How To Get The Best Deal On An RV & Save Money On Your Next Rig
RV buyers jumping into the RV marketplace this year are going to want to know how to get the best deal on an RV. Prices for all types of RVs are predicted to soar in 2022. RV buyers can expect to pay 6-10% more for an RV in the coming year than they would have paid last year for the same model.
RV price increases are mainly due to an unprecedented increase in demand for RVs. This increased demand for RVs combined with low inventories due to supply-chain shortages will boost RV prices to an all-time high.
“The RV industry is looking at double-digit growth rates into mid-2022, due in part to low inventories, the strong financial standing of consumers, and the desire of consumers to get outdoors and experience an active outdoor lifestyle,” said Jeff Rutherford, RV Industry Association Chair and President & CEO of Airxcel.
Jeff Rutherford, RV Industry Association Chair and President & CEO of Airxcel
It’s going to cost more for an RV in 2022. We’ve put together some great tips to help make sure you get the best deal on an RV.
Research and plan
RV’s are never cheap. Before you step into an RV dealership, you’ll want to do some research and planning.
- Before you go to the dealer, be certain of what RV make, model, and floorplan you want.
- Find out the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) before you go shopping to get an idea of how much you can negotiate.
- Research RV Trader to find out what the price range is for the RV you want.
- Research online reviews of dealers that have your model. If a dealer doesn’t provide good aftermarket service, give them a hard pass, no matter what their prices are.
- Buy an RV after August. RV dealers don’t want to have to winterize stock and have it sit on their lots. They will be easier to negotiate with when camping season is over.
- Don’t buy an RV in late winter, spring, or early summer.
- Buy an RV when fuel prices are high. Fewer people buy RVs when fuel prices are up, and you’re bound to get a better deal on an RV when there are fewer buyers.
- With some exceptions, it makes sense to choose a local dealer. You will need someone to perform warranty work or even maintenance, and it’s easier to get your rig into a local dealer shop than one that’s 3 states away.
- Get all of your financial arrangements in place before you go to the dealer.
Negotiate wisely
The RV dealership sales team are interested in selling you an RV at the top price they can get out of you. Know exactly what you want, and know exactly what price range you are willing to pay before you walk into the RV dealership. Don’t get talked into gimmicks and always stick to your guns on your price.
- Know exactly which RV you want.
- Know the most you will pay for the RV you are interested in. Include the amount for the inspection, warranties, etc. in this amount.
- Know what your ideal price for the RV you want is. You’ll negotiate an amount between this price and your top price.
- Make an offer of the total amount you are willing to pay, and don’t let the RV salesperson talk you out of it.
- Don’t fall for an offer of a higher amount with gifts like a free night at a resort.
- If the salesman won’t settle for the price you are willing to pay, tell him you’re going to have a look at few similar RVs from competitive manufacturers at another dealer.
- Be ready to walk away if they don’t accept your offer. Give them your phone number if they change their mind. If your offer is reasonable, someone on the sales team will nearly always wind up calling you.
- Be willing to sleep on it.
- Don’t get talked into “extras”. For instance, if the RV you are looking at is set up for an outdoor TV, you might feel more pressured to buy the optional outdoor TV at a higher price than you would pay if you add one later.
One of the best parts about RVing is engaging with the community of traveling enthusiasts. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and much more.
Related articles:
Meanwhile quality has been dropping. Manufacturers have trouble retaining good builders, and demand is high so they hurry them off the line, Glad I’m not in the market now.
Thanks Karen. Yes, unfortunately, the industry is suffering from a real deficit of RV technicians at all levels right now. Anyone who has certification can land a good-paying job nearly anywhere in the country. If you know anyone interested in pursuing a career as an RV technician, keep your eyes peeled because I just finished an article about that.
I didn’t negotiate price of rig, extras or trade in. I insisted in only talking net, the amount of the cheque I would have to write including trade in allowance and all fees, taxes, etc. This settled on price and trade in and cut out much of the salesman’s sales games or techniques,
Thank you for weighing in on this, Steve.
One of the better articles on this site. Well done!
Thank you Jeff!