The off-season is when you’ll get the best deals.          

Since the pandemic started earlier this year, we’ve been forced to stay home more and travel less. When we do travel, we’re flying less and driving more. Millions of people who want a safer way to travel have turned to RVs. They’re an excellent way to cocoon on the road with family and friends while still getting out for adventure. If you’re one of the many road trippers planning to buy an RV of your own, time your purchase in order to get the best deal.

The off-season means dollars off

In northern climates like Michigan, RV travels drops sharply in late fall as temperatures turn chilly. In turn, fewer people buy RVs in autumn and winter compared to spring and summer. The lack of demand in cooler months makes it easier for you to score a good deal.

Sales activity at dealers declines from October through February, making dealers more eager to strike a bargain. Plus, they want to move out last year’s models before new inventory arrives in spring.

Dealer sales start picking up again in March as the weather warms and people gear up for spring and summer trips.

Private owners are often more willing to haggle as fall sets in, especially if selling their rig means they don’t have to pay storage costs over the winter.

You might land a deal at an RV show

RV shows are great for exploring the RV market. You can take your time, compare models and see how different manufacturers measure up. (FYI: The Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show is slated for January 21-24, 2021. The Battle Creek RV & Camping Show is March 4-7, 2021.)

If you spot your dream RV at a show, do some homework before you start talking price with the dealer. “Show prices” might be inflated in order to offer discounts.

To determine an RV’s value, the NADAguide is a good place to start. Also, some experienced RV bloggers recommend waiting to strike a deal on the last day of the show; dealers may be more motivated then because they don’t want to take the RV back to their lot.

Need financing for your RV?
You can get a Consumers Recreational Loan by working directly with us or requesting Consumers financing from the dealership. To learn more, call a Consumers loan officer who can help get you on the road to adventure at 800-991-2221.

For more RV buying tips, check out our post on what to know before you buy an RV.

Consumers provides banking services for more than 100,000 members. If you have banking questions, call us at 800-991-2221. We make it easy to bank how you want, when you want.

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