Buying an RV camper? Help is here!
Camping is LOTS of fun and a great family (or individual) lifestyle – whether as a weekend warrior or as a full time traveler, but lets face it, the process of selecting and buying a camper has many potential pitfalls.
In an industry where MOST RV campers (trailers and motorhomes) are built to very low standards and many dealers resort to actions that are designed to simply extract more of your hard earned money from you there has to be a better way!
RV Buying Guide…
RV Across America(.net) Concierge RV Buying (and selling) Service
Allow me to introduce you to our Concierge RV Buying (and Selling) Service. Looking to buy a camper (trailer or motorhome) but you’re not sure which brands (manufacturers) are best to go with, what length is optimal for your use, and the relative attributes of various floor plans?
RV Concierge Service – Have an RV Buying Guide “by your side”…
We’re here to help you with the process by becoming your “guide by your side” and when it comes to identifying “the one” that meets your needs (and budget), we’re here to act as your negotiator and more!
Simply put, with our RV Buying Service we will assist you at all stages of the purchase – including navigating the myriad of fees some dealers try to charge and… advising you on what offers the dealer may present at your closing that you should consider or reject outright – and what these offers should cost. (Be sure to check our reviews at the end of this post.)
During our initial conversation, we will discuss your wants, needs and budget, along with the geographic reach of our search for your new (or used) camper. We will have a frank discussion about which campers (brands) are well made and which are worth avoiding with no bias of having inventory on one particular lot that’s “gotta go.”
You see, when it comes to finding the RIGHT camper for you, we’re not limited to any one dealer and the campers on their lot – our search for your ideal camper can be nationwide if you like! We’re also going to have a talk about “new” vs. “used” campers and which path may be best for you.
When it comes to camping and RV campers – we have experience
Alan, the developer of our RV Buying Service has been a full time traveler since December 2011 and has been active in RV Consulting and Sales for the past 9 years now. He knows which campers are worth your hard earned money – and which are not AND what you should be paying for it – whether new or used.
To learn more about the camper Alan selected for himself AND what he looked at in its design and engineering that matters – click HERE. To gain a sense of who Alan is and his depth of knowledge and experience, please review the posts right here on RV Across America.net
Through our RV Buying Service, we WILL negotiate the BEST deal for you on the camper YOU want.
We will contact the seller (whether it’s a dealer OR private individual) on your behalf and simply put, get you the BEST possible deal. We will also advise you on after-market options – you know, the ones you’re hit with in the dealers finance office. Some are worth considering, some are not. We can also provide advice on obtaining a RV loan and what a good loan looks like.
Our Concierge Buying (and Selling) Service can literally save you thousands.
Quoting Alan, “Effectively, what I do is become your advisor and your advocate. Unlike an rv salesman, I do not have any inventory staring at me outside my office – so when we talk, I help you identify the right camper for YOUR needs – and in doing so, avoid all the absolute JUNK made in this industry (especially in the towable world.)
Our Concierge RV Buying Service Fee…
Our fee? Its simple – $625. one time fee and we become your consultant, ‘your guide by your side, who also has your back’, and negotiator through the entire buying process! Interested? Contact us at traveler@rvacrossamerica.net or text us at 307 269 2546 and we will call you back.
Selling a Camper?
Lastly, if you have a camper and want to sell it, don’t trade it in and lose big time on a dealer’s offer. Dealers often “hide” what they’re really giving you for your trade!) We will get you far more by selling it privately.
Here’s how it works – you supply us photos of your camper, we will have a frank discussion to set a realistic price for your camper and then we will proceed to post effectively worded and structured ads for you to get it sold.
The prospective buyers initial contact will come to us. We will answer the prospective buyers questions and screen them to insure they’re serious AND qualified – and NOT scammers! For those who are, we will pass them onto you to let them see the camper. When it comes to negotiation, we’re there to assist right up to the point where the buyer is handing you cash! Our fee for selling your camper is a one time $850. fee (may be less depending upon the type of advertising required to sell your camper.)
A special offer if you’re SELLING then BUYING…
If you’re looking to sell your camper and then buy a new camper, we will handle both transactions for a fee of $1350. (may be less depending upon the type of advertising required to sell your camper.)
Does our Concierge Buying and Selling service sound fair to you?
Feel free to contact us at traveler@rvacrossamerica.net or via text at 307 269 2546.
Thinking about downsizing. I currently have a 28RKS Timberridge 2016. Would like to have a 21-24 foot trailer. Outdoors RV does not have any floor plans in that range except for the 24 foot. many other brands do have a floor plan in the21-23 foot range-front bedroom with a king bed slide and wardrobe opposite the bed. Rear kitchen and mid living room with recliners. Heartland North Trail has a floor plan that I like. Northwood (Nash) also has a floor plan I like. I have a 2023 Ram 2500 diesel. Should I stay put for now with my Outdoors RV?
John,
Feel free to call me to discuss (307 269 2546) – the market right now is great for buyers; really poor for sellers. The 280RKS has a “niche” market that’s interested in it. IF we get the right buyer, you may do “ok”, but more likely, it will not go for anywhere near book value. The camper you purchase is another story – on that we will do well. (I say “we” if you want me working with you via my Concierge RV Service.)
The North Trail is in no way anywhere near the same quality or substantial build as any Northwood or Outdoors RV. NASH is a well made product and if its about 2019 or newer, it will be a fine choice.
As to staying put for now… while selling a camper is tough right now, it may be just as tough in a few months. I’m not convinced the economy is going to turn around quickly. I wrote a post on this topic recently – https://rvacrossamerica.net/rv-industry-buying-selling-outlook-2025/
Alan Sills
Being a total Newbie to owning a trailer, I found it very intimidating to get past the standard dealer websites and RV Trader and get the real picture on 5th Wheels I was interested in. I had been to a couple RV Dealers in my area, but always felt I was getting the big sales pitch, not so much the information and honest recommendations I was searching for. I came across one of Alan’s articles while researching, and after seeing reviews of his concierge service, and realizing my lack of knowledge about RVs in general, considered his service fee to be part of my purchase cost. I’m so glad I did!
Al reach out almost immediately after I requested information. We then spent over an hour going over my questions, concerns, and desires with regard to purchasing an RV. With his experience in the industry and insight on market trends I realized I might just find a new, unused, late model RV instead of a used trailer.
Through his contacts at dealers throughout the Northwest, he negotiated a further $3,000 discount on the asking price of a brand new 2023 Arctic Fox 5er. I couldn’t be happier. The discounted price I paid is great, no doubt, but the real value for me as a first time RV Owner was having a “Coach” along the way to help me cut through the chaff and find what I wanted and at the same time defining what I needed. The Concierge Fee was absolutely money well spent.
Over a period of three months Al guided me the whole way, answering numerous e-mails and lengthy phone conversations. If you’re already a Pro in the RV industry, you may not need Al’s expertise. For me, it was absolutely essential, and a big reason I got off the sidelines of wanting an RV, to actually owning one. Thank you, Al!
Ian,
Thanks so much for your kind words. Enjoy your new camper and please do stay in touch!
I want to give a huge SHOUT OUT and THANK YOU to Alan Sills of RVAcrossAmerica.net
For several years now I’ve been contemplating the RV lifestyle.
I’ve been to a small number of shows, many dealerships and have watched hundreds of videos.
About 3 years ago I discovered Outdoors RV and was really impressed with their product line; as well as their ORV Ownership FB page.
But it wasn’t until I stumbled upon a video of Alan affirming the quality and value of ORV, to the point that he actually traded in a high end 5th wheel for one of their Glacier Peak 5th wheels. At that point I was convinced.
I actually called Alan regarding his choice and concierge service, and it was quite an encouraging conversation.
That was in 2021. Flash forward to 2024, and I no sooner called Alan and told him what I was looking for, and within 3 days he had 4 trailers for me to review. 3 of the exact model and one variation.
He really is “a guide by your side”. Before the week was over he’d connected me with the seller and an RV Inspector.
Up to this point, this was just a dream for me; especially being clear across the country; N Y to California.
But with Alan’s insight, experience and encouragement I was empowered to do the deal with confidence.
I can’t emphasize enough, the importance and benefits of having a concierge service like this.
Within days I was on the road, repeating to myself: I can’t believe I’m driving across the country.
Using Alan’s concierge service made this transaction seamless. Because of his knowledge and professionalism, the communications were clear.
With all the fraud going on out there, I probably wouldn’t have done this. But dealing with a knowledgeable professional who knows how to vet the player’s, I’m now the satisfied owner of a new to me 32′ Outdoors RV Creekside 27BHS
Thank you Alan; I really don’t think I would have accomplished this without you. I thank you and my kids thank you, for the best back to school story in the whole school: Driving Across The Country To Achieve Our Dream.
Be well my friend, until next time,
Callin
Callin,
Good luck with your ORV trailer. May you and your family make many happy memories!
Al
We’d highly recommend Alan’s service to help with buying an RV. Although we are experienced seasonal RVers, when we decided to buy a bigger rig we were overwhelmed by the choices. Alan helped us narrow down our choices to a few models, picked the best time to buy, and then found several good rigs for sale. He then contacted the rigs on our short list and negotiated a good deal. The dealer also spoke very highly of working with Alan on the negotiation.
Chris and Randy,
Thanks so much for your kind words. Enjoy your new camper in good health and have many happy journeys!
Al
Hi Alan,
I am a independent insurance claim adjuster helping a friend who’s grandparents (in their 90’s) are in the process of trying to settle a claim on their totaled travel trailer with their insurance company.
The insurance company’s offer appears very low, but there is not way to properly and accurately verify a fair value.
The adjuster said they contacted 3 travel trailer dealers in their area to come up with their offer.
What advice or help can you offer?
Thank you so much.
Tim
Tim,
I hope that all works out for you and your clients on the 1993 camper we discussed. It was a pleasure speaking with you. I hope my suggestions proved helpful.
Al