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Updated April 9, 2024
The vast majority of our readers are looking to buy an RV. That’s why they read our RV review articles and watch our YouTube RV tours. Many want to know the best places to buy an RV so they can find their best deal.
There are countless dealerships and RV shows across the country. Plus, there are tons of websites for buying and selling RVs online. That huge selection can make finding your dream RV easier, but it can also feel overwhelming.
Buying an RV is exciting, but with so many places to buy an RV, how do you choose where to shop? Let’s look at the 25 best places to buy an RV.
This article will cover what you need to know when buying an RV in person or online. It will also give you the 25 best places to buy an RV.
Should I Buy A New Or Used RV?
When deciding whether to purchase a new or used RV, there are a few considerations you should consider. In addition to your personal needs and budget, you will also want to have a good understanding of the current market for RVs.
Depending on where you live, you may find that the market is more agreeable when buying a new RV. For instance, during Covid, so many people purchased used RVs that the price of new and used motorhomes and travel trailers spiked to nearly the same as new options.
Now in the post-Covid era, prices are settling back down, but I don’t believe they will ever go back to pre-Covid prices.
If you do your research, you may find that your dream RV is cheaper than a year or two ago and has the right incentives, financing, and dealer options. Market aside, you do need to consider your budget before anything else.
Many people would love a new RV, but it is still expensive. The easiest way for many people to afford the RV lifestyle is to look for a low-mileage, good-conditioned, used RV. Even an RV that is just a couple of years old will have a lower price tag in most markets.
You can check out our Used RV Reviews to find tours, reviews and ratings of some late-model RVs worth considering.
This means you can get a great RV with all the bells and whistles for a fraction of the
price. Just make sure you do your research and carefully inspect any used RVs you may be considering.
Should I Buy an RV from a Local Dealer or Big Name?
When considering buying an RV, local and big-name dealers have their advantages.
Advantages of a Local RV Dealer
If you don’t live in a major metropolitan area, a local dealer will be closer to you, with less travel. Not having to travel far to a big-name dealer can save you time, gas, and other travel costs.
That close proximity also comes in handy if you need to service your RV. An RV can break a lot, and routine maintenance needs to be done regularly. So when the time comes to go to the RV service center, closer is definitely better.
A local dealer will typically be more eager to build a long-term relationship. While big-name dealerships rarely have trouble finding customers, smaller RV dealers need to work harder to build and maintain their customer base. This means they might be willing to go the extra mile for you.
Advantages of Big-Name RV Dealerships
However, big-name RV dealers have many advantages that are hard to beat.
For one, big-name dealers will have the biggest selection of new and used RVs. You’ll be able to find various RVs to meet your needs (and your wants). They can typically offer more customization options than small dealers, too.
Another big advantage is that if you want to finance your RV, you’ll have an easier time getting lender approvals at the big RV dealership. Nationwide or regional RV dealers will also have much better trade-in offers.
What is the Best Way to Buy an RV Online?
There are more ways now than ever to buy an RV online. There are tons of websites dedicated just to buying and selling RVs, plus other platforms like Facebook and Craigslist. But with so many options, which is the best one?
Generally speaking, RVTrader.com is probably the best place to buy an RV online. It’s the largest online RV marketplace, with a massive selection of RVs.
Another great place to buy an RV online is Pop RVs. Pop RVs send professionals to inspect all RVs listed on their site and take pictures and videos of the RV.
This means that RVs you buy through Pop RVs will always be inspected and trustworthy, with a high-quality listing. (If you’ve never heard of this platform, keep scrolling – we have more details below).
Besides these platforms, Facebook Marketplace is another great place to buy an RV online. It has a massive selection and tools to help you find an RV that meets your criteria.
Facebook Marketplace is an excellent place to find old RVs to renovate or vans to use as the basis for your next camper van conversion.
What is the Best RV Show in the U.S.?
If you’re looking for the best RV show in the U.S., beating America’s Largest RV Show in Hershey, PA, is tough. This RV show lives up to its name with almost a million square feet of show space and over 1,000 RVs!
You’ll also find many vendors with RV parts and accessories. Plus, there are plenty of informational seminars and speakers.
Mike and Susan, the owners of RVBlogger.com, have attended the Hershey RV Show every year since 2019. The Hershey RV show is an incredible place to find any RV you can dream of – and get it at a great RV show price. With tens of thousands of attendees every year, it’s also a great place to connect and meet like-minded RVers like you.
25 Best Places to Buy an RV
Whether you want to go to a dealership, hit an RV show, or shop online, RV buyers have countless options. Here are the 25 best places to buy an RV.
1. RVUSA
RVUSA is perhaps the greatest destination online for anything RV-related. For one, they’re an online marketplace to buy, sell, and rent RVs. You can also connect to RV dealers.
But they can also connect you with companies that provide RV insurance, financing, storage, and parts and accessories.
In addition to all that, RVUSA also has resources to learn about RVs and find destinations, events, and campgrounds. They also have a forum where you can chat with and learn from RVers all over the country.
2. RV Retailer
RV Retailer is one of the biggest RV dealers in the U.S., and it owns more than 90 locations from coast to coast. They have a massive selection, offering over 12,000 new RVs from more than 50 brands. Look for RV Retailer locations like:
- Explore U.S.A.
- Camper Clinic II
- Bill Plemmons RV
- Motor Home Specialist
- Family RV Group
- Siera RV
- Lifestyle RV
- Midstate RV
- Blue Dog RV
- RV One
- Tom’s Camperland
- Carolina Coach & Camper
- Sonny’s Camp-N-Travel
- Northgate RV
- Cousins RV
- Marlin Ingram RV
- Adventure RV
- Sprads RV
RV Retailer isn’t just a place to shop; it also provides service and maintenance, with over 450 service bays across all its locations.
3. Campers Inn
Based primarily on the East Coast, Campers Inn is the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealer, with over 31 locations and over 50 years of history. They sell a full selection of RVs as well as trucks and boats.
Campers Inn can also help you get financing for your RV or sell the one you already own. Plus, they have a blog and a library of e-books and videos on their website to help you learn everything there is to know about RVs.
3. Lazydays
Lazydays has been a top place to buy an RV since 1976 and has 17 locations nationwide. They offer a huge selection of RVs. They also offer financing, service, and repairs at all their locations.
What really makes Lazydays stand out are the perks you get when you buy an RV from them, like:
- 260 nights of free camping at Thousand Trails and Encore RV resorts across the nation
- Access to an RV tech support hotline
- Up to $1,000 airline and hotel reimbursement for traveling to a Lazydays RV location to pick up your new RV purchase
- A KOA membership card preloaded with 6,500 points
Those purchasing luxury motorhomes get even more perks as a part of the Lazydays Crown Club, including five complimentary nights at the Lazydays RV Resort in Tampa, Florida.
4. Bish’s RV
Bish’s RV is one of the nation’s largest family-owned RV dealers, with 16 locations from the Pacific Northwest to the Midwest.
Bish offers price matching with competitors, free RV winterization for life, and free membership in Bish’s RV Diamond Club. Members of the Diamond Club get benefits like:
- Emergency roadside & towing service
- Emergency RV recovery assistance
- Free annual RV inspection
- Discounts on labor costs for all service repairs
Now that Haylett RV of Coldwater, Michigan, has joined the Bish RV family, you’ll see YouTube RV Influencer Josh the Nerd doing what he does best: giving you his RV walkthroughs, industry updates, and many other insights into all of the brands Bish offers and their many convenient locations.
Besides these perks, Bish’s RV also offers extra value for trade-ins (up to an additional $2,000) and a Build Your RV tool to help you find and price the RV of your dreams.
5. General RV
General RV has been selling RVs since 1962, and it’s one of the largest family-owned RV dealerships in the U.S. It has 14 locations in Michigan, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Utah, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
General RV can help you find the perfect RV, with tools to search not just for the type of RV but also by lifestyle. In addition to your typical RV service and maintenance, they also offer seasonal RV storage that you can bundle with your service plan.
They can also provide financing and even help you get RV insurance through their partnership with America’s Choice.
6. MHSRV
MHSRV’s claim to fame is that it’s the #1 best single location globally for RV sales. Based in Texas, MHSRV has tools to help you search its massive inventory for the right RV for you.
Besides selling new and used RVs, MHSRV takes trade-ins and can help you sell or consign your RV. MHSRV also offers their RV Complete extended service contract, which offers extra protection for your RV, including roadside assistance in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
7. Ice Castle U.S.A.
Ice Castle USA’s biggest claim to fame is being the world’s largest manufacturer of fish houses, but they’re also one of Minnesota’s largest RV dealers. You may know them by their fish house RV retail name, Ice Castle Fish House.
As one of the best places to buy an RV fish house, you’ll find skid houses, small basic units, large luxury RV fish houses, and even a fifth-wheel version. Ice Castle USA uses RV-level features combined with ice fishing holes in the floor that have LED lighting and rewiring for fish cameras and other devices for ice fishing.
Besides their fish house RVs, Ice Castle USA sells typical RVs like travel trailers, cars, and trucks. Ice Castle USA also offers to finance RV purchases.
8. RV Trader
RV Trader is the #1 place to buy and sell RVs online. Rather than a dealership, RV Trader is an online classifieds site devoted to RVs.
RV Trader can help you find your dream RV from dealers and private sellers. Its tools allow you to search for the features that matter to you most. The site also has resources to help you research your RV purchase or sale and find RV parks in all 50 states.
9. RVT
RVT is one of the largest online classified sites devoted to buying and selling RVs. They connect you with dealers and private sellers with tools to let you search by type of RV, brand, price range, and more.
RVT is also partnered with J.D. Power to provide price checking and comparison tools to know when you’re getting the best price on your RV.
To help you with your purchase, RVT can also help you get financing through its partnership with Essex Credit and insurance through National General.
10. PPL Motor Homes
PPL Motor Homes is the largest RV consignment dealer in the U.S.A., having helped over 44,400 RV owners sell their RVs since 1972. They have three locations across Texas and sell RVs to customers from all around the country (and even the world!).
In addition to RV sales and consignment, PPL Motor Homes offers parts and services for RVs and can provide financing for RV purchases.
11. Facebook Marketplace
There are 2.9 billion active Facebook users, so it’s no surprise that Facebook Marketplace is one of the world’s best places to buy almost anything – RVs are no exception!
Simply head to Vehicles > RV / Campers, and you can find hundreds of RVs for sale in your local area and across the world.
The Marketplace platform is great for buying an RV if you want to go through a private seller. Besides the main Marketplace page, there are plenty of groups for buying and selling RVs, like RV Show Marketplace and RVs and Campers For Sale.
12. CraigsList
Craigslist is one of the oldest classified sites worldwide, and it’s a great place to buy an RV from a private seller. Simply head to the RVs page in the for sale section, and you can find all kinds of RVs in your area or anywhere else in the world.
This platform also gives you tools to search by RV type, price, model year, etc.
13. RV Universe
RV Universe is a platform to connect buyers and sellers of new and used RVs nationally. You can shop for RVs and accessories on their site, post a free “want to buy” ad, or list your own RV for sale at no cost.
Users can sell RVs and other vehicles, such as cars and trucks, golf carts, ATVs, and more.
14. The RV Shop Online
Founded in 1976, The RV Shop is Louisiana’s largest RV dealership—but it doesn’t just sell RVs in Louisiana. In fact, The RV Shop sells RVs across the U.S. and offers nationwide delivery.
On top of RV sales, they also provide parts, services, and financing for RV purchases. If you’re still unsure what RV you want to buy, you can check their “research” section, with information on different RV models to help you choose.
15. Pop RVs
Founded in 2015, Pop RVs is a fairly new online RV marketplace spun off from the successful online boat marketplace PopYachts.com. When you sell an RV on Pop RVs, they send an expert to evaluate your RV, determine its fair market value, and even take pictures and videos for the listing.
But Pop RVs aren’t just great for sellers. Buyers will find a great selection of highly professional RV listers on their site. Plus, they have tools powered by AutoAPR to help you calculate payments or even find the perfect RV purchase price based on your desired monthly payment.
16. Camper Liquidators
Camper Liquidators is one of the best places to find a great deal on an RV. Pete’s RV Center sells overstock, discontinued RVs, and “handyman specials” that require some work.
The sources of their stock mean that Camper Liquidators is a great place to get a quality RV at a great price. Camper Liquidators also offers financing, at-cost delivery anywhere in the U.S. or Canada, and the option to meet them halfway to save on delivery costs.
17. Conversion Trader
Conversion Trader is an online marketplace that buys and sells camper van conversions and Skoolies. Here, you can connect with private sellers from across the U.S. to find the camper van of your dreams.
Besides van sales, Conversion Trader can also connect you with professional van conversion companies. So if you’re looking for someone to do a great van conversion near you, Conversion Trader can help.
18. Camping World
There’s a pretty good chance you already know Camping World. They’re the nation’s largest RV dealer, with over 185 dealerships nationwide.
Camping World has a huge selection of new and used RVs. They can help you sell your RV too! Their RV service team can perform maintenance and repairs.
Also, their team performs renovations, upgrades, and installations for your RV. And if you need financing for your RV, they can help you there too.
19. America’s Largest RV Show® in Hershey, PA
America’s Largest RV Show lives up to its name, with over 1,000 RVs on display and thousands of visitors every year. Held every year in Hershey, PA, America’s Largest RV Show is an amazing place to buy all kinds of RVs at special show prices, including the newest models.
Besides shopping for RVs, America’s Largest RV Show is a great place to attend seminars, see speakers, and find gear and accessories for your RV.
20. The Florida RV SuperShow
The Florida RV Supershow is held every year by the Florida RV Trade Association in Tampa, FL, and is one of the biggest RV shows in the country. Spread across 2 million sq. ft. of show space, with over 1,000 new RV products, there are tons to see at this RV show.
In addition to all types of RVs and accessories, you can also find educational seminars and daily entertainment, including musical performances.
Besides the Florida RV Supershow, the FRVTA also holds several smaller shows throughout the year. These include quarterly smaller Tampa RV Shows, the Jacksonville RV MegaShow, and others in significant cities.
The RVBlogger staff, including Mike and Susan, who own RVBlogger.com, have attended the Florida RV Supershow each year since 2019.
21. National RV Show
If you’re in the Pacific Northwest, one of the best RV shows around is the National RV Show, held every year in Moses Lake, WA.
In addition to great deals on a wide variety of RVs, the National RV Show also features prizes and giveaways, live music, and entertainment for kids. Even better, admission and parking are completely free!
22. Indy RV Expo
If you’re looking for an RV show in the Great Lakes region and beyond, check out the Indy RV Expo in Indianapolis, IN. Taking place over 8 days every year, the Indy RV Expo features 120,000 sq. ft. of RVs and accessories from all the top RV brands.
23. Camping World Virtual RV Show
Started in 2020, Camping World’s Ultimate RV Expo pairs an online event with several local events that happen simultaneously across the U.S. During this event, representatives do walkthroughs of RVs and speak about other important RV topics.
As a part of the event, you can buy an RV online or in person, and Camping World will either meet the competitors’ prices or give you $1,000!
Even after the show is over, you can watch all the events on-demand through their website.
24. Quartzsite Sports, Vacation, & RV Show
Toward the end of January, the small town of Quartzsite, Arizona, hosts “The Largest Gathering of RVers in the World” for the ultimate mineral, flea market, and RV show. This show began over 40 years ago and continues today.
According to the Arizona Highway Department, this little “one-horse town” 20 miles outside the California border receives nearly a million RV visitors yearly. You’ll find plenty of RV parks, campgrounds, and BLM land to set your jacks down to explore the entirety of this week-long event.
Where is the Closest RV Show Near Me?
Countless smaller RV shows are held all across the country, so no matter where you live, you can find an RV show near you. They’re most commonly held sometime between January and April in preparation for the camping season.
But they happen all throughout the year as well. To find RV shows near you, you can consult lists of RV shows online.
25. How to Buy a Used RV from a Private Seller In or Out of State
When you buy a used RV from a private seller, you should take certain precautions (especially if you’re buying it out of state).
Financing
If you want to get RV financing, you’ll want to get pre-approved for an RV loan before you buy. Don’t be afraid to shop around, but keep in mind that even with pre-approval, RVs older than 10 years or with high mileage might only qualify for partial financing or none at all.
Complete an RV Inspection
Before purchasing an RV, it’s absolutely essential to do a full RV inspection. This lets you assess the condition of the RV and protect yourself from costly surprise maintenance and repairs down the line.
If you have the know-how and the RV you’re considering is within driving distance, you can do an inspection yourself. Using an RV inspection checklist and a few tools, you should go through every RV part to check for potential problems.
If you’d rather trust a professional, you can contact one through the National RV Inspector Association.
Registration
Once your RV is purchased, you’ll need to register it. If you buy your RV out of state, you can typically get a temporary tag from that state’s DMV to drive your RV home. In some states known as “concession states,” you can register your RV in your home state from that state’s DMV.
What’s the Best State to Buy an RV?
Every state charges different taxes and fees for the sale and registration of an RV. Because of this, buying RVs in some states is cheaper than in others.
Montana is generally considered the best state to get the cheapest RV possible for a couple of reasons:
- Montana charges no sales tax, which can be a massive amount on big-ticket items like an RV.
- Creating a Montana LLC lets you register an RV in Montana even if you don’t live there.
Due to seasonal fluctuations, some other states are also great places to buy an RV at a lower price. Like Texas and Florida, warm-weather states with large snowbird populations see an increase in RV sales when people head back north in the summer.
The opposite is true in cold states such as South Dakota and Minnesota, where many people sell their RVs ahead of the cold winter months.
For much more information, check out our article, Cheapest States to Buy and Register an RV.
What’s the Best Time of Year to Buy an RV?
RVs are in the highest demand during the spring and summer as people take advantage of warm weather and go camping. Due to the high demand, RV prices tend to be at their highest.
Instead, you’ll get a better deal if you wait until the off-season from October through February to buy an RV. During this period, demand for RVs is much lower, so dealers are much more motivated to make a sale.
You can save even more by waiting until an extra slow month, such as December.
Final Words About Best Places To Buy An RV
An RV is a great way to hit the road and see the country in a new and unique way. If you are shopping for an RV, whether it is a new rig or one that is a couple of years old, you have a lot of research to consider.
New RVs offer a lot of great features, but for many of us, a new RV may be outside of our budget. We’ve offered you 25 great places to purchase an RV. These offer you a
variety of new and used options.
Remember when you head out to purchase an RV to know your budget, stick with your budget, and carefully inspect any RV, even a new model, to ensure that it is safe,
reliable and fits comfortably within your budget.
There are tons of places to buy an RV, but there’s no need to be overwhelmed. Whether you want to buy in person or online, you’re sure to find the perfect place to buy your RV on our list.
Related Reading:
– 12 Best Questions to Ask When Buying a New Camper
– How to Find the Best Deal on a Travel Trailer
– How Much Can You Negotiate on a Travel Trailer to Get a Great Price?
– Should I Buy an RV This Year?
– Cheapest States to Buy and Register an RV
– How to Buy a Used RV from a Private Seller: In or Out of State
Jennifer and Kendall are avid RVers and part-time van lifers who share their years of experience both as full-time RVers and nomads through writing.
Jenn and Kendall have explored Canada, the USA, and Mexico while RVing and living full-time in all 3 countries.
They have been fortunate to work not only as part of the RVBlogger team but also with RVLife, DIY RV, Camper Report, RV Magazine, Rootless Living, Vanlifers, and more.
They have also shared their RV experience through DashboardDrifters.com and are the founders of RVSpotDrop, a web service for full-time RVers.
In many states the sales taxes can be an issue and an expense. In AZ, a used “anything” purchase from a dealer is subject to sales taxes while a private sale is not. Even “consignment” dealers have to charge sales taxes. And in AZ, it is getting very close to 10%, depending on the county and city rip offs!
Wow, the sales tax is creeping up! In many states, you have to pay sales tax on new and used vehicles…The States always want their pound of flesh!
Thanks for reading the article and for your comment.
Mike