Buying an RV is a big decision. You want to make sure you’re buying at the right time to get the best deal possible. But when is the best time to buy an RV? Let’s go through a few things you should keep in mind after you decide to buy an RV.
Do Your Research
It’s always a good idea to visit a couple dealerships before you buy an RV. The dealership you’re at may offer you 15% off MSRP, but is that a good deal? The dealership 30 minutes away could be offering 30% off the same RV. Shop around, find the RV you want, then find the best deal on that RV. Look to see what that RV is being sold for on online dealerships, and compare it to the deal you’re getting.
Read reviews on your RV before you purchase it. Maybe you’re buying the RV for the kitchen, but every online review complains about the kitchen’s layout. Do your research, read reviews, and then make a decision.
Don’t Impulse Buy
We’ve all fallen in love with an RV, car, or house before and wanted to buy it on the spot. That’s a good way to get a bad deal. At the very least, sleep on it, do a little research, and come back the next day to buy the RV. It’s hard when images of family camping trips are flashing through your head, but trust us. The best time to buy an RV is definitely not on the spot.
Look for Holiday or Seasonal Deals
Shopping for an RV is like shopping for a car. Dealerships often have sales around holidays or during certain seasons, so look out for those. These holiday specials might be the best time to buy an RV. If you don’t know what sales are coming up, then ask the dealership! They should know when the next big sale is and if it’s worth waiting for.
Think About Buying in Winter
Spring is the time of year when the camping itch hits hard. Winter hibernation is finally over and we’re all ready to get outside. This may just be the worst time to buy an RV, though. Dealerships are crowded and there is a higher demand for campers and RVs. This usually means dealerships will be less likely to give you a killer deal.
Think about buying your RV a couple months earlier. Yes, you might have to store it for a month or two before it gets warm, but you’ll get a better deal and one-on-one service. (Winter RVing is also a fun time!) RV dealerships are very accommodating to customers in the winter months. In the late fall and early winter, people are thinking about storing their RVs, and likely realizing they didn’t use it as often as they planned. There’s always a surge of lightly used RVs for sale in those months. Winter is definitely one of the best times to buy an RV.
Buy After a New Model is Released
Like with cars, when a new model of RV is released, the previous model usually goes on sale. Keep an eye out for new releases, and you might be able to snag a year-old model for a great price. Dealerships are usually ready to clear out inventory, so they’re more likely to give you an awesome deal.
Don’t be Afraid to Travel to Purchase
If you live in Houston and there’s an awesome deal on the RV you want in Oklahoma City, take a drive and buy it there! What better way to break in your new RV?
Don’t be afraid to shop the country, or at least a state away.
Anytime Can be the Best Time to Buy an RV
It doesn’t always come down to time of year with an RV. You can get a good deal on an RV any month of the year with a little effort. Negotiate, look at sales tax, check dealer fees, and make sure you know what is and isn’t included in the deal. If you find an awesome RV for a good deal in the middle of summer, then buy it. Just always do your research first, and never, ever, ever impulse buy.
This information is for educational purposes. VIARV shall not be responsible nor retain liability for RVer’s use of the provided information. Prior to making any RV service decision, you are advised to consult with an RV professional.
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