Campervanhire.com doesn’t sell RVs. We help people rent RVs from local owners, which is a good way to try before you buy. In the UK, RV dealers are usually called motorhome dealers, but the same advice applies.
What RV dealers sell
Most dealers sell both new and used RVs, often across several brands. Stock usually includes:
- Motorised RVs: Class A, Class B and Class C motorhomes.
- Towable RVs: travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-up campers and teardrop trailers.
- Services: financing, extended warranties, trade-ins, servicing and repairs.
New to the different types? Start with what an RV is and the main types.
How to choose an RV dealer
- Read independent reviews of both sales and the service department. You’ll deal with service long after the sale.
- Check they stock the type you want, so you can compare several models side by side.
- Ask for an itemised, out-the-door price that includes every fee, not just the sticker price.
- Ask what the walk-through covers. A good dealer shows you every system (power, water, gas, slide-outs) before you drive away.
- Check the warranty: what the manufacturer covers, what the dealer adds, and where warranty work can be done.
- Ask for a test drive, including on a motorway or highway, not just round the lot.
New or used?
New RVs come with a full manufacturer’s warranty but lose value quickly in the first few years. Used RVs cost less, but condition varies a lot. Water damage and roof leaks are the most common hidden problems. Whichever you choose, consider paying for an independent RV inspection before you sign, especially for a used RV.
Costs to watch for
- Documentation and prep fees are added by many dealers. Ask about them upfront and include them when comparing prices.
- Extended warranties and add-on packages can be useful, but they’re optional and often negotiable.
- Financing: compare the dealer’s offer with a loan from your own bank or credit union before you agree.
- Running costs: budget for insurance, storage, servicing, campground fees and fuel as well as the purchase price.
RV shows
RV shows bring many dealers and manufacturers under one roof, which makes them a good place to compare layouts and prices in a day. Use them to shortlist models, then take your time before you commit.
Try before you buy: rent the RV first
A weekend in the type of RV you’re thinking of buying tells you more than any showroom visit: how it drives, whether the bed and bathroom work for you, and how easy it is to set up at camp. On Campervanhire.com you can compare RVs listed by private owners and local businesses, many of them the same models dealers sell.
Selling your RV
If you’re upgrading or no longer need your RV, compare a dealer’s trade-in offer with what you could get from a private sale. Trade-ins are quicker, but private sales usually pay more. If you’re not ready to sell, you could rent your RV out through Outdoorsy instead and earn from it while you decide.
RV dealer FAQs
Are RV prices negotiable at dealers?
Often, yes, particularly on used RVs, at the end of the season and on add-ons such as extended warranties. Compare out-the-door prices from more than one dealer.
What is a dealer documentation fee?
It’s a fee some dealers charge for processing the sale paperwork. The amount varies by dealer, so ask about it before you agree a price.
Should I get an RV inspected before buying?
For a used RV, yes. An independent inspector can spot water damage, roof leaks and problems with appliances or the chassis that are easy to miss on a test drive.
Should I rent before buying an RV?
It’s one of the best ways to avoid buying the wrong RV. Rent the class and size you’re considering for a few days, ideally on the kind of trip you plan to take.