Craigs List Campers (2024)

FAQs

Why are campers so cheap right now? ›

In 2022 RV Manufacturers produced more RVs than there was a demand for. In 2022 RV Dealers committed to selling more RVs than there was a demand for. RV Dealers now have an excess supply of RVs and have lowered prices to stimulate sales.

What's the best month to buy a used motorhome or travel trailer? On average, motorhomes and travel trailers are at their cheapest at the end of the year. You can also benefit from good deals in the neighboring months of November and February — after the high season ends and before the next spring season starts up.

Outside of where you can camp with it, what makes and RV too old is more about the condition than the actual age of the vehicle. A vehicle that is 15 years old but well maintained can make a better investment than a 5-year-old vehicle that has been well abused.

Over the past few years, used motorized RVs have seen a consistent decrease in their market value, and this downward trend is still ongoing. In 2024, as newer models become more affordable and offer updated features, the appeal of older, used motorized RVs continues to decline, further driving down their prices.

Living in an RV can be cheaper than traditional home ownership because RVs require less space and utility usage, resulting in lower costs for heating, cooling, and maintenance. Additionally, RV living encourages a simpler and more minimalist lifestyle that can lead to fewer expenses related to possessions.

Generally speaking, anything over 100,000 miles can be considered high mileage for a motorhome.

Just like any other vehicle, though, RVs run best when they're used often, well-maintained, and adequately protected from the elements. Proper care and attention can significantly impact how long your RV lasts. The average life of an RV can range from 10 to 30 years or 200,000-300,000 miles with proper maintenance.

The Average Lifespan

If you take care of your model regularly, it might even last for 20 years. But that's not the only factor affecting the lifespan of a travel trailer—there are various others, such as the frequency at which you travel, the terrain you regularly traverse, and so on.

The best 5th wheel for full time living is a trailer that is less than 36 feet long. Longer trailers are harder to manage, and some regions have regulations about trailers over 36 feet. A 36-foot trailer is also easier to haul with a 3/4-ton truck. For height, a trailer less than 13 feet, 6 inches is recommended.

What is the safest RV to buy? ›

Class B vans are the safest choice for motorhomes. All of the vans have stability control and front airbags; the Mercedes is available with FCW, AEB, blind spot warning (BSW), and lane keeping assist (LKA).

Not only is demand for RVs and camping equipment highest during this time because outdoor adventuring is top of mind for many people, but supply is also generally at its lowest for the same reason. If you can wait until mid to late fall, you'll find it's the best time to buy an RV.

External Damages

When it comes to the value of your RV, this is undoubtedly the case. Any external damages, such as dents, dings, or scratches, can cause drastic depreciation. Though these forms of damage may be purely cosmetic, they are not to be ignored. Often, these flaws are repaired quickly and inexpensively.

RV shipments rocketed north of 600,000 in 2021, a nearly 40% jump from the year before. They moved down to a historically strong, but noticeably smaller, 493,000 the next year, according to data from the RV Industry Association. By 2023, orders fell back to Earth — hard — clocking in at a mere 313,000.

It costs a lot of money to buy an RV, maintain it and store it, but it may be worth it in the long run if you plan to use it multiple times a year. If you want a simpler way to use an RV that doesn't require you to be responsible for maintenance and upkeep, renting is the better option.