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In the market for a new or used RV? Here is an RV buying guide that will help you get the best deals in the market.
RVs have gained immense popularity over the years as a convenient and flexible mode of travel and accommodation. Whether you are planning a long road trip or looking for a mobile home, finding the right RV can make all the difference. Factors such as price, quality, customer service, and availability can all play a role in buying the best RV.
A more important question would be where you can buy your RV from. Whether it is from a dealership, at an RV show, or your local RV dealer, all have pros and cons. With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to decide where to start your search. To help you make an informed decision, we have put together a comprehensive guide on the best places to buy an RV.
But before we dive into the top places to buy an RV, let's take a lot at some of the most common questions asked when RV hunting.
When is the best time to buy an RV?
The best time of year to buy an RV can depend on various factors, including the type of RV you are looking for, your budget, and your personal preferences. Generally, the best time to buy an RV is during the off-season, typically the fall and winter months. Less people buy during these seasons, so it can be the ideal time to get a nice deal, as dealerships may be looking to clear out older inventory to make room for new models. On the other hand, summer is the worst time to buy an RV. You might find dealers have greater collections out then, but the prices will be sky-high.
What is the best state to buy an RV?
Confused about which state to start looking to buy a new RV? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. When considering the best state to buy an RV, take into consideration the state dealerships, the cost of the RVs, and any taxes or fees associated with purchasing an RV. Most commonly, the cheapest state to buy an RV is Montana. That’s because no sales or property taxes are attached to the final price. Oregon, too, has no sales tax, which can save you a significant amount of money when purchasing an RV. If you are looking for the best place to buy a used RV, Oregon, and Texas are good places to start. They have a variety of good RV dealerships and lower taxes attached.
What is the best brand of RV to buy?
Choosing the best RV to buy depends on what RV brand you choose. Your chosen brand should reflect your needs and preferences. The list of the best RV brands of 2022 is a good place to start, but if you are looking for the best RV company to buy from, Airstream is a popular choice. Airstream RVs are built to last, with durable and long-lasting materials and construction techniques. They are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and rough roads, making them a reliable choice for travel. The interiors are comfortable, well-designed, stylish, and functional.
How much does it cost to buy an RV?
RVs are heavy financial investments. While there are several RV financing options, it is good to have an idea of what kind of figures to expect. Here is a brief cost breakdown of purchasing an RV.
Ownership Basics | Cost |
Purchase price (according to RV class/brand) | $10,000-$200,000 |
Sales tax | 3-10% |
Repairs & maintenance | $200-$1,000 |
Campground fees | $20-$100 |
Fuel | $250-$600 |
Propane | $25-$80 |
Buying an RV from a Local Dealer vs. Big Dealership
Many RVers prefer to buy RVs direct from the manufacturers, whether that’s your local dealer or a big dealership. Both offer different experiences for customers, and you can make your choice from the comparisons we have drawn below!
Local Dealer | Big Dealership |
Personalized service | Less personalized |
Limited variety and number of RVs | Wide selection and greater number of RVs |
Less or no financing and RV loan options | RV financing is usually available |
Better relationship building for after-sales services | Standard after-sales and services signed upon purchase |
Higher prices | Standard prices |
Easier access for RV repairs and maintenance | May be away from home base for repairs |
Buying an RV Online vs. In-Store
Online RV marketplaces are on the rise like never before. While it is certainly more convenient to buy RVs online with delivery rather than in-store, there are pros and cons for both.
Buying an RV Online
Pros:
More convenient than visiting multiple dealerships in person
Browse a wide selection of RVs from the comfort of your own home
Easily compare prices and features of different RV models
Avoid the time-consuming process of haggling with salespeople at the dealership
Lower overhead costs than traditional dealerships may translate to better prices
Cons:
The risk of fraud
You may not be able to physically inspect the vehicle before purchasing it
Harder to identify potential problems or issues
Financing options may not be available
Buying an RV in-store
Pros:
Opportunity to physically inspect the vehicle and take it for a test drive
Chance to negotiate a better deal
After-sale services like RV maintenance are available
RV financing and insurance may be available on-site
Cons:
Limited selection of RVs
Higher overhead costs of maintaining a dealership mean higher prices
Comparing prices and features of different RVs can be a hassle
Limited selection of dealerships in or near your area
Best Places to Buy RVs
If you're wondering where to buy an RV, here is a list of the best online and in-store places to help you out.
RVUSA is an online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of RVs across the United States. The platform offers a wide selection of new and used RVs, including motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and more. One of the key advantages of RVUSA is that it allows you to search for RVs based on your location, price range, and other preferences, making it easy to find the perfect RV that meets your needs and budget. RVUSA also offers a range of useful resources to help you make an informed decision. The website features detailed listings with photos, specifications, relevant information about each RV, and customer reviews and ratings. It’s truly a one-stop shop for RVers!
Lazydays is one of the largest RV dealerships in the United States, with multiple locations in Florida, Colorado, Arizona, and Minnesota. The company has been in business for over 40 years and has built a reputation for providing high-quality RVs and excellent customer service. Lazydays has an RV collection of some of the top brands in the industry. The company has over 2,500 RVs in stock at any given time, making it easy to find the perfect RV that meets your needs and budget. Lazydays also offers excellent customer service. This includes a Best Price Guarantee, a free RV inspection, and a one-year warranty on all pre-owned RVs. Lazydays really offers it all - a diverse selection of RVs, good prices to choose from, and great customer care!
If there was ever an Amazon store for RVs, RVTrader would be it! RVtrader is a well-known and popular online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of RVs, with a wide selection of new and used RVs available for purchase. It is a user-friendly platform, and customers can filter their search results by location, price, and other criteria you may have. The platform has a large inventory of RVs to choose from, so buyers can check out various dealerships and private sellers across the United States to find the RV that meets their needs. Don’t worry about scams - all sellers are verified by the company to ensure they are legitimate and reputable. Overall, RVTrader helps give RV buyers peace of mind with its large RV selection, competitive prices, verified sellers, and hassle-free online marketplace.
RV Universe is a recreational vehicle dealership that offers a range of services to its customers. Interested RVers can choose from an array of new and used RVs of different classes and types. RV Universe’s financing options set it apart from its competitors. It works with several different lenders to provide competitive rates and flexible terms. RVers also have the option of trading in their RVs for an upgraded or new motorhome. In addition to RVs, the company also has a large inventory of parts and accessories, including appliances, generators, furniture, and more. After-sales service is an important factor as any other, and RV Universe has that covered too. Customers can drop by for routine maintenance, installation services, repairs, and upgrades at any time!
Make way for the nation’s largest RV dealer! Camping World is a company specializing in RV sales, service, and accessories, with over 185 dealerships nationwide. They have a large inventory to meet all your RV needs - any type, form, shape, and class you want, in any condition - new, second-hand, repaired, or trade-in, you name it. If you are looking to sell your RV, they can help you sell it to the best buyers too. Camping World also has a team of experienced technicians who provide a range of services, including routine maintenance, repairs, installations, and upgrades. If you are a first-time RVers or just someone curious about the RV lifestyle, Camping World offers RV rentals for tryouts before making a purchase.
Bish's RV is a family-owned and operated RV dealership located in Indiana, USA. With over 50 years in the business, Bish's RV has built a reputation for providing quality RVs and customer service. From choosing from an extensive inventory to accommodating RV financing options, and good after-sales repair services, they’ve got you covered on all fronts. Bish’s variety of RVs includes travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and motorhomes from top brands such as Forest River, Keystone, and Jayco. They welcome price matching with competitors, and customers can also enjoy free RV winterization and free membership in Bish’s RV Diamond Club. Diamond Club members get benefits like emergency RV recovery assistance, free annual RV inspection, emergency roadside towing assistance, and labor cost discounts on recoveries.
A reputable name in the RV industry, PPL Motor Homes is the largest RV consignment dealer in the USA. They have an experienced workforce and salespeople who can provide RVers with expert advice on the different types of motorhomes available, their features, and their pros and cons. This can help interested buyers make an informed decision about which RV to purchase. PPL Homes offer several financing options, such as competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms, to make it easier for campers to buy an RV. If you purchase an RV from PPL Homes, you may receive a warranty that covers the RV for a certain period of time. This can give you peace of mind knowing that any issues with the RV will be covered.
Facebook Marketplace
Surprised to see Facebook here? No need to be. Recent years have seen the platform grow from a social media network to a marketplace for all. One of the advantages of Facebook Marketplace is that it is free to use, and sellers can post listings and photos of their RVs for potential buyers to see. Buyers can search for RVs based on location, price, and other criteria. Posting an RV for sale on Facebook Marketplace means that you have access to a larger potential buyer base than on other online marketplaces. Unlike other online marketplaces, Facebook Marketplace does not charge sellers a fee to list their items for sale. Perhaps the only drawback is that Facebook Marketplace does not offer the same buyer and seller protections as other online marketplaces.
Pop RVs offer a wide variety of RVs, including motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and more, from various manufacturers and price ranges. This allows buyers to compare and choose from a wide range of options, potentially finding the perfect RV for their needs and budget. The buying process is smooth and hassle-free. An experienced team of sales representatives can assist buyers throughout the buying process, and convenient financing options are also available. If you are wary of making online purchases, don’t fret! Pop RVs provide detailed information and photos of each RV listing, which can help buyers make an informed decision and feel confident about their purchase. Nationwide delivery is also available, so buyers can purchase the model they choose from anywhere in the country!
RV shows are a great place to check out RVs; it doesn’t get better than the Indy RV Expo! Indiana’s largest RV show is held each year in the Indiana State Fairgrounds over eight days. The Expo provides a great opportunity for RVers to explore a wide variety of RVs from different manufacturers, dealers, and models - all in one location! Buying RVs at shows can make comparing and contrasting features, layouts, and prices easier. The best part is you will be around industry experts and top manufacturers, so you can take your time getting to know the RV models. Depending on the policies of the dealers present at the Indy RV Expo, you might even be able to test drive or inspect different RV models to get a better feel for the product before purchasing. Not to forget, the RV community is always a fun and informative one to mingle with!
Conclusion
RVs are heavy investments, convenient vacation accommodations, and sentimental family homes. It is only fair that you find an RV that suits your every need on the road - and that is why the decision to buy an RV is a very crucial one. Whether you consider buying from dealerships, online marketplaces, RV shows, or private sellers, just make sure to do your due diligence and weigh all factors, like make, model, features, prices, etc. Good luck, and happy RVing!
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