A question that we get a lot is in regards to when is the best time of the year to buy a travel trailer. You might think that anytime that you are ready to buy is the best time to buy, but that’s not exactly the truth. There are certain times of year that are better for shopping for travel trailers than others, especially in terms of the variety and prices you are going to find on the market.
First, we have several recommendations you should keep in mind before you decide to buy your travel trailer.
Step by Step Guide to Buying a Travel Trailer
1) Preparation And Financial Planning
The first thing that you want to do before you even start shopping for the right travel trailer is determining what you can afford. You might have some money in savings that you can use to buy your travel trailer in cash, or at least put a down payment on it. In most cases, you are going to need to take out a loan so you can pay off your travel trailer over time.
Go to your bank to see what kind of loan you can get approved for, in terms of the amount and rate you can obtain it. Make sure you shop around all of your options so that you can find the best loan and rate for buying your travel trailer.
Make sure you get approved for a loan and payment plan that is in your personal budget. The last thing you want to think about when you look at or use your travel trailer is the debt you went into to buy it.
2) Window Shopping
Shopping for the right travel trailer for you and your family takes a lot of time and research. There are very rare circumstances in which you would actually buy the first travel trailer you come across. Finding the right travel trailer for you could take months or even a year or more of research and window shopping to find the right one for your wants and needs.
3) Questions you should be asking yourself before buying an RV travel trailer
There are a few key questions we recommend taking some time to answer before you decide to purchase a travel trailer:
- What type of RV is right for me?
- How can I get the most for my money?
- What is the best time to buy an RV?
The first is totally functional. The answer to that question is going to depend largely on when and where you are going to be using your travel trailer, and how often you are going to be taking it out. After you determine your budget, you want to make sure that you get the best bang for your buck in terms of the features you are paying for.
Finally, you need to consider that the best time to avoid purchasing a travel trailer is in the spring and summer when people are shopping for and/or using their travel trailers the most.
Tips on when is the best time to buy a travel trailer
Here are a few more of our top tips for shopping for your first travel trailer:
Take Your Time
Don’t rush into buying your first travel trailer.
Avoid The Summer And Spring
The cheapest times of year to buy a travel trailer are the fall and winter.
Try to buy during the fall for the lowest prices and most discounts.
The fall specifically tends to bring the best prices and most discounts.
Before The Release Of A New Model
You can find great deals on previous year models as RV companies release their newest models.
Avoid Weekends
Don’t go shopping on weekends when RV stores are their busiest.
RV Loan Rates Tend To Mirror Auto Loan Rates
Keep in mind that your travel trailer loan rate is going to be similar to a car payment.
Look For RV Shows
Go to RV shows to shop around the makes, models, and features you like.
RV Shows Happen Year-Round
The great news is that you can go to RV shows any time of the year.
Try To Find A Big RV Show
The bigger the RV show, the more models and options you can shop.
Watch For Well-Maintained Units
Thoroughly look over a travel trailer to make sure it has been taken care of.
Conclusion
Winter is the best time to buy a travel trailer. Prices drop significantly and people run sales because sellers and dealerships know that sales are going to be slow this season. The fall also happens to be a good time to buy an RV. We recommend avoiding the spring and summer.
Buying a used travel trailer or RV from a private seller can be a great way to save money, but you run the risk of not getting a limited warranty. Dealerships will carry the newest models and will offer financing options for you.
If you don’t know that much about RVs or travel trailers, you may want to visit an RV show. They have tons of RV experts who can answer all of your questions. They sell RVs and travel trailers there too. You may be able to find a great deal at RV shows, and you can attend them year-round.