Tips for Buying a Used Camper

Shopping Advice for Pre-owned Camper Buyers

J. Motes
If you are interested in buying a used camper, here are some tips to help you get a better deal on the price and condition of a used camper. A camper can be a fun recreational vehicle for families and other groups, and buying a used camper can save the owner thousands of dollars compared to the price of a new unit. Buying a used camper is much like buying a used car, buyers should inspect the camper, test drive the camper, and compare it with other models offered for sale.

Decide What Type of Camper

There are many different types of campers on the market and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Buyer can visit the websites of camper manufacturers and dealers to see the different styles of campers on the market and find the ones that fit their needs and budget. Buyers should consider length and maneuverability as well as the accommodations of different styles to make certain they getting the camper to meet their needs.

Find Current Value

When buying a used camper, buyers need to know the fair value of the camper in order to assure that they are getting a good deal. NADA makes a guide to the value of campers similar to their used car price guides. Buyers should use a resource such as this as well as comparisons to other similar campers offered for sale to determine what is a fair price. The price of the used camper can be negotiated as with a used car.

Check Out the Condition

Buyers should check out a used camper by looking at its physical appearance, testing appliances and other devices, and inspecting furniture. Buyers should determine for themselves what level of cosmetic damage that they can live with and what will have to be fixed and how much the repair will cost.

Test Drive

Just with any other vehicle, driving a used camper is one of the best ways to check it out. Taking along an experienced RV owner or hiring a mechanic to go along is quite useful as those new to driving a camper may not pick up on everything that a more experienced person will.

Published by J. Motes

Motes has been published in a variety of national and regional publications on subjects ranging from frugal living to rabbit hunting.  View profile

2 Comments

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  • Sandra Essary10/30/2010

    NADA? Someday I want to buy a Class C camper, similar to the one in the picture.

  • Abby Willow10/15/2010

    Good tips- we might buy a camper this year or early next year, and of course we want a used one to save some dough

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