--- title: How to Get the Best Value When Buying an RV description: Buying an RV? Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you want to get the most bang for your buck.  image: https://rmcu.net/hubfs/RMCU_Template_Blog_RV_1.jpg --- [![RMCULogoColor.jpg](https://rmcu.net/hubfs/RMCU-logo.svg "RMCULogoColor.jpg")](https://rmcu.net) [Online Banking Login](https://banking.rmcu.net/auth/signin) [Online Banking Login](https://banking.rmcu.net/auth/signin) [![RMCULogoColor.jpg](https://rmcu.net/hubfs/RMCU-logo.svg "RMCULogoColor.jpg")](https://rmcu.net) - - [Home Loans](https://rmcu.net/home-loans) - [Personal](https://rmcu.net/personal) - [Business](https://rmcu.net/business) - [Membership](https://rmcu.net/membership) - [Careers](https://rmcu.net/membership/about-rmcu/careers) - [Contact Us](https://rmcu.net/contact-us) - Search - [Financial Education ▾](https://rmcu.net/blog/value-when-buying-an-rv#financial-education-nav) - [About RMCU ▾](https://rmcu.net/blog/value-when-buying-an-rv#about-rmcu-nav) - [Security](https://rmcu.net/membership/security) - [TruStage: Security Alert](https://rmcu.net/trustage-security-alert) - [Money Mastermind](https://rmcu.net/money-mastermind-lessons) - [Financial Counseling](https://rmcu.net/financial-counseling) - [Savvy Money](https://rmcu.net/membership/financial-education/savvy-money) - [Blog](https://rmcu.net/blog) - [Resources](https://rmcu.net/resources) - [RMCU Team](https://rmcu.net/membership/about-rmcu/rmcu-team) - [Member Information](https://rmcu.net/membership/about-rmcu/member-information) - [Annual Meeting](https://rmcu.net/membership/about-rmcu/annual-meeting) - [Community](https://rmcu.net/membership/about-rmcu/community) - [Our History](https://rmcu.net/membership/about-rmcu/history) [back to blog](https://rmcu.net/blog) [Loans](https://rmcu.net/blog/topic/loans) # How to Get the Best Value When Buying an RV Read Time **3 mins** | Written by: Rocky Mountain Credit Union [mailto:?subject=How%20to%20Get%20the%20Best%20Value%20When%20Buying%20an%20RV&body=https%3A%2F%2Frmcu.net%2Fblog%2Fvalue-when-buying-an-rv](mailto:?subject=How%20to%20Get%20the%20Best%20Value%20When%20Buying%20an%20RV&body=https%3A%2F%2Frmcu.net%2Fblog%2Fvalue-when-buying-an-rv) ## Narrow Down Your Needs There’s a lot out there to choose from when you decide to purchase an RV. But the first step to getting the best value from your purchase is to figure out what you want and then learn the market. That way, you’ll know the going rate for the model and features you want, you’ll have a sense for when a deal is too good to be true, and you can feel confident moving ahead quickly when you find the perfect rig.    ## Don’t Be Afraid to Buy Used Just like cars, RVs depreciate in value as soon as you drive them off the lot. You don’t want to see your money vanish down the drain as soon as you sign the paperwork. You can help protect your finances by investing in a quality used RV, rather than paying top dollar for a new one. This way you can get more for your money without worrying about depreciation.     ![RMCU\_Template\_Blog\_RV\_2](https://rmcu.net/hs-fs/hubfs/RMCU_Template_Blog_RV_2.jpg?width=2894&name=RMCU_Template_Blog_RV_2.jpg) ## Know Potential Issues to Check For Check for signs of water damage like swollen seams or discolored paneling, scope out the exterior for sun damage, and check the roof for leaks or deteriorated sealant. Even if you’re not an expert in black tanks and electrical systems, you can learn the basics and enlist a pro to help with the inspection. Doing your research ahead of time can go a long way to ensuring you buy a quality vehicle that won’t cost you loads of money down the road.    ## Get Comfortable Negotiating One of the best ways to save money on your RV purchase is to feel comfortable negotiating on price. Many dealers mark up prices as much as 50%, so there often is some wiggle room if you’re willing to engage in some back and forth.    ## Buy at the End of the Season At the end of the season, dealers are often ready to unload inventory that they don’t want sitting on the lot or in storage for the slower winter, so this can be a good time to make your move. The same goes for the last day of RV shows. Timing your purchase can help enormously with savings.    ![RMCU\_Template\_Blog\_RV\_3](https://rmcu.net/hs-fs/hubfs/RMCU_Template_Blog_RV_3.jpg?width=2894&name=RMCU_Template_Blog_RV_3.jpg)   ## Protect Your Purchase Protecting your purchase goes beyond insurance (though that’s certainly important). Getting the best value includes maintaining that value for future resale. So be sure to store your rig properly for all seasons, protecting it from sun and other weather damage and keeping up with routine maintenance.    ## Find the Right Financing [A loan with a low rate](https://blog.rmcu.net/rv-camper-loans) and the right terms can save you thousands on a big purchase like this. Working with your [local credit union](https://www.rmcu.net/) ahead of your purchase can also set you up for success in your search, letting you know your budget in advance.  Low rates from your local [Rocky Mountain Credit Union](https://www.rmcu.net/) can help get you on the road for all of your RV adventures. [Reach out to our lending professionals](https://www.rmcu.net/contact-us) to find out what financing options are available to you.        ***If you enjoyed this blog, take a look at some of our other related articles:*** - [Leasing vs. Buying a Car](https://rmcu.net/blog/leasing-vs.-buying-a-car) - [Winter Road Trip: Ski Hills in Montana You Have to Visit](https://rmcu.net/blog/winter-road-trip-ski-hills-in-montana-you-have-to-visit) - [6 Reasons You Should Use Your Credit Card When You Travel](https://rmcu.net/blog/6-reasons-you-should-use-your-credit-card-when-you-travel) ##### Rocky Mountain Credit Union Share the Love [mailto:?subject=How%20to%20Get%20the%20Best%20Value%20When%20Buying%20an%20RV&body=https%3A%2F%2Frmcu.net%2Fblog%2Fvalue-when-buying-an-rv](mailto:?subject=How%20to%20Get%20the%20Best%20Value%20When%20Buying%20an%20RV&body=https%3A%2F%2Frmcu.net%2Fblog%2Fvalue-when-buying-an-rv) You May Like These ## Related Articles ![](https://rmcu.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Budgeting%20Your%20Money%20Doesn't%20Have%20to%20Suck!%20Try%20These%20Ideas%20to%20Make%20Budgeting%20Easier..jpg?width=700&name=Budgeting%20Your%20Money%20Doesn't%20Have%20to%20Suck!%20Try%20These%20Ideas%20to%20Make%20Budgeting%20Easier..jpg) Tips from the Pros ### [Budgeting Your Money Doesn't Have to Stink! Try These Ideas to Make Budgeting Easier.](https://rmcu.net/blog/budgeting-your-money-doesnt-have-to-suck-try-these-ideas-to-make-budgeting-easier) Budgeting your money isn't easy. To make sticking to your budget feel a little easier, we came up wi... Keep Reading ![](https://rmcu.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Budgeting-doesn't-have-to-be-a-punishment.jpg?width=700&name=Budgeting-doesn't-have-to-be-a-punishment.jpg) Tips from the Pros ### [Your Budget Shouldn't Feel Like a Punishment \[Budget Tips and Tricks from an Insider\]](https://rmcu.net/blog/sticking-to-a-budget-isnt-as-bad-as-you-think-tips-and-tricks-from-an-insider) Whether you're creating a personal budget, a family budget, or doing a whole budget makeover it shou... Keep Reading ![](https://rmcu.net/hs-fs/hubfs/RMCU_Budgeting4Boatz_Blog_Images_2.jpg?width=700&name=RMCU_Budgeting4Boatz_Blog_Images_2.jpg) ### [How to Buy a Boat in Time for Spring](https://rmcu.net/blog/how-to-buy-a-boat-in-time-for-spring) If you’re investing in your own boat this year, start budgeting and planning your finances now. Here... 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