Motorhomes and towables are playing role-reversal in the latest used RV market report. The latest reporting month, November 2024, shows a seeming skyrocket in motorhome prices, while trailer prices trailed off. What gives with January used RV prices? We turned to Eric Lawrence with Black Book, the specialist in used vehicle market watching.
“The average values for motorhomes and towables sold at auction were mixed last month once again,” says Eric Lawrence, “but in the opposite direction of the prior month, with towables dropping and motorhomes increasing in value.” Lawrence notes that values on both classes of rigs were still below their levels of two months ago.
Used RV prices—motorhomes ahead
The average selling price for motorhomes was $62,412, which is up $8,169 (15.1%) from the previous month. That seems like one super-charged price increase when looking at the graphs. What’s the deal here? It wasn’t a surprise for the Black Book specialist.
Last month Lawrence warned that the unusual dip in motorhome prices was a fluke, based on the small number of motorhome sales. He fully expected to see this “correction” in prices. One year ago, the average motorhome sold for $53,896 and the average towable brought $18,294. Once again, we can probably look to see another “correction” in motorhome prices. As Lawrence likes to say, don’t worry about the spikes, follow the trends.
While towables decline
On the other side of the sales yard, towables came in at $18,286, down $776 (4.1%) from last month. That pretty much came in as expected. When November rolled around, plenty of RV dealers around the country were entering their winter doldrums. Rather than stocking up on used units that would probably just clutter up their lots (and tie up floor planning interest), most dealers will wait until the promise of spring—along with cabin fever-infected American families who want to hit the road—before shopping auction houses again.
Aside from used RV prices, Lawrence also filled in the nitty-gritty of other statistics. Auction volume was up: Motorhomes increased 4.6% while towables rose 8.4%. The average age of motorhomes sold was 9 years old (2016) and non-motorized was 5 (2020).
##RVT1191b
I don’t know why everyone seems to get so focused on RV pricing. i would think most everyone understands that 1) it is, and always has been a volatile market, 2) they depreciate pretty darn fast, especially if purchased new, 3) the marketplace is whimsical. Do I get my shorts in a knot with articles like this? Nope – you have to go in knowing that an RV is not an investment, but a value declining fun object. When I sell my motorhome – I’ll be lucky to get 40% back of what I paid for it and I’m OK with that based on the pleasure I’m getting from it.
Mike, you said it better than I could, thanks.
Well it’s good to know that I’m not alone in my thought process. When I tried to explain this to others they shook their heads and walked away. With that my bride and I are enjoying our 5th wheel travels.
With so many Californians needing temporary housing, does anyone know if there is a broker seeking used motorhomes for sale for these victims? With the ban on diesels in the future, will this present a unique problem?
Thank you, Russ and Tina! Interesting how variable the wholesale market is!?! Thank you for following this market. Have a great day and safe travels! 🙂