8 Promising RV Market Trends for Potential Buyers to Watch for in 2025

The warm weather is finally here, and that means it’s time to get out and go camping. If you’re shopping for an RV of your own so you can enjoy the camping season, you may be wondering what to expect in terms of market trends. Knowing this info can help you decide what to buy, what to expect as far as prices go in the RV market, and what to expect once you actually get out into the campgrounds. 

Here’s what we know so far.

RV Prices are Dropping

One super important thing to know as you head into the RV shopping game? As a whole, RV prices are dropping, especially used RV prices, which have become significantly lower in the past few months despite the approaching camping season. This is due in part to a slight decrease in demand, but even more so to the many pandemic-era rigs that are now flooding the used RV market. 

For you as a buyer, this simply means you have more room for negotiation, and you should be careful not to overpay by observing prices of similar rigs across the country. Sellers should also keep these dropping prices in mind as they list their RVs for sale. 

Shipment Numbers Have Increased

Although there’s been a huge decrease in the number of RV shipments being accepted by dealerships in the past year or two, recent data shows that RV shipment numbers have seen a slight uptick.

While demand is still nowhere near what it was during the pandemic, this uptick signifies that the market is holding its own despite the drastic ups and downs it has seen in recent years. This is great, as it means the RV market is making a return to good health!

What does this mean for you as a buyer? It means that while used RV market prices have dropped significantly and new RV prices have dropped slightly, this will likely level off soon, as demand is still there. 

Increased Interest in Quality

Some RV manufacturers have made some interesting changes to the way they are operating as well. During the pandemic, some lesser-quality rigs hit the market in order to meet demand. The demand has of course tapered off since then, and now more than ever, customers are asking for quality rather than quantity. 

This means that some RV manufacturers have made the decision to focus less on putting out lots of RVs and more on making sure they put out quality RVs and good customer service. One example of this is Forest River’s recent announcement that they will be consolidating the manufacturing of some RVs, leaving the older facilities to be used as service centers. 

This is definitely a good thing for the consumer, and we hope to see more high-quality rigs on the market in the coming years.

Sustainability is In

Good quality isn’t the only thing today’s consumers are looking for. They also want sustainability. While this isn’t something RV manufacturers focused on much five or ten years ago, it has become a bigger and bigger focus in the past few years. 

We are seeing all kinds of “green” improvements to the RVs being put on the market. Some RVs are made using renewable resources, some come equipped with solar panels right out of the factory, and some have better insulation, low-flow water systems, and/or LED lighting. 

If sustainability is important to you, be sure to look for an RV with a TRA Green RV Certification. 

Online Shopping is a Great Tool

Have you ever considered buying an RV online? It is actually becoming more and more popular to start the RV process online, and some people even go so far as to make the actual purchase from the comfort of home.

Some don’t feel comfortable buying an RV sight unseen—and really, we don’t blame them. If you do have to buy online, you will want to make sure to request a video walk-through and have a professional inspection done. 

That said, even if you aren’t comfortable with this idea, starting the shopping process online is a great way to narrow down your options and avoid wandering aimlessly around RV lots. Use the internet to find what is available, take note of what looks interesting to you, and then head out to see it in person. You can start this process right here. 

Campsites are Still Hard to Find

The increase in RV shipments is one way to tell that there is still interest in RVing. Another way to tell? The crowded campgrounds. 

As the popularity of RVing increases, we are seeing more and more totally full campgrounds. The increase in demand has also resulted in increases in camping fees practically everywhere. This is something that has been happening since 2020, and unfortunately for the last-minute or budget minded camper, the trend hasn’t really let up since. In fact, we are now even seeing it spill over into the boondocking spots. 

Boondocking is often the next best option when the campgrounds are full, and when you couple this fact with the fact that many boondocking spots are being shut down, you get some really crowded dispersed camping areas. 

Younger People are Taking the Leap into the RV Market

Once you do find the perfect RV and campsite, you can expect to see more younger people and families in the campgrounds than you might have in the past. Thanks to the fact that more and more people are able to work remotely, we’re seeing more working-age people buy RVs and hit the road full-time, part-time, and even just for long weekends. 

This means there is a higher demand for entry-level RVs that the younger generation can afford. It also means bunkhouse designs that cater to families with kids have become a lot more common. If you are a young person looking in the RV market, this is great news. If you aren’t one of these younger individuals, don’t worry—there are still lengthy or more traditional floor plans available too!

Seasonal Increase in Fuel Prices

Fuel prices might be another thing you want to factor into your purchasing decisions. Last winter, we saw fuel prices drop below $3 a gallon in some places. While we do not expect to see prices jump up as high as they have been in the past, it is a good idea to consider that the seasons do have an effect on fuel prices. 

Historically, fuel prices have increased during the summer months, when travel increases and thus creates a higher demand for fuel. This summer, those prices will likely stay at or under the $4 mark in most areas of the country, but even a slight increase is important to keep in mind. 

RVs are gas guzzlers, and the bigger the rig, the more fuel it will need. If you’re afraid that fuel costs may keep you from traveling often, you might want to opt for a smaller rig or plan on trips closer to home. 

Hopefully, knowing these 2025 RV market trends will help you know what to expect while shopping for an RV this year. Now get out there and start shopping; we know the perfect rig is out there waiting for you!