Maybe there’s frost on the gavel at the auction house. Wholesale prices on used RVs have chilled, according to the latest report from Black Book. The vehicle price-watching firm has just released its compilation of RV auction prices across the country for September. Wholesale RV prices declined—as is typical for this time of year.
Wholesale RV prices off for both motorized and towables
“The average values for motorhomes and towables sold at auction fell slightly once again last month,” reports Eric Lawrence, Black Book’s principal analyst on RV sales. “This is the second consecutive month of decreases across the board, which more than likely indicates the beginnings of a return to normal seasonal patterns.”
Motorhome specifics
And the details? Motorhome prices continue on the downward slide. Their average selling price was $65,973, down $2,226 (3.4%) from the previous month. A year ago, in September, the average motorhome sold for $61,575. That marks the price of used motorhomes actually up by 6.9% on a year-over-year comparison. More motorhomes sold this month, compared to August, with the volume up 18.2%. The average selling motorhome age was eight years old, or a 2016 model.
Towable tales
Towable units sold on average for $18,736. That, too, is down—by $312 (1.6%) from last month. Compared to September 2023 figures, the average towable unit brought $20,138. Unlike motorhomes, towable prices on a year-to-year comparison were down 7.2%. When comparing this to sales of new trailers, it’s an unusual item—and one that will bear watching. The number of towables crossing the auction block in September decreased 0.9%. And age? Five years old was the average age, or a 2019 model year unit.
Looking forward
What’s the future hold? Lawrence says, “As more new 2025 models continue to arrive on dealer’s lots, we expect used values to trend downward as we head into colder weather.” Don’t look for a turnaround for a few months.
We spoke with Lawrence on Thursday, October 31. RV prices tend to be seasonal, we wondered if anticipation for the national election next week might have any bearing on things. Lawrence quickly replied that he’s not sure just how much difference the election has on RV buyers and sellers. In the past, the market hasn’t seemed to react much to politics.
Tips for RV buyers?
Bottom line for the RV retail consumer? As the 2025 model year units continue to move onto dealer lots, look for more buyer leverage when shopping for “new” 2024 units. But, cautions Lawrence, if doing a “model-to-model” comparison, be sure to look at the “contenting.” “Manufacturers,” says Eric Lawrence, “will content or de-content units, depending on the price point they’re trying to reach.” Those added (or subtracted) features and bling could make a difference in your final purchase price.
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“Contenting” is an interesting way of saying “cheapening” without really saying it. Kinda like saying lessening its worth is not the same as getting closer to worthless.
Short of batteries, appliances and bedding materials, I’m curious how a dealer can economically “de-content” a rig to alter the price point.
They’re already selling rigs with no fuel, cords, hoses, surge protectors, propane or PDI.
What’s he thinking, they’ll “de-content” further and offer the windows, entry doors and water pump for an extra fee?
I 35 E from Lewisville to Denton, Texas has several RV dealerships, all pretty much full from last year. I would be concerned to buy a new one that has sat in the Texas summer and dry rotted away. As for their warranty…
“(W)e expect used values to trend downward as we head into colder weather.” Gee, no kidding!
They are put together cheap and fast, no quality control at all, most manufacturers don’t care once they are out their door.
Last seven months of towable sales looks steady. I just don’t see the issue on them.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! Good to know. We are a couple of years short of trading. At that point, we’ll be looking for new. Have a great week and safe travels!