There are many options when it comes to finding the perfect recreational vehicle (RV) to meet each and every single one of your travel needs. While there are plenty of dealers to choose from and the Internet allows research on an entirely new level, it also brings up the question of whether or not you should shop for an RV online. There are pros and cons to looking online for good deals on caravan sales and this article will help run through the pros and cons so you can figure out if shopping online is the right move for you.
The Pros of RV Shopping Online
There’s something special about camping via RV that really opens up the possibilities when it comes to enjoying the comforts of home while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the wild. There’s no reason you can’t enjoy the best of both worlds and bring that extra quality of life to each and every holiday outing.
While many people prefer to do all of their shopping and purchasing for RVs in person, there might not be a local RV dealer near you that can provide a decent option, or even many used options. In those cases, you may have to turn to online research and looking around in order to find a good deal.
There are specific steps you need to take, however. Spend the small amount of money to do an RV check online of any RV you’re looking at buying. You will need the VIN number (17 digits on an RV) to run those background history checks, but if the person looking to sell refuses then you have a red flag there that should encourage you to walk away until you find an owner that has no problem with providing that info.
This may take a little persistence, but good research can help you find a great deal. Just make sure to do it right and you’ll see the best possible results.
PROS:
- You can compare and contrast prices easily
- You have the ability to check out many different sellers
- Nothing beats an in-person eye test
- You can look at many different caravan designs and styles
The Cons of RV Shopping Online
There are plenty of potential positives when it comes to buying an RV online but there are also plenty of potential negatives, as well. When it comes to used caravan sales, you need to really watch out for potential scams. It’s not hard at all for an individual to swap out pictures, or take them from friendly angles and light to gloss over issues that the RV might have.
In addition to this, you will struggle to put together a final price. While you can get the full amount in a purchase contract for a new campervan, when it comes to used models you have the amount of sale then you have things like switching registration, maintenance, inspection, or even repairs from unknown damage. If you decide to restore or renovate then the final price tag is going to continue to grow.
These are common occurrences, yet you have very little ability to predict how the numbers will eventually play out with any individual purchase. While the potential for savings or a good deal is definitely there, there are also plenty of less than reputable people who are putting out questionable ads or who aren’t being fully hones when it comes to what you’re getting.
That is how what looks like a good deal right off the bat can end up becoming a disaster once the money has already exchanged hands and more work has yet to be done. You’re also not going to get a warranty or money back guarantee that you can rely on, so you’re taking a serious chance that the RV is as good as the seller claims it is.
CONS:
- You don’t get a final price
- You often don’t get to see the RV in person until you buy
- There can be risks with fraud or misrepresentation
- Descriptions or pictures won’t always be accurate or tell the whole story
So What’s the Verdict?
This is a hard one to determine. There are stories of people who have found great deals shopping for used RVs online, but then there are also plenty of others who have horror stories ranging from the caravan not being in nearly as good a shape as advertised to outright fraud. There is plenty of possibility and opportunity out there. Many will agree that when it comes to caravan sales if money isn’t a major hindrance than the security and warranties that come with a new model is definitely the way to go. That being said, a little online research can go a long way to helping you find a great deal or at the very least, give you the information and research needed to find which route is best for your specific needs.