Fall RV Sales: What Buyers Are Looking For Right Now

The cooler months leading up to winter may not seem like the most ideal time to sell a motorhome—when RVing is so often a summer activity—but RV sales are still just as popular in the fall! Off season shoppers may be out looking for a range of reasons, from better inventory to lower prices to a less competitive market. As camping slows down with the cooler weather, buyers tend to shift their focus toward long-term value—whether that means buying an RV that is easy for them to winterize and store until next year, or finding a motorhome equipped for cooler temperatures and off-season adventures.

If you are looking to sell an RV right now, don’t feel pressure to wait until spring. With the right pricing, marketing, and audience, it is possible to make a great sale before winter. Here are some things to consider about your seasonal buyers when selling an RV during the fall:

Easy to Winterize and Store

While summer is generally considered to be peak RV season, there are many reasons why a buyer might choose to start shopping in the fall: There is often better inventory available at dealerships, lower prices for the off season, and a calmer market. If you are selling an RV in the fall, your buyers might have some unique considerations in mind. Shoppers in September and October might already be thinking about storing the RV for the winter after they buy it.

These buyers will probably be interested in the motorhome’s size, how much space it takes up, how easy it to winterize, drain, cover, etc. This is a good time to highlight any of these features or others that make your RV easier to winterize and store. You can also offer to sell them any add-ons you have, like a good RV cover, or give them recommendations if you have put your vehicle in indoor storage over past winters.

Off season campers

Other buyers you may encounter in the fall are those who plan to camp during the off season, instead of parking the RV all winter. This means they will be using the motorhome shortly after the sale. Summer is the most popular time for camping and RVing, but there are also RVers who take their rig out to enjoy the great outdoors year-round. Buyers who are planning to camp during the cooler autumn months will need different features from their vehicle.

Selling an RV to year-rounders means you should highlight different features. They will most likely be looking for things like good insulation, dependable heaters, and good construction. Now is a great time to highlight how your motorhome can be reliable and cozy! Your buyers might also be thinking about driving conditions, and the potential for slick and icy roads, if they are interested in RVing year-round. Be prepared to talk about how your vehicle drives and what you have done to take care of your tires and brakes and engine. Keep your maintenance records handy too, as potential buyers often appreciate seeing an RV’s history.

Competitive prices in RV sales

The changing seasons can cause big variations in the RV market, so it is important to take timing into account, especially for private RV sellers. Fall is one of the best seasons to find a good deal on a motorhome. The majority of people go RVing during the summer months, when the weather is warmer. Because of this, the demand for motorhomes starts to drop in the fall as the weather gets colder, so RV dealerships often lower their prices to keep business going and clear out their inventory before the off season. 

As a private seller, this is important to be aware of. Your buyers might be RV shopping in the fall because they are hoping to catch this cut in prices. They will be on the lookout for competitive prices and good deals. If you want to stand out in this market, fall is a good time to consider adjusting your asking price. While most sellers want to get the most they can out of the sale, remember that selling your motorhome in the fall means you will not have to winterize and store it over another off season. It might be worth it in the long run depending on how much time, energy, and/or money you save on storage.

Start by researching the fair market value of your RV using online listings and pricing guides. Be informed and up to date, so you do not end up selling your vehicle short. Then you can start to watch which RVs are selling as the fall progresses—keeping an eye out for makes, models, mileages, and years close to yours. This will help you keep your listing price competitive with the changing seasons. If your goal is a fast sale this is especially important for you. Remember to highlight features that make your vehicle easy to store or good for cold weather camping, to help your RV stand out even more!

A quieter, lower pressure market

Some buyers may also be shopping during the off season because they enjoy a calmer, less competitive shopping experience. Since summer is peak RVing season, many campers are not thinking about buying a motorhome during the fall and winter months. The autumn buyers might enjoy that there is less competition for RVs and they can take their time considering a vehicle before they commit.

If they are planning to wait until summer to use their RV, that also gives them more time to consider, since they have all winter to find a good purchase. One of the appealing things about shopping in the off season is the length of time left for planning before the summer camping season starts. This gives RVers time to plan their trip, make reservations at an RV park, research the area, and furnish their motorhome. While summer is considered prime time for RVing, you can still get interest on a used rig during the fall.

These buyers may be slower and more thoughtful about their purchase. This does not necessarily mean they are less serious buyers. Rather these people are more likely to be thoughtful RVers who plan ahead. They might be shopping in preparation for a big summer trip. Don’t be discouraged if they want more time to consider their purchase. Remember to emphasize your vehicle’s good winter features and enjoy the lower pressure selling experience! Making a good sale during the fall is more likely than you might think.

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