Buying an RV is an exciting step, it’s part adventure planning and part lifestyle choice. But before you jump in, you’ll need to decide… Should I buy new or used RV? Each path has its own set of perks and trade-offs, and understanding what you get with each option, can help you avoid buyer’s remorse later.
In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of new vs. used, share what first-time buyers often regret, and highlight a few common surprises that pop up during those first months on the road.
Table of Contents
Buying New
Buying Used
What Most People Regret
First Six Months
Tools, Mindset, & Patience
Real Life Scenario
Final Thoughts
New vs. Used: Which is Right for You?
When it comes to RV shopping, budget is often the first deciding factor. But it’s not the only one! Your personality, comfort level, and willingness to tinker will all play a role in what you ultimately choose!
Buying New
Pros:
- Clean Slate: Everything is fresh, no mystery spills, smells, or wear-and-tear. For some buyers, the idea of sleeping on someone else’s mattress or using their bathroom is a hard “no.” That’s perfectly okay and very normal! Who doesn’t like brand new?!
- Warranty Protection: Most new RVs come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers many issues in the first year, offering peace of mind if something goes wrong. Whether it’s an awning that is stuck or a fridge that quit working, your warranty your safety net.
- Better Financing Options: Lenders often offer more favorable interest rates and longer terms for new RVs.
- Latest Features: New models often include upgraded tech, improved layouts, and better construction materials.
Cons:
- Higher Price Tag: New RVs cost more upfront.
- Depreciation: Like cars, RVs lose value quickly, sometimes up to 20% in the first year.
- First-Year Fixes: Even brand-new RVs can have loose screws, trim issues, or small leaks as they “settle in” with use.
Buying Used
A lower price point makes stepping into a used RV less intimidating, and just as importantly, it makes stepping out easier if RV life isn’t what you imagined.
This less risky entry and exit gives you the freedom to experience the lifestyle without locking yourself in.
But most RV owners fall in love with the lifestyle and eventually decide to upgrade to something newer or bigger. But hey, we encourage taking RV life one step at a time!
In the case, that your used RV isn’t exactly what you are wanting, it can become a trade-in that can go towards your next rig.
And if you happen to be in the small percentage of RVers that decide RVing isn’t for you, the smaller upfront investment means you’ll walk away with far less loss than if you had purchased new.
Pros:
- Lower Price: Significant savings compared to new, sometimes 30% or more!
- Slower Depreciation: Most of the value drop happens in the first few years, so you may retain more of your investment.
- Added Gear: Used RVs often come with bonus accessories like hoses, leveling blocks, and upgraded batteries.
- Bugs Worked Out: The first owner may have already handled the common early repairs.
Cons:
- Limited or No Warranty: You’re often responsible for any repairs from day one.
- Wear and Tear: Even well-kept RVs will show signs of use.
- Financing Challenges: Loan terms for used RVs can be shorter with slightly higher rates.
- Potential Unknowns: Unless it’s been meticulously maintained, you might inherit hidden issues.
What Most People Regret After Buying Their First RV?
Surprisingly, it’s not usually about the brand or even the cost, it’s the floorplan.
Many buyers choose a layout with big bunks or multiple beds, expecting kids or grandkids to join every trip, only to find those beds sitting empty.
On the flip side, some buy smaller rigs to save money, only to find themselves cramped with nowhere to prep meals or store essentials.
Top regrets:
- Poor Floorplan Fit: Wasted or unusable space.
- Not Enough Counter Space: Cooking becomes a balancing act.
- Limited Storage: Leads to clutter or leaving items behind.
Checkout as many layouts as you can, and think realistically about how you’ll travel. Picture your daily routine, not just a dreamy weekend trip! And if possible, rent an RV for a weekend to find out what you like and don’t like!
The First 6 Months: Common Surprises & Fixes
Even the best RVs come with quirks, especially after you hit the road for the first time. Here are some of the most common issues new owners face:
Loose Screws, Paneling, and Trim: Road vibrations naturally shake things loose—tightening them periodically is part of RV life.
Small Water Leaks: Particularly after travel days, when hoses and fittings can loosen.
Black Tank Odors: This is one of the biggest learning curves for new RVers. Proper dumping, cleaning, and treatment make all the difference.
Bish’s Tip:
Before heading home from your trip, dump a bag of ice down the toilet. The movement of the ice while driving helps scrub the inside of the tank and sensors, keeping your system cleaner and reducing odors.
Pack a small tool kit and a bucket of patience.
Most RV repairs are simple, quick fixes you can handle yourself with a screwdriver, wrench, or a little YouTube guidance.
RVing is part travel, part tinkering, and the more comfortable you are with the second part, the smoother your adventures will go, whether you own new or used!
Real-Life Scenarios: New vs. Used
To bring it into focus, let’s look at two real-life examples:
- The New RV Buyer: Sarah and Jake bought a brand-new travel trailer. They loved the spotless interior, but within the first three trips, they had to make warranty appointments for a leaky window and a fridge door that wouldn’t seal. It was inconvenient, but everything was fixed for free. Their biggest frustration wasn’t the cost, but the downtime waiting for service.
- The Used RV Buyer: Meanwhile, Tom and Lisa bought a three-year-old fifth wheel. They saved $20,000 off the new price and inherited solar panels the first owner installed. But two months in, their water pump died, an $800 repair out of pocket. Still, they felt the savings outweighed the surprise expense.
Both stories are common, and both highlight that whether you buy new or used, one scenario may cost you money and the other may cost you time.
Final Thoughts
So, back to the big question, should you buy new or used?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you value warranties, and the peace of mind of being the first owner, new might be worth the price tag.
If you’re budget-conscious, don’t mind a little wear, and want to avoid the steepest depreciation, used could be the smarter play.
What matters most is not just the RV itself, but whether it matches your lifestyle, budget, and expectations.
Every RV, new or used, comes with maintenance, learning curves, and surprises. But if you go in prepared, with realistic expectations and a flexible mindset, you’ll find that the trade-offs are worth it.
After all, RVing isn’t only about the RV, it’s about the memories you’ll make once you hit the open road!
Written By: Brooke Erickson
Some say I am a writer, I like to say I am a storyteller