What does this mean to YOU? ESPECIALLY if you’re thinking of buying an RV Camper this year…
It is no secret that RV dealers have LOTS of “old” BRAND NEW inventory still waiting to be sold on their lots. The RV industry has been “flat on its back” for at least two years now. RV manufacturers are likely to shake things up soon by releasing the 2026 models a bit early this year. One source has reported we should expect the 2026 RV campers (of all types) to arrive as early as June 2025. This will create lots of “buzz” – but not necessarily actual sales of RV’s (my thoughts.)
The Early arrival of 2026 RV models will have ramifications for owners and existing inventory
When the 2026 RV campers arrive, all earlier years are instantly one year older. In other words, if you own a 2022, currently it is 3 model years old. When the 2026’s arrive, it will be 4 model years old (even though the calendar still shows 2025.) I can ASSURE YOU that doesn’t help its resale value!
RV Dealers are in a very bad place…
With the 2026 models due out SOON, the problem is even more significant for RV dealers. Please study my list below of NEW campers STILL available on RV dealers lots.
As you can see, over 1000 brand new 2022 campers are still sitting (and rotting?) on dealers lots.
Thinking of buying a new but older year model? Here’s YOUR challenge…
The moment one of these NEW 2022 campers is purchased, it will be (once the 2026’s arrive) a USED 4 year old camper. The used book value on 4 year old campers is so depreciated, it is ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE to buy these campers at the “right price” without paying far more than their real value from a dealer.
As of 2/24/25: (Source: RVtrader.com)
- Over 1000 2022 model campers remain available
- 3917 2023’s remain available
- 30,810 2024’s remain available
- 104,833 2025’s remain available
Consider the situation through this example:
Consider a travel trailer that retails for $75,000. Not an unusual figure these days! Of course, you should expect a discount from the dealer. Let’s say $58,000.* for a new camper. IF the camper is a “leftover” 2023 (for example), the dealer may offer a “closeout” price of $49,000. BUT… if the camper is 2, 3 or even 4 model years out of date, what is it really worth?
Remember, the moment you drive/pull the camper off the dealers lot, it is a USED camper. IF (hypothetically) you were to sell it 1 hour after buying it, you’d be LUCKY to get $35,000. for that camper you just bought for $49,000. Get my point? With my Concierge RV Clients (see my full service HERE), I strive to buy at a lot closer to the TRUE value of the camper. Dealers often (on new inventory) can’t get anywhere near the “right price.”
*Some campers are offered at far greater discounts below “MSRP” (retail price.) This is a marketing strategy by unscrupulous manufacturers who INFLATE their MSRP’s so the dealer can look like a “hero” by offering what APPEAR to be deeply discounted prices. Sounds like a sleazy practice? IT IS! Naturally, I avoid these manufacturers when working with and shopping for my Concierge RV Clients!
This is often why buying NEW RV campers is often a poor choice
Full disclosure: I bought new. I did so only because the manufacturer (Outdoors RV) released a fifth wheel that was IDEAL for my needs AND nothing else was on the market (for the past several years) that matched “ORV’s” build standards. I also knew I was going to LIVE (full time) in it and keep it for several years. My Outdoors RV fifth wheel will be 8 years old in October of this year and is still going strong! And… of course, I STILL continue to recommend ORV campers to those who need and want what they offer.
What about USED RV campers?
Of course the quality of build matters when considering what to purchase. ADDITIONALLY, how it was used and cared for ALSO matters! This is a big focus of mine when I get to work for a client who wants to buy an RV camper! The good news is most campers, even years old, have seen little use. Of course, even if it sits in a storage lot, certain areas must be maintained. The roof, slide seals, and caulking ALL require routine attention. The bad news is most campers are POORLY made to begin with. You need to know who the good guys are (few) and who produces junk (most.)
One more BIG issue on the horizon for dealers and RV buyers…
Let’s revisit my list of new campers above. Please note over 100,000 brand new 2025’s are UNsold. Dealers know that when the 2026’s arrive in LESS than 4 months, those campers SHOULD be “gone.” They won’t be! This means lots of challenges for dealers as book values fall below what they can “off” these campers for. Further, many dealers need the 2025’s GONE to make room for 2026’s. This may all seem like a great time to buy a new camper BUT ONLY if you get a QUALITY brand at a SUPERIOR price!!
Bottom line on early 2026 arrivals
Don’t be swayed by the hype! New campers depreciate like a rock falling through water. After a couple of years, the rate of depreciation slows. As I noted earlier, many relatively new, used campers have seen little use and can honestly be described as “like new.” Of course you need a negotiator on your side! If you’d like to speak with me about my Concierge RV buying (or selling) services, feel free to call me at 307 269 2546.
Lastly, STAY TUNED for upcoming posts on one of the MOST spectacular regions in our entire nation… Southern Utah! I’ve been exploring Zion, Kolob, (later today) Bryce, petroglyphs and MORE!
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Alan,
Is there a way, after you negotiate a price, to have the “motor home” checked out by someone locally that knows something about the motor, transmission, drivetrain, and etc.?
Thanks,
Dave
Yes, its something I arrange for my clients. I ensure the “purchase order” or “bill of sale” reflects that a deposit has been offered on a specific camper for an agreed upon price AND the deal is contingent upon an independent inspector (I find one) to check it out (my client pays the inspector directly for their fee.)
Al