Ready to hit the open road with a travel trailer but worried about getting the best deal? RVs depreciate, like all vehicles, so saving the most money upfront is key. So here’s how to how to negotiate a travel trailer purchase:
Here is the best way to negotiate the price of a new travel trailer:
- Research: Gather information about the travel trailer’s market value, features, and comparable prices.
- Set a budget: Determine your maximum spending limit and stick to it during negotiations.
- Inspect the trailer: Thoroughly examine the condition of the trailer, noting any repairs or maintenance required.
- Gather leverage: Highlight any issues or discrepancies discovered during the inspection to negotiate a lower price.
- Be prepared to walk away: Show your willingness to explore other options if the seller is unwilling to negotiate.
- Start with a lower offer: Begin negotiations below your maximum budget to leave room for counteroffers.
- Negotiate terms: Discuss financing options, warranties, and extras that may be included in the purchase.
- Stay firm, but be flexible: Stick to your budget, but be open to compromise on certain terms or conditions.
- Consider timing: Negotiating towards the end of the month or model year may increase your chances of getting a better deal.
- Get it in writing: Once an agreement is reached, ensure all negotiated terms are documented in a written contract.
Fear not! We’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide on how to negotiate a travel trailer purchase like a pro from RV dealerships. Say goodbye to buyer’s remorse and hello to the adventure of a lifetime!
Short Summary
- Research and prepare for the best possible deal on a travel trailer.
- Leverage multiple dealerships, offers, and cash payments to negotiate extras & warranties.
- Inspect and evaluate before purchase to ensure you get the best value!
Travel Trailer Purchase Research and Preparation
Before diving headfirst into negotiations, it’s essential to do your homework.
A well-informed buyer is a confident buyer, and confidence is key when it comes to negotiating. Researching recreational vehicle prices, attending RV shows, and exploring online resources will arm you with invaluable knowledge about the market, helping you secure the best possible deal on your travel trailer.
Visiting multiple local dealerships is also crucial for getting a better understanding of what’s available and comparing prices. This way, you’ll know if the offer you’re getting is reasonable or if you should keep looking. Keep in mind that dealerships within 200 miles of your area are the best to target, as they’re more likely to have competitive prices based on your region.
Attend RV Shows and Explore Online Resources
Attending an RV show can be a game-changer when it comes to finding the perfect travel trailer. RV shows offer a unique opportunity to:
- Explore a variety of manufacturers and models, all in one convenient location
- Quickly compare price ranges and get a better idea of what’s available on the market
- Take advantage of salespeople who are often eager to make a deal on the spot
This can help you find the best travel trailer for your needs, ensuring you don’t end up with the same trailer as everyone else.
Online resources like NADAguides.com and community forums can provide you with great advice and insight into the market value of travel trailers. These platforms can help you gather information on the average prices of various travel trailer models, making it easier to negotiate with dealerships and get the best possible price.
Determine Your Budget and Priorities
Having a clear budget for your travel trailer price and a list of priorities is essential when negotiating a travel trailer purchase. By setting a minimum, maximum, and “best-case scenario” price range, you’ll have a solid foundation for your negotiation strategy.
Moreover, establishing your priorities before visiting dealerships will help you stay focused on your goals and avoid getting sidetracked by features and extras you don’t necessarily need. Remember, dealerships can be persuasive, but sticking to your budget and priorities will empower you to make the best decision for your travel trailer purchase.
Speaking of budget, looking for new travel trailers under $10,000?
In a recent article, I took a look at 18 of the very best new travel trailers that are under $10,000. These are great RVs at a great price and a great way to get into the RV lifestyle at a price almost anyone can afford.
Just click that link to read it on my site.
Timing Your Travel Trailer Purchase to Get the Best Price
Timing is everything when it comes to getting a good price on a travel trailer. Shopping during off-peak seasons or at the end of the month or quarter can significantly increase your chances of securing a great deal.
Dealerships are often more open to negotiation when they have sales targets to reach, and this can work in your favor. By being aware of these key times for negotiating, you can strategically plan your travel trailer purchase and maximize your savings.
Shop During Off-Peak Seasons
Winter is an ideal time to shop for travel trailers, as demand is typically low, and dealers may be more willing to negotiate.
Additionally, shopping during the fall or winter can provide you with the opportunity to score a fantastic deal on older trailers, as dealerships may need to clear their lots for the upcoming year’s models. This means you could potentially save thousands of dollars on your travel trailer purchase.
End-of-Month or Quarter Negotiations
Another prime time to negotiate RV prices is at the end of the month or quarter. Dealerships often have sales goals to meet during these periods, making them more inclined to cut deals on an RV’s price tag to reach their targets.
By strategically planning your purchase during these times, you can leverage this pressure on dealerships to secure a more competitive deal on your travel trailer and save a lot of money.
Remember, knowledge is power, and being aware of these key negotiating periods can make all the difference in your travel trailer purchase.
What Are the Financing Options for a Travel Trailer?
Understanding the financing options available for a travel trailer is crucial for securing the best deal.
You have two primary options: securing your own financing or seeking multiple offers from dealerships. By securing your own financing, you demonstrate to the dealer that you are committed to making a purchase and have the financial means to do so. This can give you the upper hand in securing the best RV price.
On the other hand, comparing multiple offers from dealerships can help you find the most favorable financing terms and interest rates. Ultimately, it’s essential to explore your options and choose the financing solution that best suits your needs and budget.
Leverage Multiple Travel Trailer Dealerships and Offers
To get the best possible deal on your travel trailer, it’s crucial to leverage multiple dealerships and offers.
By shopping nationwide and pitting dealers against each other, you can maximize your savings and get the travel trailer of your dreams at the lowest possible bottom line price.
This strategy involves:
- Comparing prices and offers from different dealerships, both locally and nationwide
- Gaining a better understanding of the market
- Using this information to negotiate an even better deal
Remember, a well-informed buyer who has done their due diligence is a powerful buyer, and leveraging multiple dealerships and offers can make all the difference in your travel trailer purchase. If one dealer won’t play ball, the strongest negotiating position is to walk away (and mean it) to a different dealer.
The most important thing is to not be in a rush, don’t get emotionally attached to one specific RV, and hold out for the lowest price possible even if that delays your instant gratification. There’s more than one perfect RV and waiting for the right deal is totally worth the extra money you can save.
Some of the least expensive trailers are teardrop trailers.
In a recent article, I took a look at 23 of the very best new teardrop trailers that are under $6,900. These are great RVs at a rock-bottom price and a great way to get into the RV lifestyle at a price almost anyone can afford.
Just click that link to read it on my site.
Nationwide Shopping
Shopping nationwide can help you find the best prices on travel trailers, especially when considering dealerships within 100 miles of manufacturers’ locations. These dealerships often have lower transportation costs, allowing them to offer more competitive prices on travel trailers.
Online platforms like RV Trader (RVTrader.com) and Facebook Marketplace can be excellent resources for finding travel trailers nationwide. These websites provide a wealth of information on available travel trailers and their prices, allowing you to compare your options and make an informed decision on your purchase.
Pit Dealers Against Each Other
Pitting dealers against each other can be a powerful negotiation tactic to get a good deal. By comparing prices and offers from different dealerships, you can use the information you’ve gathered to negotiate a better deal.
For instance, if you find a lower price for the same travel trailer at a different dealership, you can show this to the dealer you’re negotiating with and see if they can match or beat it. This strategy can help you get the best possible price on your travel trailer and ensure you’re getting the best deal available.
Inspect and Evaluate the Travel Trailer Before Purchase
Before finalizing your travel trailer purchase, it’s essential to inspect and evaluate the trailer thoroughly. This includes checking for any missing features or components and considering a third-party inspection for used travel trailers. Doing so will ensure you’re getting the best value for your money and help you avoid any costly surprises down the road.
Proper inspection and evaluation can also provide you with valuable information to use during the negotiation process. By identifying any issues or missing features, you can leverage this information to negotiate a better price or additional extras and warranties.
On the top end of RVs, you have Class A RVs, and on the low end you have travel trailers.
But how do you weigh one against the other? How do you decide which kind to buy and know which features you would actually use? In a recent article, I compare both travel trailers and Class A RVs so you can see a complete list of pros and cons, features, and prices.
Just click that link to read it on my site.
Request a Third-Party Inspection
Requesting a third-party inspection for used travel trailers is an excellent way to ensure their condition and avoid potential issues. A third-party inspection can provide an impartial assessment of the trailer’s condition, detect potential problems, and help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Moreover, any issues found during the inspection can be used as a negotiation tactic. By highlighting repairs or damages that need to be addressed, you can use this information to negotiate a better price or additional extras and warranties, ensuring you get the best possible deal on your travel trailer.
Look for Missing Features or Components
During your inspection, it’s crucial to look for any missing features or components in the travel trailer. Create a comprehensive checklist of features and components to ensure you don’t miss anything important.
If you find any missing features or components, you can use this information to negotiate a better price or additional extras and warranties. By leveraging this information in your negotiations, you can ensure you’re getting the best possible deal and value for your money.
Is a Cash Payment an Incentive for Travel Trailer Dealers?
Cash payments can be an attractive incentive for travel trailer dealers, as they provide immediate payment in full, eliminating the need for dealers to follow up on monthly payments. This can make dealers more willing to offer lower base prices and additional incentives for cash buyers.
Additionally, cash payments can be used as a powerful negotiation tool, allowing you to leverage extras and extended warranties in your purchase. By offering to pay cash upfront, you demonstrate your commitment to making a purchase and your financial ability to do so, giving you an advantage in the negotiation process.
Cash Payment as a Negotiation Tool
Offering cash payments as a negotiation tool can lead to dealers being more willing to lower the purchase price for the assurance of immediate payment. This can help you secure a better base price and save money on financing or interest charges from a bank or credit union.
Moreover, RV dealers are often eager to offer lower prices for cash buyers.
By confidently negotiating on your terms and highlighting any drawbacks in the new RV, you can use the information you have to get the best deal possible at an RV dealership during your RV purchase.
Negotiate for Extras and Warranties
If the dealer is unwilling to lower the base price, you can use cash payments to negotiate for extras and extended warranties. By offering to pay cash and considering any issues found during the inspection, you can use this information to negotiate additional extras and warranties to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Remember, it’s essential to research the average prices of extras and warranties on a travel trailer purchase to make an informed decision. By attending RV shows and exploring online resources, you can gain insight into the market prices and make the best choice for your travel trailer.
Should I Buy a New or Used Travel Trailer?
Deciding whether to buy a new or used RV can be a daunting task, but it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option and factor in your budget and priorities.
A used trailer from a private seller can offer unbeatable bargains, but it’s important to consider the condition of the trailer and any potential repair costs.
On the other hand, a new trailer may come with a higher price but can provide peace of mind with warranties and being in pristine condition. Ultimately, the choice between a new or used travel trailer depends on your needs, budget, and priorities.
Here’s a handy table showing the average prices for both new and used travel trailers in various common lengths:
| Length | New Price | Used Price |
|---|---|---|
| 12 feet | $15,000 | $8,000 |
| 15 feet | $18,000 | $10,000 |
| 20 feet | $22,000 | $13,000 |
| 25 feet | $28,000 | $17,000 |
| 30 feet | $35,000 | $20,000 |
Summary
In conclusion, negotiating a travel trailer purchase doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
By doing your research, attending RV shows, exploring financing options, timing your purchase, leveraging multiple dealerships and offers, and inspecting the travel trailer thoroughly, you can secure the best possible deal on your dream travel trailer.
So hit the open road with confidence, knowing you’ve got the best deal on your home away from home!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can you negotiate down on an RV?
You can negotiate down on an RV depending on the supply and demand, with discounts ranging from 20-30% or more off of the sticker price in some cases.
How much below MSRP should I pay for a travel trailer this year?
With a typical RV market, you can likely negotiate up to 30% off the MSRP for your new travel trailer.
What are the benefits of attending RV shows?
Attending RV shows offers the convenience of exploring a wide selection of models and comparing price ranges between dealers quickly and easily, making it a great way to find your dream RV.
RV shows provide an opportunity to ask questions and get advice from experienced RVers, as well as to get a feel for the different types of RVs available. You can also get a better understanding of the features and amenities that come with each model.
When is the best time to buy a travel trailer?
For the best deal on a travel trailer, shop during off-peak times such as winter or at the end of the month when dealerships have sales goals to meet.
This is the best time to get the best deal, as dealerships are more likely to offer discounts and incentives to meet their sales goals.
What financing options are available for a travel trailer?
Finding the best financing for a travel trailer can be done through self-financing or multiple offers from dealerships.
Self-financing involves researching loan options and applying for the best one. It can be a time-consuming process, but it can also be the most cost-effective option.
Deal.
