Did you know that approximately one million Americans live in recreational vehicles full-time? Over 11% of US households own a recreational vehicle, and ownership has grown from 7.9 million households in 2005 to over nine million today.
As demand grows, companies offering travel trailers for sale also rise. However, only three options are available for those looking to buy an RV and join the RV life.
You can buy a travel trailer from an RV dealership, classified websites like RV Trailer, or directly from the manufacturer, like Oliver Travel Travelers. This post discusses the various ways to find travel trailers for sale.
RV Dealership
When considering buying an RV, a dealership is often a top choice for many. This is due to the fact that dealerships typically offer a wide variety of RVs, including camping trailers and motorhomes designed for road trips. This variety ensures that you have a greater chance of finding the perfect RV to suit your needs.
All the RVs are in one place for you to “feel and touch,” and the dealer can manage your trade-in.
When you buy a new RV from a dealership, the entire rig or camper is covered by a warranty. If anything goes wrong, the RV manufacturer is responsible for the repair. However, the dealership is there to assist you in getting the issues fixed, demonstrating their commitment to customer service and satisfaction.
Cons of Buying from RV Dealers
While dealerships are generally known for their vast inventories, the COVID pandemic has resulted in record sales for the RV industry, leaving dealerships with limited stocks. As a result, most dealerships need the floor plans or brands you might be looking for.
RV dealers sell all different brands and are only sometimes experienced with all their inventory. In addition, they need to learn the units they sell and an RV manufacturer.
Classified Websites
Whether you’re looking for a new or used RV, classified websites such as Craigslist, eBay Classifieds, and RV Trader can help. These websites also specialize in trading used RVs, making them ideal for those working on a tight budget. Most websites also allow the sale of RVs by private owners and RV dealership advertisements.
Compared to recreational vehicle dealerships, classified websites are much cheaper. However, buying an RV from a classified can be a minefield. Buyers should expect similar frustrations, such as dealing with unresponsive sellers or misleading descriptions. Additionally, there is a risk of falling victim to scams, such as fake listings or sellers asking for payment before delivering the RV.
Cons of Classified Websites
One of the most significant drawbacks of classified websites is the uncertainty of the RV’s condition. If you use a popular RV platform, the one you like the most could be thousands of miles away. Such issues often complicate the transaction since you cannot fully trust the pictures posted on the platform. You must visit the seller to confirm if the RV is in the same condition as the picture, adding a layer of uncertainty to your purchase.
Even if you take the precaution of hiring an inspector to review the RV, the vehicle’s true condition remains uncertain until it reaches you. This uncertainty is a significant drawback of remote purchasing, as it leaves you potentially exposed to unexpected and costly repairs.
Even with the best preparations, long-distance transactions can be complex and fraught with potential issues. You’ll still need to secure financing or be prepared to pay the total amount in cash. Additionally, you’ll need to navigate the process of paying for the rig in exchange for the vehicle and title. The further the distance between you and the seller, the more intricate these processes become. If, during an in-person inspection and transaction, you discover issues with the RV or encounter other obstacles to the sale, you could find yourself having invested a significant amount of money and time into a process you’d rather not repeat.
Buying Direct from the Manufacturer
It is possible to buy an RV directly from the manufacturer. Those who purchase their RVs from the manufacturer cut intermediaries while experiencing improved customer experience. Manufacturers value buyers who come directly to their factories because the one-on-one relationship helps them make their trailers even better through direct feedback.
When you buy your RV directly from the manufacturer, you get to select the options, particularly for custom-trailer manufacturers. RV manufacturers have perfected the art of requirement specifications, where they get all the information from the buyer. They also know what combinations of options will meet your camping needs.
Furthermore, the royal treatment continues even after the RV is built. Manufacturers offer vital aftercare services, red-carpet deliveries, and valuable online forums after purchasing the RV. Some even have a campground on-site to allow you to break in your new RV.
Customers are often given much weight in the direct-sale process with an excellent selection of fabrics, countertops, flooring, and options to select. Types of RVs that can be purchased directly include:
Class A Motorhomes
Before your direct sales visit, it’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with the different types of RVs. For instance, the grandeur of class A motorhomes, often linked with movie stars and singers, might pique your interest. These luxurious rigs, typically 45 feet long, boast multiple slide-outs, full-sized kitchens, top-end appliances, and ample sleeping surfaces for eight or more passengers.
On the other hand, smaller class A RVs offer the same convenience and are self-propelled. It’s crucial to note that these vehicles are heavy, and larger ones tend to consume more fuel. Depending on your chosen model, you can expect a mileage of as little as six to eight miles per gallon.
Camper Vans
Commonly known as camper vans or sleeper vans, Class B motorhomes are on the small end of the recreational vehicle spectrum. Whatever they lack in space, they make up for in flexibility. These RVs come in a wide range of price points, from relatively affordable VW conversions to the high-end Mercedes Sprinters. Top-of-the-line camper vans can fetch up to $100,000 or even more. However, if you thought a smaller price tag would be offered because of their small size, you need clarification.
Class C Motorhomes
Class C motorhomes offer a range of convenience and amenities, akin to their Class A counterparts, but at a generally more affordable price point. These RVs are often built on a standard truck chassis, making them easy to operate even for those new to RVs. One of their standout features is the over-cab attic space, a versatile area that can be used for sleeping, storage, or creating a unique home entertainment system.
However, class C motorhomes often require more luxury features than Class A motorhomes. This is because they are primarily available in smaller sizes, and manufacturers often compensate for the limited space by adding more high-end amenities. This means you can get more than 10-14 miles per gallon in one of these recreational vehicles.
Fifth Wheels and Travel Trailers
These are among towable recreational vehicles that usually offer their owners a whole set of unique benefits and challenges. For example, it is excellent to automatically have an auxiliary car without towing one behind your motorhome. However, since trailers tend to be heavy, the vehicle should be an SUV or a full-sized truck. Both do not make for the best city driving or consider how expensive they can purchase.
The best thing about travel trailers is that they are more affordable than their motorhome counterparts since you are purchasing an engine. In addition, travel trailers boast the most extensive and well-laid-out living floor plans. The majority need a devoted space for the cockpit. However, some fifth-wheelers with multiple slide-outs can offer you as much as 500 square feet of living space. However, setting camp with a travel trailer will be more challenging than pulling over and putting the car in park.
Whether folding out the pop-up camper or carefully leveling the fifth wheeler, you need some set-up when it’s time to break or make camp. Read more about travel trailers vs motorhomes.
Buying Direct from the Manufacturer
By buying a recreational vehicle directly from the manufacturer, you can enjoy great value for money on travel trailers for sale. Oliver Travel Trailers, a trusted name in the industry since 2007, has been producing high-quality fiberglass travel trailers. When you choose us, you’re not just buying a camper trailer, you’re investing in superior-quality and durability. And, as the manufacturer, we are committed to providing the best customer service in the industry, ensuring a seamless buying experience for you.
Our commitment to longevity is evident in our unique double-shelled fiberglass and composite hull, engineered to endure a lifetime. This design, coupled with our stringent specifications, ensures excellent insulation, durability, strength, and ease of maintenance, providing you with a reliable and trusted travel companion.
If you want to see how our travel trailers are made, we offer Factory Tours Monday through Friday at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM CST. Also, if you are interested in viewing an Oliver travel Trailer near you, we can help arrange an appointment to view an owner’s travel trailer through our Field Visit Program.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a quote. Rest assured, Oliver Travel Trailers are now conveniently available at dealerships nationwide, ensuring you can find your dream travel trailer with ease.
