There comes a time in most RVers’ lives where they reach a crossroad of whether they should continue adventuring with the current rig or make the decision to move on from their travel trailer RV or other motorhome.
“We have upgraded twice and each time for a different reason,” says Sonya Schweitzer, who travels with her husband John and their dogs. “The first time, we had a smaller RV and were only camping on weekends. When we realized we wanted to RV full time, we upgraded for space, quality, and comfort—something that felt more like ‘home’ and would allow us to live and work in it. The second time was to upgrade in quality. We didn’t really need a new RV but found a brand and model we really liked that would take the comfort and quality up a notch.”
An RV purchase is often a major financial decision, but there is also a level of nostalgia when it comes to trading in a vehicle that has treated you well and amassed lots of great memories over the years. Some decisions are easier than others, but here are RVT’s top five reasons why RV owners typically trade out their home away from home for a newer unit.
1. Available Space in the RV
Many RVers start small and work their way up. If you’ve been in your rig for a few years and your quarters are starting to get cramped because the kids are growing, your family has expanded, or you just need more room to spread out, it’s probably a good time to upgrade to something a little roomier.
With slide-outs, you can easily expand the size of your sleeping or dining areas. Over-the-cab beds or just adding length to your next RV provides extra room for new family members and storage. Consider what is most important to you and keep those ideas in mind when shopping for your upgrade.
2. Your Mechanic is Ready to Retire, Comfortably
Having an RV that’s in the shop more than it’s on the road is not only frustrating but also, it cuts into your relaxation time, and it can start to get fairly expensive as well. Consider both the value of your RV and how much you are dedicating to repairs.
Does the idea of taking a long trip worry you because you aren’t sure if the rig is going to make it? Are there safety features missing from your current RV that are important to you? Do you want a new Class A RV that has more modern conveniences and creature comforts? Any one of these things can be incentive enough to start thinking about moving on to a new model.
3. An Offer That Can’t Be Refused
Like most things over time, as your RV ages, it starts to lose value. If you have already decided you want to upgrade to a newer model, the sooner you put the transaction into motion, the more likely you’ll get top dollar for your trade-in.
Visit your dealer for an appraisal or use our Price Search tool to see what your current RV might be worth today. We can then help you list your used RV for sale and browse through thousands of options for your upgrade.
4. Maximize Your Enjoyment Coefficient
Older model RVs may not be as aerodynamic or fuel efficient as newer models. Wear and tear on your vehicle can also erode your miles per gallon rating. Considering the price of gas right now, every penny at the pump counts.
Newer models use technology to increase your fuel efficiency and power, and you might even be able to trade up to more “bells & whistles” that will make travel with your new toy hauler RV or other motorhome more relaxing and enjoyable. That’s part of why you get away, right?
5. Going All-In on an RV
Visiting a dealership can provide you with a great educational opportunity on what new models are available so you can see what’s hot now and decide what you need to have, what would be nice to have, and what can wait for another time. Also, keep in mind that upgrading to a new-to-you model doesn’t necessarily mean buying a brand-new RV every time. There are some great pre-owned Class B+ camper vans and other used RVs that could be an amazing upgrade over your current RV.
When you’re ready to trade-in your current unit for something that better suits your needs in this stage of your travel experience, RVT is here to help. Use our Advanced RV Search tool to pick the type, make, price, and location of your next RV and scan our listings to help you find your next road warrior. Then you can list your current vehicle with us to find a buyer who is just getting started or can trade up to benefit from what you have.
By Barrett Baker
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