions or reseller websites to compare pricing, especially for RVs with the same brand, model, or condition as the one you’re considering.
How to make sure you do not buy a bad used RV
Examine the RV’s interior carefully.
The interiors of an old used RV will undoubtedly not be as nice as you would like. A dated refrigerator might not be cooling more quickly. It takes a long time for the camper’s air conditioner to cool the bedroom.
There can be problems with the roof, the floor, or stained walls. The window could be difficult to close. The RV’s underside may have rust. Cabinets might not be in great shape. Overall, there may be a number of items that require careful inspection.
Search for mold
Mold is more likely to grow in older RVs. Naturally, mold is a terrible thing. However, the presence of mold will point to more RV issues. This denotes problems with leaks or water. Fixing it can be difficult.
Keep an eye out for ceiling issues.
It’s crucial that you look for water damage on the ceiling. Even while some water damage is repairable, you won’t know how bad it is until you take the ceiling down, and it’s unlikely that the seller will consent to that.
This implies that you should stay away if there are any indications of water damage, such as brown stains or a ceiling that is beginning to bend.
Purchase from a reputable seller
Sometimes it is advisable to pick up your camper or RV from a respectable business, which is a well-known secondhand RV vendor. The chances of you getting being of a good RV are going to be high
Employ an inspector
It would be best if you always made an effort to choose someone who has expertise in inspecting RVs, at the very least. If a used RV is not thoroughly examined, it could end up being a lemon.
Yes. You’ll have to pay a little money for this. But it won’t even come close to what you would end up paying if you choose to purchase an RV without having it inspected. You’d be shocked at what an inspector could find that you might have missed.
What to consider before purchasing a used RV
Budget
Your budget should be the top priority. While opulent Class A motorcoaches might cost over $1 million, small, simple RVs can be purchased for as low as a few thousand dollars. When deciding, keep in mind that financing an RV is more expensive and difficult than buying a car or a home.
Type of RVs
Usually, towable RVs are far less expensive than drivable RVs, which are installed on their truck or van chassis.
You’ll need a car with the necessary towing capacity to pull them. Consider whether you have a suitable towing vehicle or how much it would cost to get one before comparing the prices of a drivable RV and a towable one.
Capacity of the RV
The number of people traveling with you will have a big impact on the sort of RV you need. While some Class B motorhomes and teardrops can only sleep two people, some of the bigger Class A campers and fifth-wheel trailers can sleep ten or more people.
Quality
The quality and level of customer service associated with various RV models vary. RV problems are prevalent, particularly as they age. Finding a brand that provides customer support through service facilities and parts servicing is even more crucial when purchasing a used RV.
Benefits of buying a used RV
- Reduced purchasing costs. Buying a used RV is way cheaper compared to buying a new one.
- Affordable insurance. Usually, used RVs can be insured and registered at lower costs.
- Older RVs might come with unique upgrades. From appliances to decorations, used RVs may have upgrades installed by the former owner.
Drawbacks of buying a used RV
- Mostly sold “AS IS” with no warranties
- You can unknowingly buy a lemon or a car that needs maintenance.
How to get a better deal on used RV
Check out multiple brands
Loyalty to a dealership or a brand can help you in talks, but you might be passing up a lot of other excellent possibilities. Ultimately, all campers and RVs are designed to do the same task.
These recreational vehicles are designed to increase your camping experience comfort for a fee. You risk missing out on better offers on comparable models if you emphasize a brand you have previously used or that a friend has suggested too much.
Examine models of RVs and campers that are comparable to the one you’re considering. There might be a less expensive model with even higher ratings.
Analyze financial rates
Because the loan rates frequently coincide, financing an RV or camper is quite similar to purchasing a new car. Current market movements also influence the finance rates.
You should keep an eye on these lending rates and weigh your options, just like you would with any sizable investment.
Receive precise quotations from your bank, credit union, or dealer before settling on any one choice if you want to get a good deal on financing. Financing options from your preferred RV retailer may sound sensible and useful.
Be cautious when taking loans because your bank or credit union may be able to offer you a better deal. After that, you can exploit the price discrepancies to get your RV or camper dealership to offer you a better bargain.
Schedule your negotiations
Buying at the appropriate time and place can greatly improve your negotiating position. Like any other sales-related firm, dealers and RV manufacturers have cycles and deadlines to satisfy.
You might get a better offer if you start bargaining when they need to shift inventory. Note that most RV dealers do not want the additional risk and expense of transporting back unsold units because they are there to sell campers.
If you want to test this out, you can walk around a trade show for the first part of the event to look at prices and make a list of your top model choices. Grab the camper on your list that is still available on the show’s final day.
A different option to test this out is to purchase an RV near the end of a promotional period. Most dealerships and salespeople have monthly or annual sales quotas to reach.
This tactic can help you bargain for a better offer if you negotiate properly. Try comparison shopping before the winter.
Experience the RV
This advice is geared toward travelers searching for their first used RV. An RV or camper requires a significant outlay of cash. You will regret spending thousands of dollars on a camper you won’t use.
One option to test the product before you buy it is to rent the camper you’ve got your eye on.
Renting a camper is still a great approach to determine which features you can live without and which ones you absolutely must have if you can’t find the exact model you’ve been looking to buy.
If you don’t want to spend time on a rental, make sure you take out the camper for a test drive before you seal the deal.
The bottom line
Purchasing anything used is a worry-inducing move. You should thoroughly inspect your potential used RV before making a purchase for a number of reasons. Because these cars are generally expensive, making a regrettable purchase can be a terrible headache.
