Let’s face it, RVs represent a significant investment for most people. While there are some very good deals to be found with previously owned models, the reality is that the average RV is typically a bigger expenditure than a car, for example. When you’re spending that kind of money, it’s important to know that you’re getting good value and that the company who sells you the RV will stand behind it. While private sales appeal to some, a dealership is often the better choice. There are large RV dealerships that offer hundreds of vehicles for sale, so you aren’t locked into buying just one model. And a dealership will have a service department, which is a big deal if you buy a used RV and find that something’s not quite right. When you buy privately, it’s not like you can drive that Winnebago back to the guy’s house and ask him to fix the air conditioner.

 

Don’t forget that many RV owners trade up during their lifetime, buying one model and eventually trading it in for a larger or more luxurious version. With a dealership, you have the opportunity to develop a relationship, so the staff know you and look out for your interests. This might include pointing out when an exceptional trade-in arrives that would make an ideal trade up for you, or simply giving you the best possible price for your existing RV when you buy a new one —because you’re their customer and their service department has maintained your vehicle. How can you find a dealership that you can build that relationship with? Here are a few suggestions for what to look for:

 

1.    Top Brands. While a good RV dealership will typically offer products from multiple manufacturers, it’s a good idea to find one that sells some of the top brands in the industry. Look for names like Winnebago and Coachmen.

2.    Inventory. Buying your RV is very similar to buying a home. You probably wouldn’t buy a house sight unseen, and buying any RV purely from a pamphlet doesn’t always work out as planned. A dealership with inventory to choose from means you can go in the RV and check out the layout and features in person. Are the beds comfortable, is the shower big enough, how does the sofa fabric feel? Inventory also means not having to wait for a dealer to try to order in the model you want. When you buy, you can drive your new RV off the lot instead of waiting weeks for one to be ordered and delivered.

3.    Trade-ins. Makes sure the dealership accepts trade-ins. There are two advantages to this. First, it gives you more options if you ever decide to upgrade your RV —you can trade it in to help defray the cost of a new model without the hassle of trying to sell it yourself. Second, accepting trade-ins means a dealership will have previously owned RVs for sale. A used RV (especially one that’s been serviced at the dealership) is a great way to buy that first RV without spending a lot of cash, or trading up to a bigger or more luxurious model at a reduced cost.

4.    Service. A bargain sale price means nothing if there isn’t a fully qualified, fully equipped and expertly staffed service department to back it up. Having your RV properly maintained means peace of mind on the road and a better resale price. A good service department not only diagnoses issues accurately and fixes things quickly, it’s proactive and often identifies potential problems before they happen.

5.    Price. There isn’t much to say about this one, but a good price is always good thing. A large volume dealership can often offer discounts off manufacturers’ suggested retail prices that smaller companies can’t match.

 

When you check the web, you’ll find that there are a few RV dealerships that draw clients from around the country. For example, why would someone drive from Nashville, Tennessee to Troy, Ohio to buy a new RV when there are probably a dozen dealerships much closer that sell Winnebago motorhomes? It’s because the customer has found a dealer that makes it worthwhile. And when you find that RV dealer who offers the best names in RVs, the inventory, the prices, the service, the commitment to earning a customer’s business and keeping them for life, then driving 360 miles is well worth it.

 

About the Author:

Since he responded to his first “RV for sale” ad, Adam Rane has owned three different recreational vehicles, including his current Winnebago. According to Adam, finding a good dealer is the key enjoying the RV lifestyle; ideally an established dealership with a good reputation, large inventory, quality service department and a commitment to a lifelong relationship with customers.