Craigslist Camper Van For Sale (2024)

FAQs

Why are campers so cheap right now? ›

In 2022 RV Manufacturers produced more RVs than there was a demand for. In 2022 RV Dealers committed to selling more RVs than there was a demand for. RV Dealers now have an excess supply of RVs and have lowered prices to stimulate sales.

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.

Demand has seen recreational vehicle sales soar to record highs. Combine that demand with supply chain issues and fuel prices dramatically increasing the costs of vehicle components and raw materials. It's not a time when you're likely to score a great deal on a camper van — or fuel and maintain one on the cheap.

eBay has no warehouse and does not ship vehicles. eBay does not handle such transactions or provide "vehicle protection orders". Scammers often promise those things, though. Any phone number you may receive on such an "invoice" does not connect to eBay, but to the scammer.

Most commonly, the cheapest state to buy an RV is Montana. That's because no sales or property taxes are attached to the final price. Oregon, too, has no sales tax, which can save you a significant amount of money when purchasing an RV.

Negotiate to get the best deal

Don't forget to keep an eye out for end-of-the-year or holiday sales. You might not be in a camping mood in December, but you could get a great deal to begin your RV life in the spring. Fall and winter are also a great time to shop because you may not find too many others on the lots.

Prices for most RVs are back down. Some types of RVs are even close to what they cost before 2020. If you buy in early 2024 you may even have a chance to get an extra good deal. Most dealers still have leftover new 2023 RVs on their lots.

The average camper van lasts for about 20 years and about 200,000 miles before you'll need to replace it. However, this number can vary depending on how well you maintain it and the types of terrain and environments you drive it through.

The Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram ProMaster are popular choices for camper van conversion. Take into account your budget and personal preferences when making a decision. Research the conversion process to ensure a smooth and efficient project.

Class B RV vans (models like the Winnebago Revel or Storyteller Overland) have tons of bells and whistles. Built on the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, or Ram Promaster chassis, a new camper van with all the amenities can cost anywhere from $80,000 to over $250,000. Pros: Easy to insure with RV or motorhome insurance.

What are the disadvantages of a campervan? ›

The main disadvantages of campervans are: Maintenance and repair costs: If you own and use a camper van frequently, you will encounter repair costs over time. Since the parts are larger and more complex in oversized vehicles, repairs can be more expensive than in an ordinary car.

While renting a camper for your holiday isn't a bad approach, it's a better financial move to purchase one. Even if you buy a campervan and only use it to go camping a handful of times, when it comes to selling it on, it will most likely have cost you less than if you had decided to rent.

Unfortunately, RVs lose their value quickly, and this depreciation can become problematic for anyone trying to sell a used RV. There are many factors which influence a camper's depreciation. Understanding these factors can help you maintain your RV's value.

Like all vehicles, RVs depreciate over time. You can determine an RVs depreciation by the vehicle's age, mileage, wear and tear, and the type of RV you own. Class A and Class B vehicles depreciate similarly, while Class C RVs depreciate more slowly and hold value slightly better.

However, almost all personal vehicles depreciate over time, and that doesn't stop millions of Americans from heading to a dealership and purchasing a new car. In fact, a study done by Camper Report found that RVs lose 21% of their value as soon as they're purchased and over 35% after five years.

External Damages

When it comes to the value of your RV, this is undoubtedly the case. Any external damages, such as dents, dings, or scratches, can cause drastic depreciation. Though these forms of damage may be purely cosmetic, they are not to be ignored. Often, these flaws are repaired quickly and inexpensively.

While RV living can be more affordable than traditional home ownership due to lower space and utility usage, owning an RV also comes with its own set of expenses, such as maintenance and repair costs, campsite fees, fuel costs, and insurance.

Purchasing your own vehicle can make plenty of sense if you plan on using it regularly or living in your RV full-time. Not only will this allow you to travel and see the country (and save on airfare and hotels), but it will also allow you to save on your monthly rent or mortgage expenses.