How to Buy Used Recreational Vehicles

Purchasing a recreational vehicle can seem daunting. However, there are ways to reduce your level of stress as you consider which RV you would like to buy. Focus on finding the type of RV you want to own, where to look for it and the price range that will fit your wallet to help overcome purchasing anxiety.

1. Determine your price range. Prices on used RVs can range from $500 to over a million dollars depending on the type. Fully-equipped, luxury motor homes are much more expensive than a small, tow recreational vehicle. Once you know what you want to spend, you can see which RVs fit your budget.


2. Figure out which type of RV you want to own. One factor to consider as you decide what kind of RV you want is vehicle class type. Class B RVs include van campers, called conversion vans, that can fit up to four people. They come equipped with kitchen, toilet and sleeping space. This RV type can save you gas money on the road because of its smaller size. Class A motorhomes are the big kahunas of the RV world. They allow for plenty of room to move around inside the vehicle. Class C vehicles are a cross between the Class Bs and the Class As. Class C's medium-size interior offer plenty of space and driver safety. The entire front part of the vehicle is covered in steel.


3. Check local, state and national listings. If you are on the hunt for an RV, read ad listing on all levels. You might have the best success reading ads out of recreational vehicle version of Autotrader. You can find Autotrader in your corner store, usually by the front check-out counter. Search your local newspaper. At times, newspapers are rift with RV sales ads. Plug the RV type you are interested into an online search engine. Look at eBay and other auction sites to find RVs.


4. Ascertain the value of the RV you wish to purchase. Find out if the asking price of the RV you wish to purchases matches, or is close to, the value of the vehicle. Type in the RV type and compare with the price ranges that come up on sites including NADAguide.com.


5. Inspect the RV's condition both inside and out. Take along someone who is knowledgeable in vehicle inspection with you when you go to see the RV. Have them inspect the RV's engine, wheels, interior plumbing and electrical connections. Check walls to see that they are in good condition along with furniture and driver gauges.


6. Negotiate for a good deal on the RV. Determine a low and high figure to negotiate with. Start with your low-ball figure and work up from there. Negotiate if you feel the vehicle asking price does not match the value or you feel you might get a lower price from the seller.