How to Buy an RV

Buying an RV is not easy. It would not stop in choosing which RV model to purchase. You also need to know how to drive it and how to tow it. You also need to learn basic maintenance so that you would not have to take it to the shop every time you encounter a problem.

Owning an RV is a long-term investment, and it is not for everyone. If you consider purchasing an RV, then you are in the right place. We will help you understand the big picture that comes with buying and owning an RV.

Used or Brand New RV?

There are lots of RVs available in the market. Some are new, while some are used. Second-hand RVs are cheaper, but it is not the only thing that matters. Let's discuss the pros and cons of buying a new or used RV.

Used RV Pros:

  1. Used RVs are cheaper.
  2. You can rebuild, restore and redecorate easily.
  3. Insurance plans are less expensive for used RVs.

Used RV Cons:

  1. More prone to expensive damage.
  2. Upgrades can be costly.

New RV Pros:

  1. Brand new RVs have the newest technology.
  2. You wouldn't have to think of damages for some time.

New RV Cons:

  1. Brand new RVs are way more expensive than used RVs.
  2. Insurance premiums are more expensive.
  3. You would have to invest in towing vehicles.

Now that you have the pros and cons of used and brand new RVs, let's discuss the things that you need to ask yourself before purchasing one:

  1. Why are you buying it?
  2. Who is going to use the RV?
  3. Where do you intend to travel with it?
  4. What features are you looking for?

It is essential to list down your exact needs as opposed to what you want before buying an RV. One of the main benefits of having your own RV is that you can fully customize and add features to it.

Types of RVs

There are two types of RVs; the first one is the motorhomes, and the second type is the towables. Motorhomes can be driven, while towables need to towed by a different vehicle.

If towables are what appeals to you, then you would need to invest in a towing truck or an SUV. If you already have a towing vehicle, then that's great. But if you don't, then it would cost you more.

Tips in Buying an RV

Buying a recreational vehicle is just like buying a car. There are different factors to consider, like price, condition and model to get your money's worth.

Here are some things that you should keep in mind when purchasing an RV:

Know The Kind of RV You Like

There are nine different kinds of RVs: Travel trailer, fifth wheel, toy hauler, pop up, small camper, class A gas, class A diesel, class B, and class C.

Just by reading the different classifications can be overwhelming. That is why you need to know how much space you need within the unit to feel comfortable on a road trip.

Know the Worth of the RV

Just like cars, the value of a new RV can drop when it leaves the dealer's garage. It is important to compare the prices of similar RV models to know how much you should be paying for a certain kind of RV.

Inspect the Vehicle

Inspect every inch of the RV for potential problems, especially if you want to purchase a used one.

Here are some common things to look out for:

Mold - If you find mold on any part of the vehicle, then think twice before purchasing it. Mold is one of the signs that the vehicle experienced water damage.

Floor Damage - It might sound silly, but we advise you to jump up and down in the kitchen and bathroom area where water is usually used. Check the floors if they stable and sturdy.

Exterior Issues - Check the exterior panels for rust and corrosion. We also advise giving the walls a little push.

Know History of the Vehicle - Knowing the history of the RV is essential. Check if it has been stolen, rebuilt, or if it has been damaged.

Scams - There are a lot of scammers out there, so be careful if you are not buying from a dealer.

Top 10 Rv sales and Rv sales websites

We ranked the best Rv sales websites so that you can find what you need.

Last updated: 2024-11-11

Rank

Provider

Description & Features

Site

1

★★★★★

708 Data points

New & Used RVs - Motorhomes for Sale - RV Trader
New & Used RVs - Motorhomes for Sale - RV Trader
New and used RVs For Sale by Owner or by Dealer. Find, Buy or Sell RV Motorhomes, Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, 5th Wheel Camper, Pop Up Campers, Toy Haulers, and More RVs For Sale on RV Trader.

2

★★★★★

656 Data points

RVs & Campers for Sale | Camping World
RVs & Campers for Sale | Camping World
Camping World - the nation's largest RV dealer with 27,000+ RVs & Campers for sale from the best manufacturers.

3

★★★★★

607 Data points

New & Used RVs for Sale on RVT.com® - Travel Trailers ...
New & Used RVs for Sale on RVT.com® - Travel Trailers ...
Online classifieds featuring RVs for sale in the USA and Canada. RVT.com is North America’s Leading source of classifieds for RV traders - the best place to Find or Sell a new or used motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, camper - or any type of RV.

4

★★★★

562 Data points

Buy a Used RV or Motorhome - Cruise America
Buy a Used RV or Motorhome - Cruise America
Our compact unit is a fully self-contained RV. The floorplan features a unique rear kitchen design with all the amenities of a larger unit. The cabover bed is extra roomy making the compact RV the ideal unit for two adults of any age and a dinette folding to an extra bed allows for a child.

5

★★★★

521 Data points

New & Used RVs, Motorhomes & Travel Trailers For Sale ...
New & Used RVs, Motorhomes & Travel Trailers For Sale ...
Search The RV Authority's expansive inventory of new & used RVs online. Lazydays features thousands of motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheels and more.

6

★★★★

482 Data points

General RV Center
General RV Center
General RV Center is the nation's largest family-owned RV dealer with 13 locations in 6 states. Browse our huge selection of RVs. We specialize in selling motorhomes, fifth wheels, travel trailers, and campers.

7

★★★★

446 Data points

RVs for Sale - RVs on Autotrader
RVs for Sale - RVs on Autotrader
RVs on Autotrader has listings for new and used RVs for sale near you. See prices, photos and find dealers near you.

8

★★★

413 Data points

Motorhomes For Sale - RVs & Campers for Sale | Camping World
Motorhomes For Sale - RVs & Campers for Sale | Camping World
We have hundreds of new & used Motorhome RV Campers in our inventory. Camping World Hkr - the nation's largest RV & Camper dealer. View your search results here.

9

★★★

383 Data points

Poulsbo RV
Poulsbo RV
Washington RV Dealer. Largest selection of Motorhomes, Class As, Class Bs, Class Cs, Fifth Wheels, and Travel Trailers.Five locations in Washington State, Kent, Everett, Auburn, Fife, & Mount Vernon. The Best RV Dealer In Washington

10

★★★

354 Data points

Camping World
Camping World
Good Sam Club , Good Sam Insurance Agency , Good Sam Life Insurance Central , Coast Resorts , Good Sam Life & Health , Good Sam TravelAssist , Good Sam Roadside Assistance , Good Sam Extended Service Plan , RV Loans , MotorHome , Rv.net , Trailer Life , Good Sam | Camping World Visa

Rv sales videos considered

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