Travel trailers are an excellent way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the comforts of home on the road. Whether you’re an experienced RV enthusiast or new to the world of camping, finding the right travel trailer at the right price is essential. With a wide variety of models, features, and sizes available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start looking for the best deals. This guide will help you navigate where to find the best deals on travel trailers in 2024, whether you're shopping new, used, or looking for financing options.
1. Local RV Dealerships
One of the best places to start your search for a travel trailer is your local RV dealership. Dealerships typically offer a wide selection of new and used travel trailers and are often willing to negotiate prices, especially during big sales events like Black Friday, Memorial Day, or Labor Day. Visiting a dealership allows you to see different models in person, compare features, and ask questions to better understand which travel trailer suits your needs. Many dealerships offer incentives like rebates, discounts on certain models, or free accessories with the purchase of a new travel trailer. Year-end and clearance sales, where dealerships are eager to move older inventory, are also excellent opportunities to find significant savings on both new and slightly used models.
In addition to these incentives, dealerships often offer financing options, making it easier to purchase a travel trailer with manageable monthly payments. Be sure to ask about manufacturer incentives or dealer promotions that may not be widely advertised.
2. RV Shows
Attending an RV show is a great way to explore multiple brands and models of travel trailers all in one place. RV shows are typically held in major cities throughout the year and feature a wide range of vehicles, from small teardrop trailers to luxury fifth wheels. These events are designed to showcase the latest models, and dealers often offer significant discounts or special financing options to attendees.
One of the key benefits of shopping at an RV show is the ability to compare different models side by side. You can tour the trailers, ask questions, and negotiate directly with dealers. Many manufacturers also showcase exclusive show-only deals, which can result in additional savings. If you're serious about purchasing a travel trailer, an RV show is one of the best opportunities to find a deal.
3. Online Marketplaces (RVTrader, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace)
Online marketplaces are excellent resources for finding new and used travel trailers at competitive prices. Websites like RVTrader, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace allow you to browse a wide range of travel trailers from private sellers and dealerships alike. These platforms enable you to filter your search by price, location, and specific features, making it easy to find a trailer that fits your budget and requirements.
RVTrader is one of the largest online platforms for buying and selling RVs, offering detailed listings, price comparisons, and helpful filters to narrow down your search. You can also set alerts for specific models or price ranges, ensuring you don’t miss out on a great deal.
While Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace tend to feature more used travel trailers from private sellers, they can be great resources for finding deals. Just be sure to exercise caution when buying from private sellers by requesting a thorough vehicle history and arranging a pre-purchase inspection to ensure the trailer is in good condition.
4. Camping World
Camping World is one of the largest retailers of RVs and travel trailers in the U.S., and they frequently run promotions that can result in significant savings. During big sales events like Black Friday or year-end clearance, Camping World often offers discounts on new and used travel trailers from top brands like Forest River, Keystone, Jayco, and more.
One of the benefits of shopping at Camping World is their large inventory, which includes a wide range of models, from compact travel trailers to luxury fifth wheels. Camping World also offers financing options, trade-in opportunities, and extended warranties, making it a one-stop shop for all your RV needs.
In addition to sales events, Camping World members (Good Sam Club) can enjoy extra perks such as additional discounts, free shipping on certain items, and exclusive offers. Signing up for the Good Sam membership can help you save even more on your travel trailer purchase.
5. Manufacturer Websites
Many RV manufacturers offer direct-to-consumer sales or promotions on their websites, particularly during key sales events like Black Friday or year-end closeouts. Manufacturers like Airstream, Forest River, and Keystone often highlight special offers, rebates, or discounts on their websites, making it a great place to start your search for a new travel trailer.
By visiting manufacturer websites, you can also learn about factory tours, which may give you the chance to purchase directly from the manufacturer at a discounted rate. Some manufacturers also offer financing options or partner with local dealerships to extend special promotions to consumers.
6. RV Dealership Aggregator Sites (RVUSA, RVT)
RV dealership aggregator websites like RVUSA and RVT aggregate listings from dealerships across the country, giving you access to a massive inventory of travel trailers in one place. These sites allow you to compare prices, features, and locations to find the best deal on a new or used travel trailer. You can also search for specific brands, models, and years, which makes it easier to find exactly what you're looking for.
These aggregator sites frequently feature dealer promotions, special financing options, and clearance deals, making it easy to find a great price without having to visit multiple dealerships in person.
7. Financing and Trade-In Deals
When searching for the best deal on a travel trailer, financing options and trade-in deals can make a big difference in the final cost. Many dealerships and manufacturers offer competitive financing rates, especially during sales events. Be sure to ask about zero-percent financing deals, extended loan terms, or low-down payment options, which can make your purchase more affordable.
If you’re upgrading from an older RV or travel trailer, consider trading it in at a dealership. Many dealerships offer trade-in bonuses or will apply the trade-in value directly toward the purchase of your new travel trailer, helping to offset the cost.
Conclusion
Whether you’re shopping for a new or used travel trailer, 2024 offers numerous opportunities to find excellent deals. From local dealerships and RV shows to online marketplaces like RVTrader and Craigslist, there are many options for comparing prices and features to find the perfect travel trailer for your needs. Keep an eye on big sales events like Black Friday, RV shows, and year-end clearance to take advantage of the best discounts, financing options, and trade-in deals. With a little research and patience, you can find a great travel trailer at a price that fits your budget.
