By Wes Gunther

Should we purchase a new RV with a warranty or should we save money and purchase a used one that might have some issues?  This is the question many first time and even seasoned RVers ask themselves.  There are clearly advantages for either options and in this article we will look at the positive aspects of purchasing a used RV.

Let me begin by saying that my wife and I have been RVing now for fifteen years.  This summer we purchased our fifth RV.  That puts us on a pace of changing RV’s every three years.  We have no intention of buying a new RV. 

1. Buying used will save you money.    Clearly the number one reason people purchase used RV’s is because they are cheaper.   Purchasing a used RV means that the original owner took the largest depreciation hit.  As with an automobile, the RV loses value the moment you drive or tow it off the lot.  One can often find great deals if they are patient.  You can find an RV that someone just wants to be rid of or that is being sold to settle an estate and the sellers don’t really care or know the true value.  You have to do your research, but you can clearly save money buying a used RV.

Just because it is used doesn’t mean it is a good deal of course.  You may end up with a money pit if you are not careful.  Be sure to check out our next article Five Cautions in Buying a Used RV.  The goal is to find a fair deal and not be end up with someone else’s headache. 

• You can try it without losing your shirt.   With the surge in RV ownership there are many first time RVers that are looking to purchase their first RV without having the experience or knowledge of seasoned RVers.   You can try RVing and see if it fits your family’s needs without losing a lot of money.  Perhaps you have been RVing for years and are now interested in switching from, let’s say, a travel trailer to a fifth wheel.  Once again, you can try something to see if it works for you without the large financial obligation. 

You are going to have to determine if you are purchasing from a dealer or from a private seller.  I have purchased all of mine privately because dealers are looking to make a profit (of course).  It is often more of a headache buying used – but the cost savings may be worthwhile. 

• You may be able to break even!   If you pay attention to the market and keep your eyes open for deals, you may be able to upgrade from RV to RV and break even each time.  This is something that my wife prides herself in.  We have always purchased used RV’s and we have always been able to sell it for at least what we bought it for.  There are routine maintenance costs, of course, but there is not reason you shouldn’t be able to sell your RV for close to what you bought it for. Here are some keys to help make that a reality:
  •   You must be willing to make improvements.   When purchasing a used RV, there will be some things you can quickly and easily fix.  I purchased one travel trailer that had the power cord knotted inside the storage area which ment that when the power cord was pulled out it would only reach about twelve feet.  It was made to be twenty five feet long.  We took the cover off of the outside of the electrical area and my wife reached her smaller hand inside and untangled the cord.  The cost was nothing but the improvement was immediate.  Replace that cracked vent cover, put on a new spare tire holder, paint the hitch, fix the step – little things that we accept when we buy used but will help us when we go to sell it ourselves.  Plus – these things make the RV experience better for us when we are using it
  • You must be willing to buy and sell quickly.   All of my used RV purchases have come along almost spontaneously.  A brother in law’s boss was too busy and wanted to unload his camper he had barely used; we took the grandkids camping and realized we need bunks and my wife saw a great deal that same day on Marketplace.  You have to be able to move quickly.
  • Don’t hold onto your existing unit too long.  If you want to try to sell your RV for what you bought it for then you are going to have to make a change every couple of years.  The original depreciation is quick – but after that it slows down.  You can buy a RV that is 6 years old and one that is 9 years old (comparable models) for about the same price.  Don’t keep yours too long.

• You become more willing to make it your own.   When you purchase a new RV you want to keep it looking new for as long as possible.  It is heartbreaking when you get a scratch or dent.   However, when you have a used RV, a scratch or dent is an invitation to make an improvement to it.  When you have a used RV you don’t think twice about reupholstering the cushions, painting the cabinets, changing the backsplash, installing hooks in the closet, etc.  You make a used RV your own much quicker.

• You will begin the adventure sooner.  For those looking to start RVing – they will begin the adventure much sooner if they are willing to buy used because, with the cost difference, they can begin much sooner.  Don’t wait to start RVing – get started as soon as possible!