Save on RVs

Summertime is synonymous with road trips and what better way to make the most of any long distance adventure than with an RV. Recreational vehicles become part of the family when it comes to seeing everything the country has to offer. But, RVs are also costly to purchase and maintain, which might not leave much money for sightseeing. With an adventurous family budget in mind, here are a few ways to save money when purchasing a new RV:

Buy offseason Just like vacationing, there are better times during the year to buy an RV that’ll result in a lower overall purchase price. If you’re looking to get the best deal on your new RV, it’s best to avoid buying during the summer, when the law of supply and demand comes into play.  Make your purchase during the fall and winter months when RV sales are on the decline.

Buy last year’s model Buying a new RV doesn’t necessarily mean buying the most current model; an RV that’s been on the lot for a year or more is still new, just drastically reduced in price. Much like new cars, RV dealerships want to get last year's models off the lot to make room for the new ones. If you happen to buy an RV that’s brand-new except for the model year, make sure the warranty is activated according to the purchase date and not the manufacturer’s date.  Most RV dealers are happy to offer extended warranties for older models as well.

Design your own Building an RV factory direct is a great way to save.  Considering pre-manufactured models probably include amenities you don’t need, but end up paying for in the purchase price, a custom RV could save you thousands in extras. By working directly with the manufacturer to come up with a basic floor plan minus all the bells and whistles, you’ll know you’re getting the exact RV you want, brand new, without spending extra for that top of the line shower or double fridge.

Negotiate If you thought cars were marked up, they don’t hold a candle to homes on wheels. On average, RVs are marked up 40% or more depending on the manufacturer and dealership. This makes room for ample negotiation. An RV dealer still needs to make money off the sale, so don’t expect to purchase your new RV at cost.  Researching ahead of time to find out what kind of wiggle room you have will help knock a hefty percentage off the overall price. Just be persistent with your negotiating attempts and don’t worry about hurting the dealer’s feelings.

Ask For freebies It never hurts to ask for as many perks and freebies as there are available through the dealership and manufacturer. So, when negotiating, have the dealer throw in a free RV Club membership, maintenance supplies, or even just a spare tire cover. Every little bit helps to offset the price. When it’s time to hit the open road this summer, use a couple of the money saving tactics above and drive away with the best-priced RV in town.

About the Author: Adam Groff is a freelance writer and creator of content. He writes on a variety of topics including family, Reputation.com reviews, and money saving techniques.