theruggednerdBLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): Do your homework, shop in the late fall or winter if you can, buy new if you’re considering travel trailers, price check online and take a screenshot of any ad for the same model around the price you’re targeting, and only make an offer on something you can see BEFORE your make the offer or sign ANYTHING.
Tips for Getting the Right RV at the Right Price
- RV Classes: Compared to the Motorized classes of RVs, Towable RVs come at a much lower cost than their motorized counterparts. Towable RVs are great for beginners just starting their RV adventures, and having a separate tow vehicle gives you the ability to get around town. Because of their lighter weight, ravel trailers and “pop-up” or folding campers can even be pulled by smaller trucks or SUVs.
- New or Used: Consider buying new vs used because of the potential nightmares easily hidden for used RVs, especially given the likely hood that travel trailers will have more issues over time due to cheaper/lighter materials. Used RVs are notorious for having shortcut or covered up repairs and damage. Know what to look for, or save yourself the hassle and spring for new.
- Avoid Poor Craftsmanship: Compare brand names not only for pricing and floorplan, but also workmanship, quality and responsiveness to warranty issues. It’s hard to know which brands are the best consistently, but it’s easy to know which models are lemons most of the time.
- Size Matters: Longer RVs (Over 35 feet) may have a hard time accessing various off-grid/boondock locations, especially in mountainous areas where we plan on frequenting. Always check ahead on the reservation page of your target campground or by checking reviews on sites like Campendium.com.
- Nighty Night: Parents of multiple children may want to seriously consider a “bunkhouse” floorplan (usually indicated by BR or BH in the model number). They will provide better bed space for the kiddos and can save a lot of headache not having to convert the dining area to a bed every night.
- Shop Around: Research the competition’s pricing. You think this would be a no-brainer, but buyers have a LOT of negotiation leverage if they can find the exact model they want online. Check nationwide and if you find it, contact the company and ask their “no-haggle price.” Grab a screenshot of the online offering and bring it with you when you go to your dealer. Stand your ground that they match or you’ll make the trip for the no-haggle alternative and then be really willing to do just that.
Don’t slack on these steps, take your time and do your diligent research and you’ll have all the more enjoyment out of your time on the road!