Securing a great deal on a travel trailer is relatively straightforward. These RVs typically carry higher profit margins compared to standard passenger vehicles. This is largely due to the bulk of RV sales occurring during the summer months, with dealers experiencing slower activity throughout the rest of the year, especially in about three-fourths of the country where winters are prevalent. Additionally, given that travel trailers are considered luxury items, they’re often bought by individuals with greater spending capacity.
How to get an Amazing Deal on a Travel Trailer
I understand that RV salespeople need to make a living, but I also want to ensure I get the best deal possible. Here are some tips that have worked for me.
Consider Shopping Nationwide For Your RV
I bargained rigorously for my trailer, exploring every dealership within 100 miles of my home to secure the best possible price. However, I ended up paying $3,000 more than the list price. Surprisingly, the same trailer is cheaper on lots in Indiana, where it’s manufactured. Why? Freight costs to dealerships play a significant role. Regional dealerships, selling year-round, tend to mark up trailers less due to lower freight expenses.
Shipping a travel trailer can be pricey, averaging around $2 per mile due to its size, weight, and loading complexities. Indiana serves as a hub for RV manufacturing, resulting in lower freight costs to dealerships in the South and Midwest.
When you spot a local trailer you like, search for its model number/name to locate it at dealerships nationwide. Check their list prices to gauge your dealer’s markup. Consider contacting out-of-state dealerships to inquire about shipping or even plan a road trip to fetch the trailer yourself.
Consider Opting For Gently Used RVs
On average, recreational vehicles are traded in or sold every three years due to evolving needs—expanding families, empty nests, or changing travel habits lead people to part ways with their RVs. This turnover results in a substantial availability of used trailers in the market. Local dealerships, Craigslist, and RVTrader.com are excellent places to start your search.
When I bought my camper trailer, I initially looked at new ones, which, in hindsight, was a mistake. Comparing lightly used trailers to brand new ones made it hard for me to appreciate their value. I wish I had focused solely on gently used trailers initially; it might have helped me land a better-conditioned trailer and a good deal.
Unlike certain recreational vehicles like ski boats or motorhomes that experience significant depreciation, gently used camper trailers hold their value relatively well. You can often find a great deal on a travel trailer that’s only 2 or 3 years old.
Comparing Deals Among Dealerships Is A Fantastic Way To Secure A Great Price On A Travel Trailer
This method granted me the leverage to negotiate a $6,000 reduction on my recent RV purchase.
Initially eyeing a trailer priced at $29,000, I discovered a similar floorplan at another dealership, albeit from a less prestigious brand. Negotiating with them, I managed to agree on a price of $23,700. Armed with this information, I approached the dealership selling the pricier trailer. I laid out the honest truth—I was ready to purchase that day, having the funds, and had decided on the $23,000 alternative, but wanted to check if they could offer a better deal. Ultimately, this strategy helped me save $6,000 on the trailer I truly desired, leveraging the competition.
I’ve used a similar technique when purchasing a car. Not fixating on any specific car, I visited different dealerships, expressing my equal interest in both cars and my intent to choose based on the better price. This approach even led the salesmen from both dealerships to negotiate directly over the phone—an amusing sight! In the end, I secured a fantastic deal and walked away certain it was the best possible price.
Negotiation isn’t impolite, as long as it’s conducted honestly. Dealerships understand the game and won’t agree to a deal that doesn’t work for them. So, there’s no need to feel guilty about working hard to obtain a good price.
One Savvy Approach Is To Avoid Buying On Your Initial Visit To A Dealership
Salespeople know the first visit is when they can play on your impulses, aiming to connect you emotionally to a trailer and create a sense of urgency to purchase it.
To counter this tactic, I openly communicate from the start that I’m visiting various dealerships to compare and find the best prices. This approach often helps overly eager salespeople relax a bit and puts me in a stronger negotiating position when discussing prices.
Furthermore, refraining from buying right away is crucial because your preferences might change as you explore more RV options. In my recent purchase experience, I initially leaned towards a tent trailer but eventually ended up with a larger hard-side travel trailer. Multiple dealership visits allowed me to reassess my needs and preferences, realizing that my initial choice might not have been the most suitable option after all.
Negotiate For A Gift Card
When finalizing the purchase of your new travel trailer, keep in mind the additional expenses that come along, ranging from small items like a black water hose to larger investments like a generator. If the dealership you’re buying from has an accessories store (which most do), consider negotiating for a $250 gift card after you’ve reached a negotiation limit that satisfies you.
Requesting a gift card isn’t as costly for the dealership as it might seem since the items in their store are usually marked up. Plus, it helps offset some of the inevitable expenses you’ll have, making it a reasonable addition to your negotiation.
Exploring Various Brands Is Crucial When Considering A Travel Trailer Purchase
Certain trailers come with a hefty price tag primarily due to their brand name. Airstream, for instance, is renowned for charging a significant premium based solely on its style and reputation.
Renting An RV Or Camper Before Making A Purchase Is Highly Advisable
It’s a substantial investment, and choosing the wrong one can lead to significant financial consequences. Getting a firsthand experience through renting allows you to ensure that the RV or camper you’re eyeing is genuinely the right fit for you before committing to a purchase.