Searching for the best used camper can be exhilarating for outdoor enthusiasts and budget-conscious travelers. Industry data suggests you can often buy used travel trailers for 20%-30% less than new models. With thorough inspection, you might uncover a well-kept camper for sale that’s excellent value for money. At Cheyenne Camping Center, we offer a diverse selection of premium used RVs for significantly less than new models, and we’ll happily guide you through buying one.

Benefits of Buying a Used Camper

Knowing how to choose a used RV brings several advantages to those eager to hit the open road. Substantial savings are the main attraction; used campers often maintain their value more than new ones. Many pre-loved units are in excellent condition and ready for years of exploration, making them a wise choice if you’re a cost-conscious adventurer in Walcott or beyond.

Cost Savings Compared to New

New travel trailers cost $35,000 on average. Choosing a pre-loved one could save 20%-30% off that price. That’s $7,000 to $10,500 in your pocket, which you could use for upgrades, gear, or extended trips. With a previously owned model, you might even afford that top-tier model you’ve been dreaming about, all while keeping your budget intact.

Depreciation and Value Retention

RVs typically lose about 20% of their value in the first year, then about 10% for each of the next five. This rapid decrease in value works to your advantage when purchasing a used RV. A three-year-old camper might have lost 40% of its original price, yet it still has many good years ahead. Selecting a used model avoids that sharp initial value drop and preserves more of your investment.

Key Factors to Consider

Price is important, but finding the right mix of cost and quality is crucial. There are several factors to consider when purchasing a used RV or camper.

Inspecting for Damage and Wear

A thorough inspection is essential when considering a pre-owned model. Check the outside for any damage, such as dents, splits, or signs of water ingress. The roof needs particular attention, as it’s often where leaks start. Test all interior systems, such as plumbing, electrics, and appliances. Check for wear in high-use areas, such as floors, seats, and storage. For motorhomes, a mechanical check is crucial. At Cheyenne Camping Center, we put our pre-owned inventory through tough checks, ensuring you receive full details of each vehicle’s condition and any recent fixes or updates.

Finding a Well-Maintained Camper and Evaluating the Records

Finding a well-kept,  used camper requires careful attention, but it’s worth the effort. Look for units with comprehensive service records. Exploring campers from trusted dealers is advisable, as they often perform thorough inspections and might even provide warranties on their pre-owned inventory. At Cheyenne Camping Center, we have an extensive inventory of well-maintained used RVs. 

Repair records provide valuable insights into a used RV’s history and maintenance. They reveal regular care, repairs, and upgrades that indicate a well-maintained vehicle. When studying these records, watch for regular oil changes, tire rotations, and system checks. Major repairs or part swaps can affect the RV’s long-term reliability. Most RV owners maintain their vehicles themselves, so detailed service records are crucial when assessing a used vehicle’s condition and potential future repairs.

Understanding the Camper History Reports

As with car history reports, those for RVs offer crucial information about a previously owned model’s past. They potentially reveal accidents, flood damage, or other significant events impacting the vehicle’s condition and value. While not as extensive as car history reports, they still give valuable information. These reports, physical checks, and maintenance records should provide a complete view of the RV’s history and condition. We can help you acquire and understand RV history reports, ensuring a clear and informed buying process.

Types of Used Campers

 At Cheyenne Camping Center, we offer many types of secondhand RVs.

Travel Trailers vs. Motorhomes

Although travel trailers and motorhomes both allow you to cruise down the open road in your home away from home, each has its own set of perks. Travel trailers, which require a separate tow vehicle, offer more flexibility and potential cost savings, as you can detach your living space and use the tow vehicle independently.

Motorhomes combine the driving and living areas into one unit, which makes them easy to use and quick to set up. Which of these options suits you best depends on your current vehicle, how comfortably you tow, and how much freedom you want on the road.

Fifth Wheels and Pop-Up Campers

For those seeking a spacious and stable mobile abode, fifth wheels offer an enticing solution. They’re ideal if you make frequent long trips or wish to live in an RV full time, but you’ll need a pickup truck with a special hitch to tow one. In contrast, pop-up campers are lightweight and compact, making them ideal if you’re transitioning from tent camping to a more on-the-road experience. They fold out and are easy to tow and stow, perfect if you camp occasionally or lack storage space.

Toy Haulers and Specialty Campers

If you’re an adventure enthusiast and wish to transport your RVs or equipment, a toy hauler is the unit to choose. It features a garage area for motorcycles, ATVs, or other outdoor gear. Specialized options, such as truck campers (which mount directly onto pickup truck beds) and teardrop trailers (compact and streamlined for minimalist campers), serve various outdoor requirements.

Exploring Cheyenne Camping Center’s Inventory

At Cheyenne Camping Center, we have an extensive inventory of affordable used campers for all budgets and lifestyles. You can compare all varieties when you visit our showroom or check our online lists. An experienced team is here to walk you through our vehicles’ traits and perks and explain how each might improve your nature trips. Just tell us your camping requirements, and we’ll help you choose. Contact us, or visit our dealership in Walcott, Iowa. Start your camper adventure today with an RV that’s perfect for your financial situation.

Camper Trailer by Chris Betcher is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0