How To Negotiate A Better Camper Deal

Negotiating is a surefire way to save money when buying a camper or RV. It is important to do your research and be well-informed on camper prices in the market. This will help you understand how much room you have for negotiation. It is also beneficial to compare prices from different dealers and opt for buying used campers instead of new ones, as they tend to depreciate rapidly after purchase. When negotiating, it is advisable to set a budget and stick to it, be friendly and polite with the salesperson, and consider the timing of your purchase, as prices may vary depending on the season and dealer's sales targets.

Do market research on prices

Before you start negotiating, it's important to do your market research to understand the pricing landscape. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

• Check Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): When you've narrowed down your options to a specific camper model, visit the manufacturer's website to find the MSRP. This will give you a starting point for your negotiations.
• Compare Dealership Prices: Many dealerships post their prices on their websites, often offering discounts on the MSRP. Compare prices across different dealerships to get a sense of the market rate.
• Explore Online Platforms: Websites like Nada Guides for new campers, and TV Trader along with RVUSA for used RVs, can provide valuable insights into pricing and availability.
• Consider Timing: The camping offseason, typically during the fall and winter months, can be a great time to find deals. Dealers may be more willing to negotiate and offer discounts to boost sales during this period.
• Research Pricing Trends: Understand the broader pricing trends in the camper market. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the RV industry, causing a surge in demand and affecting pricing.
• Evaluate Similar Models: Compare prices for similar camper models from different brands. Sometimes, a particular brand may be more expensive due to its popularity or additional features offered. By researching multiple options, you can identify potential bargains.
• Factor in Additional Costs: When creating your budget, consider the additional costs beyond the initial purchase price. These may include maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and financing options.
• Assess Depreciation: Keep in mind that RV prices tend to depreciate rapidly after purchasing a new trailer. Therefore, buying a used camper that is a few years old but well-maintained can be a cost-effective option.
• Inquire About Deals: Don't be afraid to inquire about potential deals or discounts. For example, buying multiple campers or paying in cash may give you leverage to negotiate a better price.
• Understand Warranty and Maintenance Costs: When comparing prices, consider the warranty period and maintenance costs offered by different dealers. A longer warranty or free maintenance can save you money in the long run.

By conducting thorough market research and understanding pricing dynamics, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and negotiate confidently when purchasing your camper.

Set a budget before buying

Setting a budget before buying a camper is an important step in the purchasing process. It is crucial to decide on the maximum price you are willing to spend and stick to it. Dealers will often try to persuade you to exceed your budget, but it is important to resist the temptation to spend more than you can afford. Having a budget gives you leverage when negotiating with salespeople, as you can inform them that their offered price is above your budget. This makes it more challenging for them to convince you to spend more than you intended.

When setting your budget, it is advisable to consider not only the cost of the camper but also the associated maintenance fees. Some dealers offer free or low-priced maintenance, which can save you money in the long run. It is worth investigating which dealers provide such options and factoring that into your budget calculations.

Additionally, financing plays a significant role in your budget. Unless you plan to pay in cash, you will need to consider interest rates and loan terms. It is recommended to get pre-approved for a loan to understand the interest rates and terms available to you. Comparing financing options from different lenders, including your bank or credit union, can help you secure a better deal.

Furthermore, timing your purchase strategically can also impact your budget. Demand for campers is typically lower during the offseason, such as fall and winter, which can force dealerships to reduce prices and be more open to negotiations. End-of-season sales, month-end targets, and quarterly goals are also opportunities to get better deals.

Overall, setting a budget before buying a camper involves researching not only the camper's cost but also the ongoing expenses, such as maintenance and financing. By understanding the market, comparing prices, and being willing to walk away if your budget is not met, you can make a well-informed purchase decision that aligns with your financial plan.

Compare the financing of different dealers

When it comes to buying an RV, it's a good idea to shop around for financing options. Here's a comparison of what you might expect from different dealers:

Banks

Banks typically offer RV loans with interest rates depending on the size and term of the loan, your credit rating, and the age of the RV. For instance, you might find lower rates for loans over a certain amount, say $10,000. Banks may also offer relationship discounts if you already have an account with them. However, not all large banks provide RV loans, and some only offer them through dealer networks.

Credit Unions

Credit unions often provide competitive rates and unique perks for members. They may be more flexible in offering RV loans to those with bad credit and can sometimes get you approved with a lower interest rate. However, you might need to meet specific membership requirements, such as military affiliation or geographic location, and open a checking account.

Online Lenders

Online lending can be an affordable option as these lenders don't have large overhead costs. They may offer specialised RV loans with extended repayment terms of up to 20 years.

Dealerships

Dealerships usually have financing arrangements with specific lenders, but you're not obliged to use them. Dealerships often charge additional fees, and their interest rates may be higher. However, they can sometimes secure better deals, especially if you're willing to put more money down. They may also offer extended terms, allowing you to finance the RV for 10 to 20 years, which is a significant difference from auto loans.

Private Sellers

If you're buying from a private seller, you may be able to negotiate a good deal, especially if they're desperate to sell due to maintenance costs or a realisation that the RV lifestyle isn't for them.

New Dealerships

Newer dealerships, around one or two years old, are often more willing to negotiate on price to secure sales and stay in business.

In summary, while dealerships provide convenience, broadening your search to include banks, credit unions, and online lenders may result in more competitive financing options for your RV purchase.

Buy from a new dealership

When it comes to buying a camper, negotiating with a new dealership may be your best bet. New dealerships that are only a year or two old are always looking to make sales to stay in business and are more likely to offer you a great price when you negotiate because they can't afford to turn you away. Here are some tips to help you get the best deal when buying from a new dealership:

• Do your research: Know the prices of similar campers from different brands. A particular brand may be more expensive than others, and a popular brand with lots of customers may not be willing to offer a discount. So, it's a good idea to compare prices and be open to different brands.
• Visit multiple dealers: Checking deals at multiple dealers will help you understand the reasonable pricing in the market. Shop around, visit different dealerships, and compare prices. You may find that some dealers are willing to offer better deals than others.
• Buy during the off-season: Demand for campers is typically lower during the colder months when most people prefer to stay indoors. Dealerships will be more open to negotiations during the offseason as they want to make sales.
• Get pre-approved financing: Walking into a dealership with pre-approved financing shows that you are a serious buyer. Dealerships will take you more seriously and will be more inclined to offer you a good deal.
• Be prepared to walk away: If the dealership is not willing to negotiate or offer a fair price, don't be afraid to walk away. This lets the dealer know that you are not dependent on them and that you have other options. They may be more willing to negotiate if they know they might lose your business.
• Get an RV inspection: An independent RV inspector can help identify any issues with the camper, which you can then use as leverage when negotiating the price. If the dealership is not willing to lower the price, they may agree to fix the issues before you purchase.
• Look for hidden fees: Be aware of any additional fees that may be included in the final price, such as prep fees or doc fees. Ask the dealer to explain all the fees and try to negotiate your way out of paying them.
• Compare new and used campers: While used campers may have a higher risk of issues, they also come with significant cost savings. A new camper will depreciate rapidly in the first year, so consider buying a gently used camper that is no older than three years to avoid spending a lot on repairs and upgrades.

Offer to buy two campers

If you're in the market for a camper and are looking to negotiate a great deal, consider roping in a friend or relative who's also interested in buying one. By joining forces, you can negotiate as a team and score a package deal on two campers. This strategy works because dealerships are often willing to offer discounts when selling multiple units, as they know they'll still make a higher profit.

• Have a written agreement with your friend or relative: Before you even step foot into the dealership, make sure you and your companion are on the same page. Discuss your budget, the type of camper you're interested in, and any other relevant details. Having a clear plan will make your negotiation process much smoother.
• Ask for a package deal: When speaking with the salesperson, be upfront about your intention to buy two campers. Request a package deal and explain that you're looking for a discounted price because of the multiple units. They may be more inclined to offer a better deal when they see the potential for a larger sale.
• Compare prices with different dealerships: Don't be afraid to shop around and compare prices between dealerships. This will give you a better understanding of the market and help you determine if the deal you're being offered is truly a good one. Additionally, you can use the information you gather to leverage one dealership against another, potentially getting them into a friendly competition for your business.
• Time your purchase: Consider the timing of your purchase. The camping offseason, typically during colder months, is a great time to negotiate as dealerships are more eager to make sales. Similarly, the end of the month can be strategic as dealers are often trying to reach their monthly targets.
• Be prepared to walk away: If the dealership is not willing to offer a deal that meets your expectations, don't be afraid to walk away. This shows that you're a serious buyer and that you know what you want. They may try to stop you from leaving by offering a better deal, or they may call you later with a more attractive offer.
• Do your research: Before negotiating, take the time to research the market value of the campers you're interested in. This will help you understand the fair price range and give you leverage during the negotiation process. Additionally, be on the lookout for common issues in used campers, such as water damage, and factor any necessary repairs into your negotiation strategy.

Remember, negotiating is a skill, and with the right approach, you can drive a hard bargain when buying not just one but two campers.

Frequently asked questions