2020 is coming to a close, but there is no need to stop shopping for the camper of your dreams. Here are 3 great ways you can still find a good end of the year deal on an RV.

  1. Search for RVs that have been put on clearance. Often, dealers will put unsold units in a clearance sale because for some reason, that model or floor plan did not sell. Some common reasons why it may still be hanging around the lot:
  • The dealer purchased too many of that model
  • The floor plan may not be as appealing as others
  • The price may be out of range for many
  • The new 2021 models are set to arrive soon and they are making room

When negotiating a price for “aged” inventory, you have leverage because the dealer still hopes the unit will move at the previous prices. Often, the dealer will make a deal with you simply because he has had no other buyers. 

A great way to quickly find newly discounted RVs on RVT.com is to use the top menu to find Reduced Price RV’s:

reduced price rv search navigation

2. If you are shopping for a used RV, match the NADA value to the listed price and make an offer. If you see a unit you like, but it is out of your price range, you can leverage the current NADA values to make a case for the lower price point. NADA lists low, med, and high estimated values for RVs that you can use as a guide. These values change often, so the dealer may not be aware of the current low and high ranges.

Here is an example: If the “high” value in NADA is $71,950 and the dealer has the unit listed at $76,000, you could bring the NADA print out as leverage to snag a great deal. 

Another tip with values is to look at the wear and tear on used units. Often you can use the lower retail value for issues such as aged tires, body scratches and dents, or interior faults.

You can quickly check the NADA Values of RVs with the RV price checker tool.

3. Look for inventory at dealers who are located in colder climates. Often, northern dealerships are in a  hurry to move their inventory because the camping season is short and demand is low. Shop for inventory in these states:

  • Pennsylvania RV Dealers. The cold is coming and so is the snow! A dealership may want to move a unit at a good deal rather than have it be buried under snow and ice until spring.
  • Washington State RV Dealers. Although there is plenty of opportunity to travel down the coast to a warm, California or Arizona climate in December, many Washington dealerships close up from January through March. 
  • Quebec. Although there are considerations if you are in the US and want to purchase an RV in Canada, you can get a great deal in December on many winter-friendly units. 

4. Search for overlooked units on your local lot. Sometimes a great deal is sitting in the corner of a lot, not as shiny and impressive but still a great RV. If the floorplan generally fits your needs and a couple of tweaks or additions can make it feel like the other one you want that is out of your price range, why not snag it at a desirable price point?

5. And finally, search for privately owned RV’s. Although many private RV sellers have an emotional attachment to their home on wheels, you can use pricing data to gently steer them towards a more realistic price point. 

We hope these tips help you find an RV deal before your winter travels begin. Happy shopping!

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