Used RV market watching group Black Book has released its most recent look at the market. Where are RV prices going? Is it time to buy that “new to you” RV of your dreams?
It’s an interesting mixed bag. Compared to pre-COVID times, prices are decidedly higher. Much higher! But if you’re accustomed to the sticker shock, you may be interested to see a downward trending in some markets, while others are on the rise. What’s your preference—motorized or towable?
Motorized still powering up
If you’re looking for a motorhome, it might be wise to “wait and see.” The most recent statistics are for June sales, which saw motorhomes jump up nearly 7%. The average used RV value for motorized rang in at $73,615 which is up $4,667 from May. But keeping it in perspective, a year ago the average motorhome sold for $73,183—not a great deal of change there, about a half of a percent increase from 2021.
Towables tumble from 2021
Travel trailer and fifth-wheel buyers, there’s a decided change in which way the wind is blowing. Towables came in at an average sale price of $20,257, up only $61, or 0.3% from the previous month. But looking at year-to-year comparisons, the difference in RV prices is much clearer. In June 2021, the average towable unit brought $23,654. That means a drop of nearly 15.5 percent from June 2021 to today!
Dealer lots filling up
Black Book’s commentary on the RV market included this statement: “Several of the RV dealers we have spoken to recently have reported that their inventories are approaching a comfortable level, especially on the towable side, and most have said that floor traffic is good for the time of year.”
That stacks up against what we’ve been hearing from RVtravel.com readers. Many of you have reported that in your travels you’ve seen RV dealer lots with plenty of rigs. In some cases, they’re stacked to the gills. If that trend were to continue, we could only speculate that plenty of supply may lead to reduction in RV prices. If you don’t need to buy now, it may be wise to hang on a little longer.
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I would suspect that a number of family COVID buyers would have purchased towables. Does this mean they are starting to drop out of the market?
We ordered a new Super C at the end of March. This was, and I anticipate still is, in the era of NO Price Protection. As the manufacturer was not able to predict what would happen in the next 1/2 + year, the anticipated delivery time frame. We were informed by the Dealer that the price might increase 5 – 10 %. Since the coach is now completed, but not yet delivered to the Dealer, we were provided with the new MSRP. The price increase came in at 2.5%.
Also noted, recently was the news that 2022’s a considered a bargain at the present time, as 2023 prices will be higher. Of course, the MSRP is not totally in the hands of the manufacturer. The price increases of a 2023 vs. 2022, as in past years, have also been driven by features / options changes.
That looks about right. We have noted a definite increase in towables on local lots here in Alberta as well. However, they may be arriving at the cost of even lower quality than the industry is already infamous for, as my wife’s cousin is finding out. They bought new last fall, and have been plagued with horrible quality issues, including axle geometry out over an inch from side to side, and external sheathing blowing off while traveling on their maiden voyage.
Wow sorry to hear that. I cannot imagine an axle that far from square leaving factory- sounds downright dangerous.
Fortunately my wife’s cousin is a very accomplished mechanic and he was able to adjust the discrepancy himself. The factory replaced an axle and four tires under warranty, but still didn’t get the geometry fixed. I can’t believe that it could be that far out either if these things are assembled on a jig.
What brand is it? Do you know?