Older Campers For Sale Craigslist (2024)

FAQs

Are old campers worth it? ›

If you're not looking to spend a ton of money initially, a vintage camper is probably a good option to consider. Even if you factor in additional renovation costs, it'll likely be much cheaper than a new RV.

Ask the Experts

The first thing you'll do when determining your RV trade-in value is consult NADA, the National Automobile Dealers Association. Similar to the Kelly Blue Book for cars, the Dealer NADA RV price book is often consulted by dealers looking at purchasing your RV.

If you can wait until mid to late fall, you'll find it's the best time to buy an RV. You'll have a far better selection of both new and previously-owned rigs once the camping season ends. Plus, you'll enjoy the added benefit of physically shopping for RVs among fewer crowds and with more attentive salespeople.

Brand-new RVs start losing value as soon as they're driven off the lot and continue to lose value throughout the first year rapidly. The RV depreciation rate increases at a steady rate after that until your RV hits double digits in age. Once an RV is ten years old or older, its value drops more rapidly.

Useable, refurbished trailers can easily run from the $2,500 to the $10,000 range. If you have the means, beautifully restored trailers can be had in the teens to over $50,000. The good thing is that we all have just as much fun at the rallies!

Just like any other vehicle, though, RVs run best when they're used often, well-maintained, and adequately protected from the elements. Proper care and attention can significantly impact how long your RV lasts. The average life of an RV can range from 10 to 30 years or 200,000-300,000 miles with proper maintenance.

Late fall and winter are generally the best times to buy a travel trailer or motorhome. Fewer people shop for RVs during this period, and less competition means you have more negotiating power. You may also find bargains right before a new RV model is released, when gas prices are up, and at RV trade shows.

RV Manufacturers Discount RVs in the Fall and Winter

To keep sales going, these manufacturers often give dealerships discounts in the fall to encourage the dealers to increase orders. Buying an RV during the slow season means you may be able to pick one with extra features for a lower price.

Generally speaking, anything over 100,000 miles can be considered high mileage for a motorhome. However, this is not to say that a motorhome with high mileage is automatically unreliable or unfit for use.

What is the fastest way to sell an RV? ›

How do I sell an RV quickly? Usually, the quickest way to sell an RV is with a dealership. This is selling directly to the dealer, with or without a trade-in, rather than consignment. Selling to a dealer might get you less money than a private sale, but it'll be speedy!

You might think selling a used RV is easy, but it can be a real hassle as a private seller. From repairs to advertising to negotiating the terms of a sale, there's a lot to consider if you're selling a motorhome or travel trailer on your own.

An RV can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years or 100,000 to 300,000 miles. That wide range proves just how much an RV's lifespan can be impacted by the type of RV, the owner, and how well it's maintained. At a minimum, you can expect an RV to last for at least a decade if you perform regular maintenance.

How long an RV, motorhome, or travel trailer lasts depends on various factors. However, generally speaking, two decades is reasonable for a well-maintained vehicle. The average lifespan of a Class A or a Class B RV or motorhome is between 10 and 20 years.

While you may see a good deal on an older camper van, the main problems are reliability and maintenance needs. Even the best quality older motorhomes won't operate as well as they used to.