By Cheri Sicard
With RV prices in the headlines and more people eyeing travel freedom, many are wondering if now is the best moment to buy. RV pricing updates and dealership performance can be tough to track, but when Camping World—the nation’s largest RV dealer—reveals its sales data, everyone in the market pays attention. Its public earnings paint a clear picture not just of its sales, but the entire RV market’s health, trends, and real affordability.
In the video at the end of this post, Jason Epperson of RV Miles breaks it all down.
Camping World just posted a record-breaking quarter. In April through June, it sold 45,000 RVs, the most for any quarter in company history. There was a 20% increase in same-store sales for both new and used RVs, standing out even as the overall market saw softer shipments.
Key highlights:
- 45,000 RVs sold in Q2 2025
- 20% rise in same-store sales
- Outpacing slower national RV sales
Dropping prices
Buyers have noticed RV prices dropping. The average new RV price at Camping World fell 10.6%, now about $34,000 compared to $38,000 a year ago. Used RV prices nudged down just over 1% to roughly $30,000. For shoppers, that means more power to negotiate and better sticker prices all around.
- New RVs: $34,000 average (down 10.6%)
- Used RVs: $30,000 average (down just over 1%)
Profit margins show a bigger story. On new RVs, margins slipped to 13.8% because of the lower selling prices. Used RV margins increased to over 20% due to lower purchase costs. That gives Camping World plenty of room to profit, especially as they buy used units for less and sell more.
Camping World’s used inventory grew by 50% this year—on purpose. Some people assume a lot full of RVs means nobody is buying. Not true. Jason explains it this way: just like a supermarket stocks many cereal boxes so shoppers have choices, dealers want lots of RVs on display to keep buyers interested. High inventory doesn’t always equal weak demand.
The affordability hurdle
Even with price drops, lasting affordability is a challenge. RV loans still have high interest rates—now around 9–10% on average. Many buyers see advertised monthly payments and stretched-out loan terms, but end up paying much more in interest over time. It’s smart to check the interest rate and calculate the total loan cost before signing. Cash buyers come out ahead in this environment, but anyone planning to finance an RV should be cautious.
Camping World focuses on smaller, entry-level trailers that average $35,000, while smaller dealers often only stock $50,000+ luxury RVs. Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis points out that affordable units help get new RVers started and into the Camping World customer ecosystem, building lifetime customer value through repeat sales and services.
Camping World has cut back, closing 16 stores in six months and trimming staff, but this has made their existing locations more productive.
Rumors say Camping World slashes prices and sells RVs at a loss. Lemonis calls those claims nonsense, stating, “Every transaction … is intended to be profitable.” Sometimes they clear out old stock at a loss, but that’s true across dealerships. The aim is always a profitable bottom line.
Used RVs
Used RVs are driving the market right now. Dealers want to stock them, margins are healthy, and buyers have more options than ever. Whether shopping at Camping World or a local lot, more used inventory means better deals for shoppers.
The switch from 2025 to 2026 models is happening, but don’t expect big innovations. Most changes are new colors, decals, and interior fabrics. Last year’s models will see the best prices, as 2026 versions arrive with only small updates.
Tips for buyers
- Cash buyers do best right now, avoiding high interest rates.
- Financing buyers should compare the total loan cost, not just the monthly payment.
- Beware: Dealer financing sometimes hides real costs in the payment structure.
- Extended loan terms may lower payments, but increase what you pay in total.
Always check if a better rate or terms are available by shopping around.
Quality in RV manufacturing has improved a bit since the 2021-2022 boom, but issues still pop up. Before buying:
- Inspect new or used RVs with a trusted inspector.
- Join owner groups and forums to learn about real-world issues by model.
- Remember, Winnebago, Thor, Forest River, and others have diverse brands and factories; each model line is different.
The bottom line
Right now, buyers will find the most power if paying cash, especially on used RVs as dealers work through high inventory. For those who plan to finance, waiting for interest rates to fall could save thousands over the life of a loan. Always calculate total costs, read every contract carefully, and research before committing—this market rewards the well-informed.
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RVDT2732
One thing you didn’t mention is that the best deals are often from private sales, which avoid the hidden costs and deceptive practices of (some) dealers. As you noted, an independent inspection is key to getting either a trouble-free RV, or the best price on one that needs some TLC.
Tried dealing with a Camping World dealer and felt like a local used car lot experience. Would never try any of them again.
But you have to move quickly and have cash in hand, and only a subpar unit sitting around for months is going to wait for you to get an inspection. I’d love to go with a private sale but it can’t always be arranged.
Thank you for calling attention to Jason’s video and summarizing its main points, Cheri! On the surface, the increase in sales is interesting, but merely as a curiosity unless the mixture of classes of RVs is included along with the percentages for new sales and used sales. That is a 20-percent increase in sales is largely meaningless until it is known to what degree, if any, the proportions for all classes, and new and used were consistent or varied. Have a great week and safe travels!