Buying a used RV requires careful inspection of key systems, thorough research of the RV's history, and understanding different RV classes to find the right fit for your travel style and budget. Start by defining your needs (weekend trips vs. full-time living), choose between motorhomes (Class A, B, C) or towables (travel trailers, fifth wheels), then inspect critical areas like the roof, water systems, and undercarriage for damage before purchase.
Define your travel style, budget, and towing capacity first—this prevents costly mistakes and narrows your search to RVs that actually fit your needs.
Here's the thing: we've all seen someone buy their "dream RV" only to realize it won't fit in their driveway or weighs more than their truck can handle. Before you start browsing listings, get clear on these basics:
Your Travel Style:
Your Real Budget: Don't just think purchase price. Factor in insurance (typically $1,000-$4,000 annually for used RVs), maintenance, storage, and fuel costs. A good rule of thumb: if you're stretching to buy it, you can't afford to maintain it. Understanding your RV insurance options early helps you budget accurately.
Your Vehicle's Limits: Check your towing capacity, payload limits, and hitch requirements. Class C motorhomes eliminate towing concerns but require different licensing in some states.
Get your RV insurance quote to factor real costs into your budget.
Match the RV class to your usage frequency and comfort preferences—occasional users often prefer travel trailers for lower costs, while frequent travelers benefit from motorhome convenience.
Let's break down your options without the sales fluff:
Class A Motorhomes: The big rigs (26-45 feet). Built on a bus or commercial truck chassis. Best for full-timers who want maximum space and amenities. If you're planning to live in your RV full-time, consider specialized full-timer coverage that includes homeowners-like protections. Expect $50,000-$300,000+ used.
Class B Motorhomes (Camper Vans): Converted vans (16-24 feet). Perfect for couples who value maneuverability over space. Popular with remote workers. $40,000-$150,000+ used.
Class C Motorhomes: The "cab-over" design with bed above driver area (20-33 feet). Good compromise between size and drivability. Family-friendly. $30,000-$200,000+ used.
Travel Trailers: Towable units (12-35 feet). Most budget-friendly option. Leave the trailer, drive the truck. $5,000-$100,000+ used.
Fifth Wheels: Large towables requiring a pickup truck with a special hitch. More residential feel than travel trailers. $15,000-$150,000+ used.
Teardrop Campers: Ultra-lightweight towables (8-18 feet). Great for first-timers or minimalist camping. $8,000-$40,000+ used.
Focus your inspection on water damage, roof condition, and structural integrity—these issues are expensive to fix and often indicate poor maintenance.
Don't just kick the tires. Here's your inspection priority list:
Water damage destroys RVs faster than anything else. Check for:
Red Flag Alert: Walk away if you see extensive water damage, major structural issues, or if the seller won't let you inspect thoroughly.
Pro Tip: Consider hiring a certified RV inspector through the National RV Inspectors Association for expensive purchases—they provide comprehensive 75-100 photo reports covering all major systems.
Insurance Considerations: Different states have varying RV insurance requirements, so research state-specific RV insurance requirements before you buy to avoid surprises.
Where Should I Look for Used RVs and How Do I Research Their History?
Use multiple sources, including private sellers, dealers, and online platforms, but always verify the RV's history through VIN checks and maintenance records.
Best Places to Find Used RVs:
Research Like a Pro:
Based on industry data from March 2024, used RV values have been declining over the past six months, with towable RVs seeing consistent price drops while motorized units have experienced more volatility. This creates opportunities for buyers but means sellers should price competitively.
Plan for 10-15% of the RV's value annually in maintenance, plus insurance, storage, and registration costs that many first-time buyers overlook.
Here's what dealers don't always mention:
Immediate Costs:
Ongoing Expenses:
Planning to rent your RV on Outdoorsy or RVshare? Make sure your insurance covers rental use—many policies don't.
Talk to an RV insurance expert about rental-friendly coverage options.
Roamly Insurance Group, LLC ("Roamly") is a licensed general agent for affiliated and non-affiliated insurance companies. Roamly is licensed as an agency in all states in which products are offered. Availability and qualification for coverage, terms, rates, and discounts may vary by jurisdiction. We do not in any way imply that the materials on the site or products are available in jurisdictions in which we are not licensed to do business or that we are soliciting business in any such jurisdiction. Coverage under your insurance policy is subject to the terms and conditions of that policy and is ultimately the decision of the buyer.
Policies provided by Roamly are underwritten by Spinnaker Insurance Company, Progressive Insurance Company, Safeco Insurance, Foremost Insurance Company, National General Insurance, Allstate Insurance Company, Mobilitas Insurance Company, Lyndon Southern Insurance Company and others.