Best time to purchase

[Sidesaddle1]

Looking for opinions, please. We're considering purchasing a used motorhome in Jan/Feb timeframe. We'll be attending the Tampa Supershow and will be looking at both the Lazydays and North Trail dealers. My question is this. Is it more advantageous to purchase BEFORE or AFTER the RV show. When would the dealers be more apt to clear their lots of used motorhomes? Thank you in advance for your inputs.

[Mondooker]

It has always been true at a car dealership that best deals can be made at the end of the month. That's when they see where they are and many times don't like what they see. It's also said towards the end of the day is best because folks want to get home.

My bet would be the same is true for motorhome dealers!

[tegu69]

You don't currently own a RV, you are in the best position, I think. Know what you want, look for the deal and be ready to buy. It doesn't matter what time of the year it is. We did some research, drove several units,then saw what we wanted at a good price and didn't hesitate. So we currently own a class A and a fw. Not a big deal, but you're better off I think.

[Effy]

Apply the simple economic principal of supply and demand. Typically in the fall through winter there are last year's leftover units as well as new units sitting. So a surplus of inventory that they really want to get rid of because it not only starts costing them a lot of money but they want to start moving the new ones. This time of year however they may be low on inventory of used units as most used units are a result of buyers who purchased new units. So in the fall and winter supply is usually higher and demand is usually lower. That said, seasonality trends thin as you get further South. So in Fla you may not see such a case. Spring is probably the worst time to buy because demand is highest as people ramp up for summer vacations. According to RVIA data, Jan is typically the lowest month for RV shipments to dealers and April is usually the highest.

[Sidesaddle1]

We've done the temt, pop-up, travel trailer and 5th wheel ownership. Don't currently own an RV. We already know the floorplan we want and have narrowed down to Newmar, Tiffin, Entegra and Winnabego manufacturers. We also attend the Tampa Show just to see the latest and greatest coming out. But due to depreciation we prefer to buy something approx 3 yrs old. I appreceate your feedback. Guess it's a toss up as to WHEN it's a good time to purchase.

[jplante4]

Yeah, the timing part is tough to even generalize. Everyone suggests that you find a floor plan that works for you and a coach that has that plan. Then the search begins. It may take days or years to find the rig that works for you and at a reasonable price in a location you can deal with.

We're a perfect example of this. We knew we wanted a Safari Sahara in good shape for around $25k and in the northeast. The search took six months and we ended up getting very lucky. Our Sahara literally hit Craigs List the week before our last camping trip of the season, and the seller was 10 minutes from the CG we were staying at.

[MRUSA]

The dealers at the Tampa show take trade-ins. I would think that after the show they would have a lot more used inventory than at other times. However, a dealer is not the only way to buy. Do not overlook buying from individuals. The price may be much better and you can find out more about the unit's history from the owner. Try websites such as RVT.com and Rvtrader.com.

[J-Rooster]

When a dealer has a lot of new inventory coming in.

[Mondooker]

Oops, sorry I didn't remember you said "used"! The Tampa show is for NEW coaches and accessories. Sorry for giving bad intel...

[powderman426]

I believe that where is more important than when. I have looked at many while in Florida, and never found a deal. Back in Ohio late fall is a good time.

[tegu69]

In an answer to your question. I would think there would be more used units available after the show, however,there's more people (and competition) here then. As far as the slowest time, I'm thinking September-October. For what its worth, I don't think I ever saw a used unit at that show.

[Mondooker]

I've been told (for whatever in the world that means) that the best time to buy is the same period the dealers and manufacturers are slow. Thats basically November through February. I plan to test that theory at the Tampa show myself. I will order my coach in January for deliver in May!

I plan to hedge my bet a bit as well. I'll contact six dealers for their best price prior to the show and then see the deal I can get at the show! Let the games begin!!!

[gbopp]

Artum Snowbird wrote:
.Feel the walls with your bare hands. It's very apparent where the moisture is and is not.

If you find a dry one you like, buy it.

Buy a Moisture Meter, it's a good investment when shopping for a RV.

[Mfan]

I find the best time to buy is when I can afford it.

[Artum_Snowbird]

The best time to look is in the middle of a drenching rainstorm. That is when you can detect where it is damp, where it is wet, and where water is just soaking everything.

I have gone into units and there was an inch of water on the kitchen counter. Another one had about half the mattress just soaking wet.

Feel the walls with your bare hands. It's very apparent where the moisture is and is not.

If you find a dry one you like, buy it.