Anyone shopping for an RV on a budget knows just how many factors can affect the price tag. From personal preferences to market fluctuations, there’s a lot to consider.
However, timing is also critical. And it isn’t just the camping season that influences costs.
Today, we’re lifting the veil to help you score a great RV for a cheap price.
Let’s get into it!
RV Shopping on a Budget
It’s no secret that you’ll have a lot of things to consider when RV shopping, especially if you’re new to camping. Up to 20% of buyers sell or trade in their unit within the first two years of ownership. But doing plenty of research can save you some heartache.
First, decide what type of rig is best for your lifestyle. Two significant concerns are where you plan to camp and how much space you’ll have. Take some time to peruse campsites in areas you want to visit and note their maximum lengths.
It’s easy to assume bigger is better, but you might think twice when you realize the average campsite in America’s state parks is only 27’ long. On the other hand, some luxury campgrounds only allow folks in Class A motorhomes to stay on their properties. Determining how you’ll use your rig is essential to buying the right one.
Furthermore, your existing tow vehicle could be a deciding factor in your purchase. Know the maximum weight your truck can haul before signing any paperwork.
Next, consider which features are essential for a comfortable stay. Most folks, especially frequent boondockers, want access to a bathroom and kitchen. Think about storage space, the size of your holding tanks, and whether you’ll need a generator or solar panels.
Of course, your budget is another crucial element of RV shopping. Remember, this is more than the sticker price. Dealer fees, taxes, and registration are other immediate costs. You’ll also have to pay for insurance, maintenance, fuel, storage, and accessories that aren’t included. Gadgets like dehumidifiers, cooking equipment, and surge protectors can add up quickly.
Finally, you won’t want to take the plunge unless you know you’re getting a good deal. And that can change depending on the time of year.
We’ve got the answer: Can I Trade in a Vehicle for an RV?
Best Time to Buy an RV for Cheap
Many folks start itching to hit the road at the beginning of spring. Warmer weather is a welcome sight, and RV dealers know it. Because more people do their shopping when the travel bug bites, sellers can get more for their rigs.
That’s why it’s wise to wait until the off-season to purchase an RV on the cheap. You can score killer discounts by buying between November and February.
If you take this route, start shopping well in advance. Test drive the rigs you’re interested in when the weather is nice, and you don’t have to traverse icy roads. Be sure to take plenty of notes so you don’t forget what you like and dislike about each one.
Stop by dealerships regularly, in person and online, to see if they offer pre-season bargains. After all, many places want to reduce the number of vehicles they have to winterize, so they’ll slash prices before the snow falls.
Interestingly, seasonal fluctuations aren’t the only ones to note. Prices can change throughout the week as well. Unless it’s a holiday weekend when dealerships offer significant discounts, avoid buying on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Some folks swear you’ll get the best prices on Mondays because the sales staff is refreshed and ready to strike a deal. We can’t confirm that’s accurate, but you’ll better understand these shifts by shopping around at different dealerships throughout the week.
Uncovered: Is RV Trader a Legit Place to Buy an RV?
Other Ways to Buy an RV on a Budget
Of course, many factors influence the price of new and used rigs. If you’re holding out for a cheap RV, consider these scenarios to help you find major markdowns.
When You’re at a Trade Show
RV trade shows are great opportunities to see the latest models and up-and-coming technology first-hand. Dealers, manufacturers, and folks in the accessory business come together to showcase state-of-the-art features and products. Gearheads will be in paradise. Plus, you’ll see way more options in one place than at any standard dealership.
Better yet, sellers are highly motivated to move inventory at these events. It makes sense that they’d rather not haul these rigs back to the lot. Instead, most prefer to hawk their unsold RVs for cheap.
Trade shows often occur during the off-season, when prices are already low, but can occur any time of year.
Since you’re shopping for a camper, you probably won’t mind traveling for the right price. Consider hitting shows in states with a low cost of living where you might be able to save even more.
Do plenty of research, know the MSRP of units you’re interested in, and show up ready to negotiate. Some sellers are even willing to add complimentary packages or accessories to move these rigs. Hold out until the show’s last day, and you’ll likely find eager sales reps ready to cut a deal.
When Gas Prices Spike
Rising fuel costs can price some people out of a camper. While this is an unfortunate reality, it could help you score an RV if there’s a little more wiggle room in your budget.
Some existing owners become motivated to sell when the price per barrel gets high. You might find this is especially true for folks hauling their towable with a diesel truck, as they pay the most to stay on the road.
When people realize their rig isn’t economical, they’re more likely to stick a for-sale sign in the window. And if it comes down to making nothing or less than they’d prefer, most private sellers are willing to drop their price instead of losing a sale.
Gas prices also affect new-rig costs. You’ll have less competition at the dealership, so you’ll have a better chance of negotiating successfully.
Pro Tip: Bookmark the Energy Information Administration’s website to keep an eye on national and regional gas prices.
When a New Model Comes Out
Our final tip might seem at odds with our suggestion to buy during winter, but there’s a method to the madness.
Manufacturers typically release new models in the spring when folks are eager to hit the open road. When this happens, you can see a steep price drop in unsold units from the previous year. If you’re not concerned about missing out on the latest features, this is a great way to get a new RV at a cheap price.
Remember, the changes between model years are often negligible. They could have different color schemes or other cosmetic differences, but for the most part, they’ll be very similar.
Once you’ve found the RV of your dreams, do a little digging to find out when the brand will release their new lineup. Then, hit the dealership shortly before the drop date. There’s a good chance folks on the sales floor will be willing to strike a deal to move the inventory before it’s considered obsolete.
Further reading: How to Choose and Buy an RV
Is Waiting for the Off-Season Worth It?
The right timing can make all the difference when shopping for a new camper. By starting the process early, doing plenty of research, and knowing exactly what you want, you can get the perfect RV at a cheap price.
Of course, it’s also important to shop around and get a feel for the industry before making a big purchase. If you hit up trade shows and keep a finger on the market’s pulse, you’ll set yourself up for success!
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