If you love to travel and enjoy the outdoors, having an RV might be ideal. Though, if you’re like many, you might think owning an RV is out of your price range. Many, however, are surprised at how reasonable an RV, especially a used one, can be once they begin researching available options.
Factors that Impact the Cost of RVs
Similar to purchasing a car, truck, or SUV, certain factors impact the cost. When purchasing an RV, the following variables come into play.
RV Class
RVs fall into two broad categories of motor and motorless, with different classes of each. The class of the RV dictates the size and types of amenities you can expect, which impact the price.
Reputation of Manufacturer
An RV from a well-known, reputable manufacturer will generally have a higher price tag attached.
Supply and Demand
Availability will drive the price of an RV, as with any other product on the market. If there is more demand than supply, the price tag will often increase. This scenario occurred during COVID, with so many people wanting an RV due to the lockdown.
Type of Floorplan
Some floorplans, like those with a half bath, are highly sought after and will drive up the price of an RV.
Used vs. New
The range for used RVs can vary greatly depending on the class and where they fall in the class. For example, a newer, higher-end used RV that falls high in Class C might have a higher price tag than a brand-new RV that falls lower in Class C. So when comparing prices or a used vs. new vehicle, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Here is a depreciation schedule to help guide you:
New RV Depreciation Schedule
- Brand-new models depreciate by 20% when driven off the lot
- Class A depreciates by 30% on average after three years and more than 50% after ten years
- Class B depreciation is similar to or a bit less than Class A depreciation
- Class C depreciates by 38% on average after five years and more than 50% after ten years
- Travel trailers depreciate by 40% on average after five years
- Fifth wheels depreciate by 45% on average after five years and 71% after ten years
Class Breakdown of RVs
Here is a breakdown of the types of RVs available, followed by the average costs associated with them, including rental costs.
Tip: For those who want to try an RV out before they buy one, renting is a viable option to try before you buy.
Class A RVs
Class A RVs typically come with the highest price tag thanks to their size and feel of a bus-like standard motorhome, with amenities like air conditioning, a full-size tv, a king-size bed, lots of kitchen space, storage space, and more.
Class C RVs
Class C RVs are smaller with fewer features than their Class A rival, though they also come with a lower price tag. They typically offer a sleeping space over the cab with some storage in the truck-style driving area. Super C RVs are class C motorhomes that offer features that bring a mix of Class A and B together, with the power and space of a Class A with some of the design features of a Class C.
Class B RVs
Class B RVs closely resemble a large van with fewer features and the least amount of space compared to the other drivable RV classes. They also come with the lowest price tag. Unless that is, you go for a Class B built on a Mercedes Benz frame that will cost you as much or more than some Class As.
Fifth Wheels
Fifth wheels are large, towable RVs. They often have features similar to Class A RVs, like a king or queen-size bed, air conditioning, a larger kitchen and living areas with storage, and extra sleeping space. Or, they can be smaller and more similar to Class C RVs.
Since they do not have a motor, fifth wheels tend to be more affordable than those that do have motors and work well for those wanting to camp comfortably on a budget. Fifth wheels require special equipment to tow them, so you need a truck with enough towing capacity.
Travel Trailers
Travel trailers are another RV type without a motor and are smaller than fifth wheels. Pop-up campers fall into this category. If you already have a truck or SUV, then you’ll possibly be able to tow a small travel trailer without additional setup needs since they connect to the bumper of your vehicle. Travel trailers don’t have a front cap and therefore have a lower travel profile than fifth wheels.
Average RV Cost When Purchasing Used
Class A
5 to 10 years old: $50,000 – $120,000+
10+ years old: $20,000 – $40,000
Class B
Newer models: $30,000 – $100,000+
Older models: $10,000 – $15,000
$40,000 – $150,000
Class C
Newer models: $35,000 – $70,000+
Older models: $20,000 range
Travel Trailor
Used travel or toy hauler: $20,000 – $30,000
Used pop-up camper: $10,000 – $15,000
Fifth Wheel
Premium models: $30,000 – $120,000
Average RV Cost When Purchasing New
Class A: $50,000 – $150,000+
Class B: $40,000 – $150,000
Class C: $50,000 – $150,000
Travel Trailor: $10,000 – $60,000
Fifth Wheel: $15,000 – $50,000
Average RV Cost When Renting
Class A
10+ years old: $175 – $275/night
Newer: $350 – $450/night
Class B
10+ years old: $100 – $200/night
Newer: $200 – $350/night
Class C
10+ years old: $150 – $200/night
Newer: $225 – $400/night
Travel Trailor
10+ years old: $50 – $125/night
Newer: $125 – $200/night
Fifth Wheel
10+ years old: $60 – $150/night
Newer: $150 – $300/night
Tips for Buying a Used RV
When higher prices prevent you from buying new, a used RV can be the way to go. In addition to the benefit of a lower price tag, the RV won’t immediately drop in value as much as a new RV does when you drive it off the lot of a dealership—a new RV can lose as much as 20% in value immediately after it’s driven off the lot.
When purchasing a used RV, you always want to see it in person, whenever possible, and confirm the mileage, condition, and age of the vehicle when determining what the cost should be. It’s wise to pay for an inspection if you are considering purchasing from a private buyer so you reduce the risk of running into surprises and issues after purchasing. Also, if you plan to secure a loan for a used RV, the vehicle’s age matters since many lenders won’t loan money for a vehicle over ten years old.
Finally, two great resources to help you determine a fair cost for a used RV are the National Automobile Dealer’s Association (NADA) which lists prices of various types of RVs, and RV Trader, which helps you locate used RVs.
Source for new and rental prices: https://taxaoutdoors.com/average-rv-cost-for-rentals-and-purchases/
Source for used prices: https://www.getawaycouple.com/how-much-does-an-rv-cost-you-may-be-suprised/
Byline/Bio: