Category: Buying

Over the last few years, consumers have found alternative ways to make big purchases. Instead of visiting local RV dealerships and browsing the lots, there’s been an emergence in buyers shopping outside of their areas and online. For example, in 2021, 41% of RVs sold in the Denver, Colorado area were registered outside of that market, according to Statistical Surveys Inc.

This trend suggests that shoppers are willing to buy outside their locality. With a record-high demand for RVs and limited supply at local dealerships, many shoppers have been buying campers and motorhomes sight unseen to save time on the process and get on the road faster.

In fact, we surveyed over 2,500 RV Trader shoppers and 11% said they’ve purchased an RV sight unseen, a noteworthy segment of buyers. Of those who have purchased sight unseen, a remarkable 90% said they had a positive buying experience, with 39% describing it as “great” and 22% as “excellent.”

Purchasing an RV without seeing it can have several advantages, including a larger selection of inventory and a faster sale. Thinking about buying this way? RV Trader has seven tips for buying an RV sight unseen to help you have a positive and successful experience.

1. Know What Features You Want

Before shopping for an RV, you should figure out what features you want the unit to have. Consider how often you’ll travel in your home on wheels, as well as who you’ll be with and the types of experiences you want to have on your mobile getaways.

How many sleeping areas will you need? Will you need a full kitchen with all the appliances or something simpler? Do you want to expand your space with slide outs? Asking questions like this can help you decide what type of RV is best for you and how much you might have to spend.

2. Pick a Type of RV

Once you figure out what bells and whistles you want your RV to have, then you can decide which type of RV is best for you and your travel needs. RVs can be divided into two categories, drivable and towable. From there, they range in size and features.

If you’re traveling with a family or group that likes amenities, you may consider a large, luxurious Class A motorhome. Or, if you want to explore different attractions and destinations without lugging around your mobile living spaces, a travel trailer may be better since it can detach from your tow vehicle. Research the different types of RVs, picturing yourself on the open road, to determine which will best fit your travel lifestyle.

3. Determine Your Budget

To determine your budget for buying an RV, you should do some research on the market you’re shopping in. See how much other units are going for to get an idea of a price range. Consider how much you’re willing to put down for the down payment, along with the cost of the monthly payment, fuel, storage and maintenance.

When deciding how much you want to spend on a new or used RV, you should also factor in the potential cost for buying outside of your area. You may have to pay to have the RV shipped to you, or pay the sales tax for a different state.

4. Shop on a Trusted Website

Online shopping can expose you to scammers who are advertising RVs that don’t actually exist. However, you can easily avoid this by shopping on trusted websites from dealerships and online marketplaces. Start by asking your friends and family for suggestions and reading online reviews. You should also make sure that the website is secured and has HTTPS in the URL.

If you are considering buying from a private seller, you should confirm that both they and the RV are legitimate. The seller should also have accurate contact information for you to reach them. For more tips for safely shopping online, read our previous article 13 tips for avoiding scams when buying online.

5. Read the Listing Description

Online listings should include detailed information about the for-sale RV. While reading these listing descriptions, you should learn the make, model, year, condition, mileage, sleeping capacity, and more of the unit you’re browsing. If there isn’t enough detailed information, don’t be afraid to contact the seller with any questions you may have.

While this type of buying is technically sight unseen—because you’re not viewing the RV in-person yourself—you can still get a look at the for-sale RV before you buy it. This is where listing photos come in handy. A good listing should have photos of both the exterior and interior of the RV. These allow you to get a pretty good idea of the camper’s condition and features. 

If not, then be sure to ask the seller for more or better photos. A trustworthy seller should have no problem providing you additional images. You should also consider asking for videos. This can give you a virtual tour of the RV without setting foot in it yourself.

6. Ask for an Inspection Report

Descriptions, photos, and videos can only tell/show you so much. An inspection report can give you a comprehensive view of the RV’s condition. There are companies and services that specialize in handling inspections for shoppers, and will travel on your behalf to look at the for-sale RV.

If you’re shopping for an RV on RVTrader.com, units with inspection reports available will feature an inspection badge. RV Trader Assurance, powered by Lemon Squad, is a great option for consumers who aren’t able to see their prospective purchase in person. You’ll be able to easily request an inspection report that features a comprehensive examination of the internal and external structure, complete mechanical inspection, road test, appliance inspection, and over 40 high-quality photos.

7. Arrange the Shipment

If you’re buying an RV sight unseen, chances are that you aren’t able to go pick it up in person. If that’s the case, you should discuss with the seller how you plan to get your potential purchase to your driveway. 

Some dealerships will work with you to schedule a delivery and charge you a transportation fee. This step typically happens after you sign a purchase agreement and put down a deposit. If this isn’t possible, or you’re buying from a private seller, you can also find a third-party company to handle the shipping and delivery of your RV.

While buying an RV without seeing it in person is an emerging concept, it can be done safely and successfully. Buying an RV sight unseen can improve your chances of getting your dream camper faster in a competitive marketplace.

Ready to start shopping? Browse the nationwide selection of new and used RVs at RVTrader.com.

Deciding to purchase an RV can raise many questions. How much time will I spend in my RV? What class should I buy? Should I buy it new or used? While it’s easy to get lured in by the sparkle of a brand-new camper, don’t rule out a pre-owned unit especially if you plan on performing RV renovations. Before you begin your search, check out RV Trader’s six benefits of buying a used RV.

1. Save Money Upfront

The biggest benefit of buying a used RV is the savings. With a little patience, and careful research, you can find a used RV model that fits your needs at a lower cost than buying new. An older model even has lower insurance costs. The best part is that you can put the money you saved into your renovation budget.

2. Less Depreciation

Much like cars, purchasing a brand-new RV means losing value shortly after you drive off the lot. RVs can depreciate up to 20% during the first year or two of ownership. If you buy new and plan to sell your unit in a few years, you more than likely won’t make back the money you initially spent. Buying used, then, is often the best investment for flipping an RV, whether you’re renovating it for resale or for your own long-term use.

3. Greater Inventory Options

When searching for pre-owned units, you will come across lots of RVs from the past few years. And these aren’t only vintage models. Many owners trade-in or sell their campers after the first couple of years of ownership, creating a marketplace of recently manufactured RVs available for sale at a lower price, thanks to depreciation.

4. More Design Variety

RVs vary in size, weight, and floor plans. When you look to buy outside of new models, you’ll see that older models can differ in these aspects. Since manufacturers create floor plans that cater to each type of RV owner, browse different layouts to find one that meets your needs. Shop used RVs from recent models, within the last three years, to a retro camper with a nostalgic floor plan and design.

5. DIY Customizations

Buying a used RV is a chance to design and remodel your unit exactly how you want it. Whether you want to repaint, add new flooring and fixtures, or completely gut it, a used RV gives you the opportunity to start fresh and make your camper completely one of a kind. With an older RV, you can overlook any cosmetic wear-and-tear and start seeing the unit as your next DIY project.

6. Increased Resale Value

If you don’t have long-term plans for your RV, keep in mind the potential resale value of your unit. If you avoid early depreciation by buying a pre-owned unit, then you should be able to sell it a few years later for close to what you originally paid (assuming it’s been well-maintained and depending on market conditions). However, if you’ve renovated the RV, you may be able to sell it for more than you initially paid plus the upgrades, earning you a tidy profit.

If you’re stuck deciding whether to purchase a new or used RV, consider how you plan to use the unit. Used offers benefits for both long- and short-term ownership even after you renovate. Once you decide to buy used, it’s time to learn everything you need to know about renovations, which you can find on RV Trader’s RV Renovations resource page, with in-depth articles, checklists, and videos. And you can begin browsing pre-owned units at RVTrader.com, the premier virtual marketplace for buying recreational vehicles.

It’s no secret we live in a digital world. We easily buy everyday items with a click of a button and they quickly arrive at our doorstep. Why can’t this process be the same with bigger items like an RV? At RV Trader, we made this shopping dream a reality! 

It may feel overwhelming to buy larger ticket items virtually, but the process doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ve created an easy-to-follow checklist where you’ll learn the ins and outs of buying an RV online. This checklist includes all the information you’ll need to work through the entire buying process. Thanks to this complimentary resource, you can make the most informed buying decision possible. 

In the checklist, we cover:

• Building Your RV Wish List
• Deciding on a Budget
• Choosing RV Type
• The Research Process
• Connecting With the Seller
• Reviewing Your Virtual Options, and
• How to Avoid Scams

We sprinkle in virtual buying tips throughout so you can feel confident and empowered to buy your first, or next, RV online. This resource was designed with you in mind. Take advantage of it and start your RV search today. Ready to learn more?

Click Here to Access Our Checklist

For additional information on virtual buying, visit our resources here.

We recently hosted a live Facebook Q&A answering questions from real RV shoppers about the researching and buying process — but we’re also sharing many of our tips here on the blog. We’ve previously discussed what you need to know before shopping for an RV. In this article, we’re breaking down the three major steps to take once you’re ready to browse available units and make a purchase: 

Do Your Research.

It’s time to finally find and compare relevant RVs that are available to purchase; but where do you start? For-sale RVs can be easily found online by visiting dealership websites and online marketplaces like RVTrader.com. On these digital platforms you are able to browse listings and filter results based on your preferred criteria. RV listings provide you with a number of ways to evaluate for-sale units: 

• Photos: Images are the most foundational way to get a good look at the RV you might buy. The best dealers will post plenty of pictures, including every angle of the exterior, as well as pictures of each area of the interior.
• Videos: Even more than photos, videos give you the best idea of what the RV will look like in “real life.” Videos can show you the RV in-action, demonstrating each of its main features.
• Specific details: Listings should include key details about the RV, including the year, condition, mileage, sleeping capacity, and more.
• Descriptions: Dealers will also describe all the features you can find both inside and outside of the RV.

While you’re researching, be sure to compare listings. Just because you’ve found one RV that could be a good fit doesn’t mean there’s not a better RV or a better deal out there. As you more seriously consider different RVs, be sure to research the dealer themselves, as well as the history of the RV if you’re buying used. Knowing you’re buying a quality unit from a trustworthy dealer can give you greater confidence in your purchase, and may be the deciding factor when deliberating between different RV buying options.

Connect with the Seller.

Once you’re interested in an RV, you don’t have to immediately visit a dealership to connect with a dealer or learn more about the for-sale unit. In today’s virtual world, there are a number of ways you can reach out to a seller without stepping onto the dealership lot. Most dealers can be reached via a phone call or email, of course, but many dealers also offer texting, live chat messaging, and live video chats.

Video chats are an especially useful communication tool, because — in addition to speaking with the seller — they also allow you to conduct a virtual inspection of the RV without going to the physical dealership. Just like an in-person inspection, scheduling a live video appointment with the dealer lets you…

• View the RV’s exterior and interior, 
• Hear the engine running, 
• See the mileage, 
• Review parts or potential damage, 
• Ask questions, and 
• Hear the dealer’s sales pitch.
  

Pro Tip: If you’re shopping for RVs on RVTrader.com, look for the RV Trader Inspection Badge on specific listings. This indicates that an RV has been inspected by RV Trader Assurance powered by Lemon Squad. You can view a complete inspection report, detailing the condition of the unit’s internal and external structure, mechanical components, appliances, and the results of a road test. You can also view over 40 high-quality photos of the for-sale RV.

From phone calls and emails to texting and video chats, any RV listing — as well as the dealership’s website — should provide you with all the relevant seller contact information and communication options. When reaching out to a dealer, don’t hesitate to request more photos, seek out additional details, ask questions, talk financing, make an offer, negotiate price, or communicate about anything else you think is important.

Review Virtual Buying Options.

Once you’ve decided to purchase an RV, you may be able to complete most or all of the buying steps online, depending on state laws and dealership policies. Check with the seller to see if virtual options are available for…

• Signing documents to finalize the sale of the RV,
• Obtaining financing (from the dealership or 3rd party), or
• Obtaining warranties (from the dealership or 3rd party).

You can also check to see if you have to go to the dealership lot yourself, or if the RV can be delivered. If you’re local, a seller may bring the RV right to your driveway. If you’re further away, you may be able to arrange for the RV to be shipped to you. Finally, throughout the buying process, keep an eye out for indicators of scam or fraud, browse on secure sites, and be careful when sharing personal information online.

 

Congratulations! Soon you’ll be out on the road, on your way to the campsite and memory-making fun. If you’d like to take a deeper dive into researching, shopping, and purchasing RVs, don’t forget check out our Facebook Live Q&A! If you’re ready to jump right into browsing RVs, head on over to RVTrader.com and don’t forget to check out our full site of virtual buying resources.

After so much time dreaming of exploring new places, embarking on adventures, and making delicious s’mores over a campfire, you’ve finally decided to pursue your RV dream. But how do you actually get started? Even before researching and buying a specific RV, there are a number of things you need to consider. Especially if you’ve never purchased an RV before, it can be an overwhelming process.

To help smooth the ride, we hosted a Facebook live Q&A on March 18, 2021 at 1PM ET about the RV buying process. You can access the Facebook Q&A here. Additionally, we’re putting many of those tips right here on the blog. Before shopping for an RV, here are three steps you need to take:

Build Your Wishlist.

Before shopping online or in-person for an RV, you need to think through the kind of experiences you want to have and what features would be required to achieve them. To get started, we commonly ask new RVers questions like:

• Where will you be taking your RV? 
• Do you plan on finding yourself on a solo adventure, or is the RV a memory-making machine for family and friends? 
• Will you need amenities to replicate the comforts of home, or are you looking to rough it out in the wild?

The experiences you aspire to will determine what you look for in an RV, so building a wishlist of features is an essential first step. Here are some things to consider as you craft your RV wishlist:

• Sleeping space: Think about how many people you want to be able to take with you on trips.
• Storage space: Figure out how much stuff you feel will be essential to take on any trip, and then add additional space for the extra items that always ends up along for the ride.
• Living space: Honestly reflect on if you’re willing to spend most of your time outdoors, or if you admittedly need space to spend time inside as well.
• Kitchen space & appliances: If you’re not prepared to cook every meal over a campfire, even in the rain, consider how much space you’ll require to prepare meals.
• Where you want to travel: Does your RV need to be able to navigate tight city streets or take to the interstate highways, and do you feel capable operating larger RVs on long-haul trips?
• If you require electricity, heat/AC, running water, Wi-Fi, etc.: Again, you need to be honest with yourself about what amenities you can and cannot go without.
• If you’ll have pets travelling with you: Think about if an RV will provide enough room for your pet, and if you’re prepared for any damages a pet may cause to the RV.
• If you’ll drive through city streets or narrow roads: Once more, you need to consider how comfortable you are operating your RV down any road you may come across.
• If you’ll need to haul extra toys: If you’re preparing for high-adrenaline adventure, figure out if an RV has the capacity to haul your dirt-bike, PWC, or other items

Determine Your Budget.

You’ll obviously want to purchase an RV that is within a reasonable price range for your individual financial situation. To know if an RV is going to fit within your allotted budget, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership for the RV, not just the sticker price. Here are three things to remember: 

• The down-payment: You’ll obviously have to pay a percentage of the price to the dealer up-front. This can vary by the RV you’re buying, dealership policies, and the financing you’re able to obtain.

• Recurring expenses: Unless you pay the full cost of the RV all at once, you’ll have monthly payments to make, as well as bills for RV insurance. As you drive the RV, you’ll need to buy fuel, and some people will also have to pay for storage if they cannot keep the RV at their own residence.
• Maintenance and repairs: It won’t be every month (hopefully!), but from time-to-time you’ll have to pay for preventative maintenance to keep your RV safe and operational. It’s also likely that at some point during your ownership of the RV, you’ll have to pay for unexpected repairs, which always seem to happen in the most inconvenient times — so be ready for those expenses!

New RVs will cost more than used RVs, of course, but keep in mind that used units come with some risk of needing additional unexpected repairs. When calculating the total cost of ownership, especially if you’re buying a new RV, you should also consider how you can sell your RV as a used unit once you’re done with it or want to upgrade, helping you recoup some of your money.

Choose Your RV Type.

There are so many different types of RVs out there. It will be important to research each type of RV to determine which type would be the best fit for you and your lifestyle. Keep in mind how you want to use the RV, your level of expertise, and your price range. The main types of RVs include: 

• Class A Motorhomes: These RVs are the largest and roomiest RVs on the road, typically ranging from 24 ft. to 45 ft. in length, and are either diesel or gas-powered.
• Class B Motorhomes: These RVs are typically referred to as camper vans and are built on a standard full-sized van chassis, but still have amenities and a raised roof for upright walking.
• Class C Motorhomes: These RVs are a compromise between Class A and Class B, with more space than Class B RVs, but easier to drive than Class A RVs.
• Travel Trailers: These RVs are towed behind a truck or SUV. Also known as “campers,” they’ve become increasingly popular because they’re more affordable than drivable RVs.
• Toy Haulers: These RVs are towable travel trailers with a built-in ramp and space that can be used for a small garage, along with a kitchen and living quarters. 
• Fifth Wheels: These RVs are large trailers towed by a pick-up truck. They can be bigger than drivable motorhomes, but allow for the option of detaching the truck for easier travel to and from the campsite during a trip.

Once you have built your wishlist, determined your budget, and chosen your RV type, you’re ready to begin your RV shopping experience. For tips on that part of the process, you can check out our companion article about researching and buying RVs. And if you’d like to really take a deep dive into any of these topics, don’t forget to check out our Facebook Live Q&A!

 

Traveling in an RV is an experience like no other. The ability to have your personal belongings and customizable personal space with you throughout your travels is very convenient and comfortable. It is also much more cost-effective than purchasing airfare and staying in hotels. But with all the different types of RVs, it can be difficult to choose the kind that’s best for you. After all, the individual needs of the traveler are one of the most important factors when selecting a class of RV.

If you are considering purchasing a new RV or switching to a different type, then you have come to the right place. We’ll be covering the features and pros and cons of Class C motorhomes. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about them before purchasing one of your own.

What is a Class C motorhome?

A Class C motorhome is almost like a combination of a Class A and Class B, or rather a compromise between the two. Class Cs are built on a truck or van chassis that is built specifically for a motorhome. They are usually designed to have an overhang over the cab that is typically an extra bed or additional storage. This class of motorhome is revered for having the most sleeping space. Some of the newer, larger models can sleep up to 11 people.

These RVs usually run between twenty-one and thirty-five feet, making them a more compact solution than a Class A, but slightly bigger than a Class B. Due to their smaller size, they are fairly easy to navigate and park – some only take up a bit more than a parking space.

More recently, manufacturers have increased the size and capabilities of these RVs by designing the Super-C. This RV is built on a Ford F550 or Freightliner chassis. The front of Super-Cs sometimes look like a semi-truck and other types retain the overhang cab. Super-Cs are heavy duty and the largest of this class.