Used Camper Vans Craigslist (2024)

FAQs

Why are camper vans so expensive now? ›

Demand has seen recreational vehicle sales soar to record highs. Combine that demand with supply chain issues and fuel prices dramatically increasing the costs of vehicle components and raw materials. It's not a time when you're likely to score a great deal on a camper van — or fuel and maintain one on the cheap.

Ask the Experts

Search units by year, make and model to find trade-in and retail value. Outside of the official NADA value, there are other sites that will help you determine your RV trade-in value. Use RV Trader's Price Checker and Good Sam's RV Valuator for a better idea of how much your unit is worth.

In some places, gas and diesel are at all time highs. Supply chain issues and rising costs for goods and services have also brought extra challenges. Some RVers are finding it costly to run their rigs and to fully enjoy all that RVing has to offer.

Unfortunately, RVs lose their value quickly, and this depreciation can become problematic for anyone trying to sell a used RV. There are many factors which influence a camper's depreciation. Understanding these factors can help you maintain your RV's value.

The average camper van lasts for about 20 years and about 200,000 miles before you'll need to replace it. However, this number can vary depending on how well you maintain it and the types of terrain and environments you drive it through.

The main disadvantages of campervans are: Maintenance and repair costs: If you own and use a camper van frequently, you will encounter repair costs over time. Since the parts are larger and more complex in oversized vehicles, repairs can be more expensive than in an ordinary car.

Kelley Blue Book is a trusted resource for determining the value of traditional automotive vehicles. However, unfortunately, they do not offer a dedicated valuation service for RVs on their website or in their printed guides.

Like all vehicles, RVs depreciate over time. You can determine an RVs depreciation by the vehicle's age, mileage, wear and tear, and the type of RV you own. Class A and Class B vehicles depreciate similarly, while Class C RVs depreciate more slowly and hold value slightly better.

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

Actual Cash Value or the ACV of your RV is the actual market value of your RV. This number should come from a third party source such as the National Automobile Dealer's Association (NADA), or other similar source.

There has been approximately 30,000 RVs produced a month - a wide range of types of RVs. Over the past few years, the state that has sold the most RVs is California. RV sales in California reached $500 million.

Is now a good time to buy a used RV? ›

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.

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.

inspect all systems, features and appliances.

Turn on all electrical systems and test the AC/heater. Check that all latches, locks and doors function as intended. Try slideouts (if equipped) and awnings. Pressurize plumbing to check for water leaks and test the water pump by opening the faucets.

The average life of a class A motorhome should be around 200,000 miles with good upkeep. If you take good care of the rig and perform regular maintenance, you may even see as many as 300,000 miles, but this would be pushing the limits.

Like an appraiser, your local RV dealer might be the best person from whom to get an expert opinion on the worth of your RV. Unlike an appraiser, they won't charge you for their insights. As a bonus, if you decide to trade in or sell right there on the spot, it's the easiest route to take.

Inflation. An increase in inflation in 2023 led to higher sticker prices on RVs at the dealership. But that wasn't the only trouble it caused. Rising inflation also led to interest rate hikes that inevitably resulted in higher prices for those purchasing an RV with a loan.

The desire to travel safely and be outdoors made RVs a popular choice. In 2021 that number skyrocketed to over 600,000 RVs shipped. That massive increase in demand was reflected in increased prices for both new and used motorhomes and travel trailers. Even with so many RVs shipped, manufacturers could not meet demand.

If you are looking for the best place to buy a used RV, Oregon, and Texas are good places to start. They have a variety of good RV dealerships and lower taxes attached.

Expensive materials such as aluminum and fiberglass are used by RV manufacturers to ensure truck campers are lightweight but strong. Additionally, many include stainless steel features and are insulated using top-of-the-line insulations. These pricey materials add up quickly, forcing the retail price up as well.