FAQs
If you're not looking to spend a ton of money initially, a vintage camper is probably a good option to consider. Even if you factor in additional renovation costs, it'll likely be much cheaper than a new RV.
How can I find the value of a camper? ›
Ask the Experts
The first thing you'll do when determining your RV trade-in value is consult NADA, the National Automobile Dealers Association. Similar to the Kelly Blue Book for cars, the Dealer NADA RV price book is often consulted by dealers looking at purchasing your RV.
Is this a good time to buy a used RV? ›
If you can wait until mid to late fall, you'll find it's the best time to buy an RV. You'll have a far better selection of both new and previously-owned rigs once the camping season ends. Plus, you'll enjoy the added benefit of physically shopping for RVs among fewer crowds and with more attentive salespeople.
How well do campers hold their value? ›
Brand-new RVs start losing value as soon as they're driven off the lot and continue to lose value throughout the first year rapidly. The RV depreciation rate increases at a steady rate after that until your RV hits double digits in age. Once an RV is ten years old or older, its value drops more rapidly.
How much is an old camper worth? ›
Useable, refurbished trailers can easily run from the $2,500 to the $10,000 range. If you have the means, beautifully restored trailers can be had in the teens to over $50,000. The good thing is that we all have just as much fun at the rallies!
How many years do campers last? ›
Just like any other vehicle, though, RVs run best when they're used often, well-maintained, and adequately protected from the elements. Proper care and attention can significantly impact how long your RV lasts. The average life of an RV can range from 10 to 30 years or 200,000-300,000 miles with proper maintenance.
Is there a kelley blue book for camper trailers? ›
Kelley Blue Book is a trusted resource for determining the value of traditional automotive vehicles. However, unfortunately, they do not offer a dedicated valuation service for RVs on their website or in their printed guides.
What is actual cash value of a camper? ›
Actual Cash Value or the ACV of your RV is the actual market value of your RV. This number should come from a third party source such as the National Automobile Dealer's Association (NADA), or other similar source.
How do you evaluate a used RV? ›
Thoroughly inspect the vehicle's roof, walls, floors, tires, plumbing, electrical systems, and appliances. Obtaining a professional inspection is highly recommended, in addition to checking for a valid title and vehicle identification number (VIN).
What is the slowest month for RV sales? ›
Late fall and winter are generally the best times to buy a travel trailer or motorhome. Fewer people shop for RVs during this period, and less competition means you have more negotiating power. You may also find bargains right before a new RV model is released, when gas prices are up, and at RV trade shows.
10 Things To Avoid When RV Shopping
- Buying the Wrong Size. When it comes to RVs, bigger is not always better. ...
- Ruling Out Used RVs. ...
- Not Doing Enough Research. ...
- Not Considering the Towing Vehicle. ...
- Not Considering The Height. ...
- Not Asking Enough Questions. ...
- Getting The Wrong Insurance. ...
- Rushing Your Purchase.
How old of an RV should you be to buy? ›
Outside of where you can camp with it, what makes and RV too old is more about the condition than the actual age of the vehicle. A vehicle that is 15 years old but well maintained can make a better investment than a 5-year-old vehicle that has been well abused.
How can I find the value of my camper? ›
If you do want to find out your RV's “blue book” value, you can use the NADA website. Fortunately, it's pretty straightforward and user-friendly. Navigate to NADA's RV value homepage, and choose the “type” of RV you have (or are looking at buying).
What is the fastest way to sell an RV? ›
How do I sell an RV quickly? Usually, the quickest way to sell an RV is with a dealership. This is selling directly to the dealer, with or without a trade-in, rather than consignment. Selling to a dealer might get you less money than a private sale, but it'll be speedy!
What is high mileage for a camper? ›
Generally speaking, anything over 100,000 miles can be considered high mileage for a motorhome. However, this is not to say that a motorhome with high mileage is automatically unreliable or unfit for use.
What is the useful life of a camper? ›
An RV can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years or 100,000 to 300,000 miles. That wide range proves just how much an RV's lifespan can be impacted by the type of RV, the owner, and how well it's maintained. At a minimum, you can expect an RV to last for at least a decade if you perform regular maintenance.
How many years is an RV good for? ›
How long an RV, motorhome, or travel trailer lasts depends on various factors. However, generally speaking, two decades is reasonable for a well-maintained vehicle. The average lifespan of a Class A or a Class B RV or motorhome is between 10 and 20 years.
Are old camper vans reliable? ›
While you may see a good deal on an older camper van, the main problems are reliability and maintenance needs. Even the best quality older motorhomes won't operate as well as they used to.