If you Ask any RV salesperson the answer will always be today! Although this may be true, it is probably a bit self-serving. Here is some key information from Independence RV in Winter Garden, FL to help the prospective RV purchaser in determining the best time to buy the recreational vehicle of his/her dreams.

First, there are regional differences in U.S. as to typical RV buying seasons. For example, Florida, Texas and Arizona appeal to “snowbirds,” who escape harsher winter climates in the Midwest and Northeast. The “snowbirds” begin to trickle into these warm weather states in the late fall. Typically, they roost until April 1^st, when they pack-up and head for home. When the flock has flown the coop and fewer RV enthusiasts remain in the local market is when better sale prices may be negotiated. Delaying a return home by a week or two might mean thousands of dollars in reduced RV purchase prices. Conversely, the Midwest and Northern market RV sales are likely adversely affected by the cold winter days, so this may be a good time to strike a deal up North.

Just about any RV dealership is hungry for new and used RV sales in August and September. The Sun Belt states saw the “snowbirds” leave nearly six months earlier. The summer business for Midwest and Northern dealers is waning as the kids head back to school and college football is in the air. This is likely the best time to strike a rock bottom RV deal anywhere in the U.S.

Keep in mind sales driven RV dealerships will likely have sales goals and projections they are attempting to meet each month. As the end of the month draws near, a dealer may be inclined to accept slightly less for a sale depending upon the various factors - the most important may be the attractiveness of your trade-in. If he doesn’t make the desired gross profit on the vehicle he’s selling you…he may be able to make it up on your trade-in and the price it may command as a used motorhome or used towable.

When developing your short-list of potential dealers to conduct your business, be aware dealers carrying the brand of RV you plan on trading-in may give you a slightly better wholesale book value on your trade. They likely have a loyal customer base which frequently checks its website to stay current on available vehicles. These folks are likely to be brand loyal, and they may pay a slight premium to obtain the vehicle they desire.

When you visit a dealer’s website or store location, keep a keen eye out for new motorhomes or new towables which are no longer the current model year. This is akin to having a litter of puppies and one or two remain. The older they get, the less attractive they may look to the dealer. The dealership will be anxious to off-load discontinued or close-out RVs, and they should all have full warranty available for the purchaser.

Many, if not all of the RV distribution agreements between the dealership and the manufacturer of the new RV products prohibit advertising the current model year at a price less than the displayed manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) - even though you may be able to purchase the vehicle for less than this figure.

Good hunting!

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