Campers For Sale By Owner Near Me Craigslist (2024)

FAQs

Why are campers so cheap right now? ›

In 2022 RV Manufacturers produced more RVs than there was a demand for. In 2022 RV Dealers committed to selling more RVs than there was a demand for. RV Dealers now have an excess supply of RVs and have lowered prices to stimulate sales.

Figure out what type of RV works best for your travel style, decide on whether a new or used RV is best, test out the model you're considering purchasing, make sure to have financing and insurance lined up, and — most importantly — have the RV inspected before you purchase it.

The colder off-season is the best time of year to buy a travel trailer or motorhome if you're hoping to score a great deal. Some dealerships may even slash their prices right before winter to avoid having to winterize RVs.

Shop Out of Season

Not only is demand for RVs and camping equipment highest during this time because outdoor adventuring is top of mind for many people, but supply is also generally at its lowest for the same reason. If you can wait until mid to late fall, you'll find it's the best time to buy an RV.

Grand Design RV and Airstream are the #1 camper brand for trailers and RVs.

Adding it all up, the price of living in an RV can vary widely. For a travel trailer, you can expect to pay between $825 and $1,750 a month. For a Class A motorhome, you can look to pay around $2,600 to $3,300 a month.

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.

There is no definitive minimum credit score required for an RV loan, but there are some banks that will consider applicants with scores in the 640 or 670 range. You will typically need a credit score of at least 680 to get approved for an RV loan.

Should you put money down on a camper? ›

It's wise to make a down payment to reduce the amount of money you finance for the RV purchase, and some lenders may even require it. Depending on the vehicle type and the loan size, you may be required to have the RV inspected and appraised before the lender can approve financing.

The reality of purchasing an RV from a dealer

You will pay more from a dealer than you would pay if you purchased from the manufacturer. The dealer has bills to pay e.g., commissions, rent, taxes etc.

There seems to be a word-of-mouth consensus on where to find the cheapest purchase price for an RV. Those three states are Arizona, Texas, and Florida. Although that seems to really only apply if you're including used RVs into the equation.

They're using other people's money for that.” Basically, if the same amount of money invested in something else could be earning more in interest or appreciation than what you'll end up paying in interest on that RV loan, you're better off taking the loan.

While your RV may be in remarkable condition beneath the hood, its value will depreciate immensely if the appliances within are broken or old. Regularly maintaining, replacing, and updating the devices in your camper is a great way to offset depreciation.

Living in an RV can be cheaper than traditional home ownership because RVs require less space and utility usage, resulting in lower costs for heating, cooling, and maintenance. Additionally, RV living encourages a simpler and more minimalist lifestyle that can lead to fewer expenses related to possessions.

While towable campers are experiencing a growth, the motorized segment of the market paints a different picture, experiencing a significant decline in shipments by 26.5% compared to 2023.

It costs a lot of money to buy an RV, maintain it and store it, but it may be worth it in the long run if you plan to use it multiple times a year. If you want a simpler way to use an RV that doesn't require you to be responsible for maintenance and upkeep, renting is the better option.