Buying an RV Mid-Summer: Deals, Demand, and What to Know

There are many reasons for buying an RV in the middle of summer.  Good reasons.  Like a last minute family reunion works out, or you finally closed on that piece of land you wanted to camp on, or maybe there is a new addition to the family and you need to upgrade.  No matter what the reason for buying an RV mid-summer, you need to be prepared for the purchase.

Usually late fall through winter is a great time to purchase an RV.  This is when the RV sales are slow so dealers are more motivated.  So you have a good reason you need to buy now.  You still want great discounts and be able to negotiate prices when it’s hot outside.

How Do You Know it is a Good Deal?

This is a tricky question.  A good deal for one RV buyer is not the same as another RV buyer’s good deal.  You need a list of priorities.  What is most important to you in an RV purchase.  Saving money and making the right investment is important to all buyers.  Here are some things to check to see if you are getting a good deal.

• Regular maintenance.  If you are buying used, make sure the RV how regular maintenance over it’s lifespan.  Maintenance should have included everything from the roof to the tires, and inside and out. 
• Usage.  How often was the RV used and how was it used.  Were there frequent and long trip?  Is the wear and tear normal for the use?  Was the RV used full-time and cared for or was it in storage most of it’s life.
• Storage.  If it was stored, was it kept indoors or out?  What elements, insects or rodents had access to the RV?
• Inspections.  Whether the RV is new or used, have there been any inspections?  You should have one done on the RV before you purchased.  This will give you negotiating power when you know what may need to be fixed or repaired.
• Needs.  Lastly, but just as important – does this RV meet your needs?  What type of RVing will you be doing?  Does it have enough storage, tank capacities, or sleeping areas.  Will it fit into national campgrounds or work for boondocking?

How Will Supply and Demand Affect You Mid-Summer?

If you can manage RV supply and demand mid-summer, this will help you get a better RV purchase price.  There are some ways you can play around with this balance so you can get a good deal.  Here are some things to look for.

• Quality Control Issues – In order to meet summer demands, manufacturers can rush product.  This may lead to overlooked issues and defects in RVs meant for summer sales.  Look for RVs NOT built during the winter in order to meet summer sales numbers.
• Type of RV.  Are you in the market for a Class C, or an RV trailer, or maybe a fifth wheel?  Different RV types have varied growth trends.  If you are flexible in the type of RV you purchase, look to see which ones are in great demand.  Currently RV towables are the segment with the highest market increase.
• Interest rates.  Watch interest rates.  Purchasing with a lower interest rate can also help you get a better purchase deal.
• Fuel prices.  This can help decide if a diesel or gas powered RV is best for you.  Also, see what the average fuel rate is across states and upcoming months so you can budget for the best purchase time during the summer.
• Your own RV Sale. Balance when you sell your current RV with when you purchase your new one this summer.  Offsetting the sale and purchase can provide you with a good savings too.

What Do You Need to Know Before Purchase?

There are a number of things you should prepare yourself with before you purchase in the summer.  These are some things to get you started but you should do a lot of research first!

• Get pre-approved.  This will give you a much better buying position when the dealer knows you have the money and can spend it anywhere you like versus depending on them for the funding.
• Check summer RV shows.  Yes, there are RV shows held in the summer.  Vendors at shows will sell display RVs at discounted prices so don’t pass up on this as an option.
• Selling your current RV.  If you have an RV you plan to sell in order to make a new purchase, don’t forget to look at selling it yourself.  This will also put more money into your pocket.
• Inspections.  This was already mentioned.  But you need to know what you are investing in and what future costs you may be anticipating.
• Insurance.  Find out how much your insurance coverage will be so you can include that in your ongoing budget.  Note that some insurance requires you to have a seperate rider for roof repairs.  And if you will be a full-time RVer, you will be required to have different coverage.

What are the Benefits of Purchasing Mid-Summer?

There are some pluses to buying an RV when it’s hot outside.  When you buy during the summer, you can drive it off the lot and be prepared to do some immediate camping and testing out the unit.  Unlike winter time when you might need to find a storage unit for it.  Instead of budgeting for storage costs, you can be immediately using your RV for a summer vacation.

Repairs. If your new RV purchase needs some tweaks or repairs before you acquire it a summer purchase can be better.  During the winter months, there may be limited service hours or worse, slower turn-around times for retrieving your RV because of long wait lists.

Cooling System.  Keeping cool is important and you may not think about that in purchases in the winter.  Buying an RV in the summer is a great time to test the entire RV cooling system.  You will know your RV is well-equipped to handle the mid-summer weather when you hit the road.

Seals.  You can quickly find leaks during hot weather you might not find in the winter which can lead to drafts.  Heat also puts stress on the RV tires and bearings so you can inspect these closely too.

Take a little time to research and plan.  The knowledge and information you gather will go a long way in helping you make the right purchase.  You can still get the best purchase opportunities mid-summer if you know what deals to look for and know how to use ‘supply and demand’ to your benefit.  Happy hunting – and RVing!