Are you considering buying an RV and wondering if a used camper is worth the investment?
Want to know all the factors that determine the value of used RVs?
This article will show you the current prices of used RVs in 2024 — plus you will learn everything that determines how much a used RV is worth.
Keep reading to learn all about used RV prices so you can make smart decisions whether you’re buying or selling one.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Thinking of Buying a Used RV?
Check out Josh the RV Nerd’s Expert Tips for Buying a Used Camper.
Understanding the Pricing of Used RVs
Unlike new RVs, used RV prices can vary widely for the same camper based on many different factors. If you’re planning to buy or sell a used RV, it’s important to understand all the conditions that determine its value so you know if you’re getting a fair deal.
Buying a Used Camper
When you’re buying a used camper, you should research what it is worth before you make a decision to buy it.
Don’t just go by the listed value for the used camper. Consider important factors like how old it is, how well it’s been taken care of, how many miles it has, and what features it has to ultimately determine if you’re getting a fair price.
It’s a good idea to compare prices from multiple sellers to find the best deal.
Selling or Trading a Used Camper
If you’re planning on selling or trading in your RV, you need to determine its value and pick a good price to attract buyers.
The value can be affected by factors such as the age of the RV, how well it’s been taken care of, how many miles it has, and its standard features.
Before setting a price or accepting a trade value, it’s important to do your research to be sure you know what your camper is worth.
Average Prices for Used RVs
When it comes to used RVs, pricing is ultimately determined by the seller.
While there are pricing guides available offering suggested values, the actual price is set by the individual or dealership selling the RV.
As a result, prices for used RVs can vary significantly.
The following are average price ranges based on RVs sold in the last year, but it’s important to note that these are just averages. You may encounter prices both lower and higher than this range during your search.
Average Price Range for Used Travel Trailers
$8,000 – $39,000
Average Price of Used Travel Trailer: $19,500
Avg. Price Range for Used Toyhauler Travel Trailers
$15,000 – $55,000
Avg Price of Used Toy Hauler Travel Trailer: $28,500
Average Price Range for Used 5th Wheels
$21,000 – $70,000
Average Price of Used 5th Wheel: $36,500
Average Price Range for Used Toyhauler 5th Wheels
$38,000 – $100,000
Average Price of Used Travel Trailer 5th Wheel: $50,500
Average Price Range for Used Class A (Gas) Motorhomes
$42,000 – $122,000
Average Price of Used Class A (Gas) Motorhomes: $65,818
Average Price Range for Used Class A (Diesel) Motorhomes
$59,000 – $229,000
Average Price of Used Class A (Diesel) Motorhomes: $119,500
Average Price Range for Used Class B Camper Vans
$39,000 – $169,000
Average Price of Used Class A (Diesel) Motorhomes: $83,448
Average Price of Used Class C (Gas) Motorhomes:
$39,000 – $110,000
Average Price of Used Class C (Gas) Motorhomes: $66,500
Average Price Range for Used Class C (Diesel) Motorhomes
$49,000 – $200,000
Average Price of Used Class A (Diesel) Motorhomes: $105,000
How Are Used RV Prices Determined?
When determining the value of a used RV, it’s important to consider all the factors that affect its value.
In this section, we’ll discuss everything that determines the price of a used RV.
How Market Conditions Affect Used RV Prices
Market conditions are the greatest contributing factors that impact the value of used RVs.
When RVs are in high demand, like during camping season months (May-August), or when dealership inventory supplies are low, like what happened during Covid, used RV prices go up.
But when the demand for used RVs is low, prices drop because fewer people are buying and there are more used RVs for people to choose from.
Unstable Market Conditions
The demand for used campers tends to be low during uncertain economic conditions, like a recession or rapid inflation.
You can most likely find a good deal during these times, so it might be a good time to buy despite the troubling conditions.
However, if you’re hoping to trade or sell your used RV during these times, you should expect to get less money than during more stable economic conditions.
How Age and Condition Affect Used RV Prices
The age and condition of an RV have a huge impact on its worth. The better condition the camper is in, the higher its value.
Conditions that Determine a Used RV’s Price:
- How old it is
- How clean it is
- General wear and tear
- Is anything broken
- Is it properly sealed
- Is there any water damage
How Features and Options Affect Used RV Prices
When looking to buy or sell a used RV, it’s important to know that add-on features or options do not increase the camper’s actual value (also known as its wholesale value).
Banks and insurance companies do not take these add-ons into consideration when determining an RV’s cash value, so if you’re hoping to trade or sell a used RV to a dealership, your RV will typically only be valued for the “standard version” of the camper, without accounting for any extras you may have added.
It’s also important to understand how a camper’s wholesale value affects its RV insurance value.
If insurance companies have to pay out any claims on the RV if it is damaged or stolen, they will usually only cover payments up to the RV’s wholesale value. Optional upgrades do not typically factor into an RV’s insurance claim payment.
Typically, when buying a used RV, you will pay more than the camper’s wholesale value to cover the dealership costs of cleaning it and getting it ready for a new owner.The price dealers charge for used RVs is based on the camper’s “retail value.”
The Difference Between Retail Values and Wholesale Values
- Wholesale Value is the price at which RVs are sold by wholesale dealers to RV dealerships
- Retail Value is the price at which RVs are sold to consumers by RV dealerships.
How to Find an RV’s Retail and Wholesale Values
Determining a used RV’s RETAIL VALUE
The J.D. Power Guide
J.D. Power is a well-known consumer research company. They offer a FREE pricing online tool that has all the current retail prices and values for cars, boats and RVs.
How to use the J.D. Guide to Find out a camper’s RETAIL VALUE
1. Go to the J.D. Power RV Value Landing Page
2. Select the Type of RV you’re researching, such as a Travel Trailer, fifth Wheel, or Class C.
3. Select the RV’s Manufacturer
4. Select the model year
5. Select the model
6. Enter your Zip code
7. You can either choose all the features and options for the unit or choose “Get Base Pricing”. When doing initial research, we recommend you choose “Get Base Pricing.”
8. Get Base Pricing Results
- Suggested List Price: What the RV cost when new
- Low Retail: The retail value of a used RV that has visible signs of wear and tear.
- Average Retail: The retail value of a used RV that is in good condition.
Knowing the retail value of a camper can help you determine whether you’re getting a good deal when buying from a dealer or a private seller.
It also gives you an idea of what price to set if you’re planning to sell a used camper yourself.
Determining a used RV’s WHOLESALE VALUE
RV dealers use the NADA Appraisal Guide to determine a used RV’s WHOLESALE VALUE.
Only dealers in the automotive or recreational vehicle (RV) industry are able to join NADA.
Being a NADA member gives dealers exclusive access to the NADA Appraisal Guide and allows them to use the guide to see what used RVs are worth.
The bad news is: Only licensed dealers have access to the NADA appraisal guide. You, as an RV owner, do not have access to the NADA wholesale value information.
This gives RV dealers a certain level of control over the final price they offer for trades. They can also factor in things like your RV’s condition and their specific dealer inventory needs when offering you value for your trade.
In some cases, not-so-honest RV dealers are able to use this control of information to offer you less for your trade than what it’s worth.
But we have some GOOD NEWS!
Bish’s RV knows of a free way you can get an approximate estimate of what your camper’s wholesale value may be before you go to a dealer to trade.
It can’t possibly account for 100% of the circumstances driving the trade-in values you may be offered, but it will help you get in the right ballpark so you can better understand your RV’s actual worth!
Using the J. D. POWER GUIDE to Get a Wholesale Value Approximation
You can use the J.D. Power Guide to get a close approximation of a used RV’s wholesale value.
The J.D. Power Guide does not provide a wholesale value for your RV. It only provides retail values, which are different from the wholesale values used by RV dealers to determine trade-in values.
If you want to get a “ballpark” estimate of what the wholesale value is for an RV you own or are researching:
- Go to J. D. Power Guide
- Select your RV year/make/model
- Do NOT select any added options your RV may have.
As mentioned earlier, NADA’s wholesale values do not factor in any optional upgrades or add-ons your camper may have. Banks and insurance companies do not take these add-ons into consideration when determining your RV’s value, so unfortunately, upgrades do not add cash value to your RV’s wholesale value. - Click “Get Base Pricing” button.
You will see several retail value options listed for your RV. Take note of the “low retail value.”
The trade-in value of your RV will most likely be 10% less than its low retail value.
Why are Wholesale Prices Less Than Retail Prices
It is important to note that RV dealers acquire used RVs on an “as-is” basis—meaning that they have no recourse if the unit is damaged or broken.
RV dealers, as a result, usually spend quite a bit of money repairing and cleaning used RVs before listing them for sale, whether they bought them through trades or at an auction.
Even used RVs in “good” condition usually must have their tires and wheel bearings replaced, plus the hours of labor cleaning and detailing them to be “retail-ready.”
In most cases, a dealer will spend at least $2,000 to $5,000 on each auction unit and trade-in due to the parts and labor needed to bring them up to retail sale condition.
It’s also important to remember that RV dealerships are in the business of connecting buyers and sellers. Normally, the RV sellers that dealers work with are the manufacturers of new RVs, but dealers want to help you sell your RV, too!
At Bish’s RV, if you want to trade in your used RV with us, we work hard to find the right buyer to enjoy your camper, and the price difference between wholesale and retail represents that hard work.
How Fast Does an RV Lose its Value?
When you drive a new RV off the lot, its value drops — a lot. And that drop continues as long as you own it.
If you’re buying a used RV, you’ll pay less than for a similar new one. But if you’re selling, don’t expect to get back what you paid for it new.
Usually, used RV prices are on the low side. Fixing up the inside and making sure everything works well can help increase its value. But you have to be realistic about what it’s worth.
How much an RV loses value depends on factors like how many miles it’s been driven, how good the inside is, and what kind of RV it is.
Some RVs, like Grand Design and Jayco, keep their value better than others, but simpler ones might lose value faster.
There isn’t an easy way to calculate how much your RV will lose value over time.
Some experts say it loses about 20% of its value in the first year, then slows down after that. By the end of the second year, it might only lose about 23% in total, 28% by the third year, and 35% by the fourth year.
Next Steps to Buy or Sell Your Used RV
The cost of used RVs can vary greatly depending on many different factors, but the main ones are market conditions and the condition of the camper.
Armed with this knowledge, you’re better equipped to make informed decisions about buying or selling a pre-owned camper.
Still Have Questions? We Have Answers!
At Bish’s RV, we’ve been buying and selling used RVs for nearly 40 years. We’re always here to help answer any questions you may have. Whether you’re looking to buy a used RV or considering trading in your current one, we’ve got you covered.
Buying a Used RV From Bish’s RV
Check out our inventory for great deals on used RVs. We’re proud to offer some of the lowest used prices in the country. PLUS any used RV you buy from us comes with a free RVFix membership for quick RV repairs anywhere in the county and free winterizations for the life of your RV.
Financing a Used RV
The main reason people buy used RVs is that they’re cheaper than new RVs—but they’re still not cheap! Most people who buy used RVs get financing (loans) to pay for them. Bish’s RV works with over 50 lenders to help people get the best monthly payments and loan rates for their financial situation.
Calculate your Monthly payments with our Payment Calculator.
đź’ˇ Pro-Tip: Find out how to get the Best RV Loan in this deep-dive article
Trading in a Used RV? Find out the value of your trade with this easy-to-use trade value guide.
Expand your RV knowledge!
