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. In this post, we discuss the various ways to find travel trailers for sale.
RV Dealership
On paper, buying an RV from a dealership is a good option for most people. This is because dealerships often have an expansive inventory of RVs. In addition, it can include camping trailers and motorhomes dedicated to road trips.
All the RVs are in one place for you to “feel and touch,” and the dealer can manage your trade-in.
Dealerships also provide financing options and can include an extended warranty in one sale. If you buy a new RV, the entire rig or camper is covered by a warranty. However, if anything goes wrong, the RV manufacturer is responsible for the repair. The dealership will only help you get the issues fixed.
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 don’t have 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 can help. Most classified 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, but you can easily get scammed for a classified website.
Cons of Classified Websites
One of the most significant drawbacks of classified websites is distance. 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 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.
Even if you hire an inspector to review the RV, you will only know the vehicle’s condition once it reaches you.
It would help if you still secured financing or were prepared to pay the total amount in cash. Finally, it would help if you transacted the business of paying for the rig in exchange for the vehicle and title. The greater the distance between the buyer and the seller, the more complex the processes become. When you do an in-person inspection and transaction and find something is wrong with the RV or other issues impeding the sale. You will have committed a lot of money and time to the process, and it’s not an experience you want to go through again.
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 middlemen 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 useful 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 visiting a manufacturer for direct sales, I suggest having some basic idea of the different types of RVs. For example, big and bus-shaped class A motorhomes are often associated with movie stars and singers. Class A RVs are among the most well-adopted and luxurious rigs. They are usually 45 feet long and feature multiple slide-outs, full-sized kitchens, top-end appliances, and various sleeping surfaces for eight or more passengers.
However, smaller and more modest class A RVs still maintain the convenience of being well-built and self-propelled. It is important to remember that the RVs are heavy, and large vehicles are serious gas guzzlers. Depending on your chosen model, you can expect as little as six to eight miles to the 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 share most of the convenience and amenities of their Class A brothers at a generally more minor price point. Class C RVs are often built on a standard truck chassis, making them easy to operate even for naïve RV drivers. They also have an iconic over-cockpit attic space frequently used for sleeping, storage, or a killer home entertainment system.
However, class C motorhomes need more luxury than Class A motorhomes. This is because they are primarily available in smaller sizes. 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.
Buying Direct from the Manufacturer
It is possible to buy a recreational vehicle directly from the manufacturer. This is ideal for those looking for great value for money on travel trailers for sale. Oliver Travel Trailers has produced high-quality fiberglass travel trailers since 2007. Our goal is to build the best, superior-quality camper trailer and back it with the best customer service in the industry.
We have engineered our unique double-shelled fiberglass and composite hull to last a lifetime. Our design and specifications provide excellent insulation, durability, strength, and ease of maintenance.
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.
Contact us now to get a quote. Oliver Travel Trailers are now also located at dealerships nationwide.
