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Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Announcing The 8 Best Used RV Trailers Under $5k
It’s usually considered that brand-new RVs are a waste of money and that RVers should only buy used RVs, which we generally agree with. This material may interest you if you know the money-saving benefits of used RVs.
Today, we will talk about travel trailers priced under $5,000. In particular, we have eight models to showcase. $5,000 may seem insane for any RV, but such cheap travel trailers are available.
Aside from overviewing those 8 RVs, we will discuss the reasonability of buying an RV under $5,000.
You might also like:
- Best Used Class B Motorhome RVs For Sale
- Best Used Class C RV for Sale
- What To Look For When Buying A Used RV?
- 5 Ways To Save Money By Buying Used RV Furniture
Let’s begin without further ado!
How did we pick RVs for our top?
Before we move on to our top 8 of the best travel trailers under $5,000, we think it is essential that you know how we picked them.
We chose RVs based on the pricing information provided by J D Power RVs. Another option would be to research used RV marketplaces and establish our top on their listings, but since offers come and go quickly, we decided to go for the NADA Guides that offer ready data based on market prices.
NADA provides info on the following:
- The suggested list price of RVs was the unit’s approximate value when it was brand-new.
- A low retail value for units with extensive wear and tear.
- An average retail value for an RV in good condition.
Selecting RVs for the overview, we aimed at picking models that were not too old. The oldest RV on our top was produced in 2011, which is reasonably old. These RVs are decently equipped and should allow you to upgrade them to meet modern standards quickly.
Since under $5,000 is very cheap for RVs, we chose to overview precisely affordable floorplans rather than the entire RV line, which that floorplan is a part of. That’s because prices vary significantly from floorplan to floorplan within an RV line.
The average retail price of the RVs picked for overview was $5,350-5,360, with the low retail being $4,450. The prices are based on RVs with no options.
You will notice that the RVs on our list are priced very closely, which may mean that they all were at their scrap values – the value of their components with no markup – as of June 2019.
Given NADA’s price listing rules, if you go for an RV that costs less than its average value, expect to spend additional money on repairs and upgrades.
We decided not to go cheaper and 100% under $5,000 since it would force us to go further back in time. There are RVs that today cost around $4,000 on average, but these were primarily made in the past decade, which we think is too old.
The figures and amenity info you will see below were taken from the NADA guides, so there may be variations in actual RVs sold. Besides, keep in mind that the availability of these RVs may vary, and you may not be able to find one or another model.
Lastly, remember that the images provided on the RVs NADA pages may not correspond to the specific floorplan overviewed. In some cases, NADA posts the image of not the particular model but of the top model in that RV line.
Best used travel trailers under $5,000:
- 2011 Jayco Jay Feather Sport M-165
- 2013 Jayco Jay Flight Swift SLX M-145 RB
- 2014 Starcraft AR-One M-14RB
- 2013 Sportsmen Classic M-13FK
- 2011 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup M-16P
- 2011 Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf M-17BH
- 2013 Forest River Palomino Canyon Cat M-12RBC
- 2013 Forest River Palomino Palomini M-131RL
Recommended Used Travel Trailers under $5,000
1. 2011 Jayco Jay Feather Sport M-165
Suggested list price: $15,929
Low retail: $4,450
Average retail: $5,350
Specs:
- Length: 18 feet.
- Interior height: 78 inches.
- Base weight: 2,835 pounds.
- Carrying capacity: 665 pounds.
Features:
- 13,500BTU AC.
- Standard bathroom with a shower and toilet.
- Five sleeping spots.
At its introduction, the 2011 Jayco Jay Feather Sport M-165 was a pretty lovely travel trailer floorplan. Quite decently sized, this travel trailer now offers more comfort than many other similarly priced travel trailers.
Measuring 18 feet in length, this RV is relatively compact and lightweight, but it nonetheless has a layout similar to much larger travel trailers. Most notably, the M-165 travel trailer boasts a bathroom, shower, toilet, and ample sleeping space for up to 5 individuals.
Aside from that, the Jay Feather Sport M-165 travel trailer has a compact dinette and a decently equipped kitchen area with a three-burner cooktop, a microwave, and a refrigerator. This travel trailer also has a TV shelf but doesn’t come with a TV.
If you are looking for decent comfort in a travel trailer and aren’t too worried about size and weight, the Jay Feather Sport M-165 travel trailer may be a good option.
2. 2013 Jayco Jay Flight Swift SLX M-145 RB
Suggested list price: $10,266
Low retail: $4,450
Average retail: $5,360
Specs:
- Length: 16 feet 6 inches.
- Interior height: 73 inches.
- Base weight: 2,285 pounds.
- Carrying capacity: 665 pounds.
Features:
- 5,000BTU AC.
- Standard bathroom with a shower and toilet.
- Four sleeping spots.
The 2013 Jayco Jay Flight Swift SLX M-145 RB is two years newer than the Jay Feather Sport M-165. However, it seems cheaper, so it doesn’t offer as much comfort.
Quite a bit smaller than the Jay Feather Sport M-165 travel trailer, the M-145 RB has less interior room. However, regarding the general layout of the RVs, we wouldn’t say there are huge differences between the two.
Despite its compact size, the M-145 RB travel trailer still has an interior shower and toilet. It has fewer sleeping spots than the Jay Feather Sport travel trailer – 4 versus 5 – but it still offers a decent amount of sleeping space for its size.
This travel trailer appears to have come with a 5,000 BTU air conditioner, which isn’t too robust but should be enough for such a small trailer. The refrigerator in this travel trailer also seems to be a small countertop unit, and the cooktop has two burners rather than three. Other than that, the layout of the two Jayco travel trailers seems to be very similar.
3. 2014 Starcraft AR-One M-14RB
Suggested list price: $11,285
Low retail: $4,450
Average retail: $5,360
Specs:
- Length: 16 feet 6 inches.
- Interior height: 73 inches.
- Base weight: 2,380 pounds.
- Carrying capacity: 820 pounds.
Features:
- 5,000BTU AC.
- 18,000BTU heater.
- Standard bathroom with a shower and toilet.
- Three sleeping spots.
The 2014 Starcraft AR-One M-14RB has a nearly identical layout to that of the Jay Flight Swift SLX travel trailer we’ve just overviewed, but there are a few crucial differences between the RVs.
While sized roughly the same, this RV is beefier. It weighs about 100 pounds heavier than the Jayco trailer and can carry about 160 pounds more. These are seemingly small numbers, but they are significant, given this RV’s size.
Unlike the Jayco travel trailers, the Starcraft travel trailer has an 18,000 BTU heater so that you can use it in colder seasons. The air conditioner is the same, though, with its 5,000 cooling capacity. Aside from that, this RV has only three sleeping spots.
4. 2013 Sportsmen Classic M-13FK
Suggested list price: $11,145
Low retail: $4,450
Average retail: $5,360
Specs:
- Length: 13 feet 9 inches.
- Interior height: 75 inches.
- Base weight: 1,993 pounds.
- Carrying capacity: 655 pounds.
Features:
- 6,000BTU AC.
- 16,000BTU heater.
- Bathroom with a toilet.
- Two sleeping spots.
The 2013 Sportsmen Classic M-13FK is a very compact travel trailer model. Weighing up to around 2,600 pounds and measuring 13 feet 9 inches in length, it is quite a suitable option for people who don’t have too much space and towing capacity.
However, this travel trailer is exceptionally well-equipped for its size. For example, it has a 6,000 BTU AC unit and a 16,000 BTU heater, so that it will be good at cooling and heating. Plus, it has quite a nice layout with most amenities you can see in larger travel trailers.
A shower is lacking from this travel trailer, but an outside shower may come included with this model. Aside from that, this thing has comparably little comfort and just two sleeping spots.
5. 2011 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup M-16P
Suggested list price: $16,087
Low retail: $4,450
Average retail: $5,360
Specs:
- Length: 17 feet 9 inches.
- Base weight: 2,654 pounds.
- Carrying capacity: 1,152 pounds.
Features:
- 13,500BTU AC.
- 20,000BTU heater.
- Wet bath system.
- Seven sleeping spots.
The 2011 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup M-16P travel trailer is a decently sized RV that delivers a surprising amount of comfort for its dimensions. Perhaps the most notable thing in this travel trailer is its seven sleeping spots.
Temperature control is also great in this travel trailer thanks to its 13,500 AC and 20,000 BTU heater. The RV’s bathroom is also attractive – a compact wet bath system that combines a shower and toilet. While soaking baths aren’t as comfy as standard bathrooms, they are better regarding space efficiency.
The Wolf Pup M-16P travel trailer also has a remarkable carrying capacity of 1,152 pounds, more than a third of its base weight. Due to this, this travel trailer should be an excellent option for people who wish to carry a lot of extra stuff with them.
6. 2011 Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf M-17BH
Suggested list price: $16,444
Low retail: $4,500
Average retail: $5,450
Specs:
- Length: 22 feet 2 inches.
- Interior height: 78 inches.
- Base weight: 3,700 pounds.
- Carrying capacity: 3,822 pounds.
Features:
- 13,500BTU AC.
- 20,000BTU heater.
- Standard bathroom with a shower and toilet.
- Seven sleeping spots.
The 2011 Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf M-17BH travel trailer offers a remarkable level of comfort for its price. Sized at 22 feet 2 inches, this travel trailer delivers the best comfort, albeit it weighs 3,700 pounds.
It also has a listed carrying capacity of 3,822 pounds, which, to be fair, is suspiciously high for an RV of this size. If this number is correct, the M-17BH travel trailer also has an excellent carrying capacity.
Thanks to its roomy interior, this travel trailer accommodates more amenities than other RVs. Namely, it has seven sleeping spots, a nicely sized dinette, a well-equipped kitchen with a three-burner cooktop, two sinks, a refrigerator, and a bathroom with a shower and toilet.
Given its comfort, if you find this RV for around or under $5,000, it is a bargain.
7. 2013 Forest River Palomino Canyon Cat M-12RBC
Suggested list price: $11,861
Low retail: $4,450
Average retail: $5,360
Specs:
- Length: 16 feet 3 inches.
- Base weight: 2,812 pounds.
- Carrying capacity: 1000 pounds.
Features:
- 13,500BTU AC.
- Standard bathroom with a shower and toilet.
- Two sleeping spots.
The 2013 Forest River Palomino travel trailer is compact yet nicely equipped. Overall, it seems a good option for people looking for a compact travel trailer with few sleeping spots – this travel trailer has just 2.
This travel trailer is very similar to the Jayco Jay Flight Swift SLX M-145 RB we overviewed earlier, but there are a few significant differences between them. Namely, the Jay Flight trailer has four sleeping spots and weighs nearly 500 pounds lighter than this RV. On the other hand, this travel trailer has an additional 335 pounds of carrying capacity.
The kitchen in the Jayco travel trailer also seems to be a little better since it has more countertop areas. Otherwise, the kitchen setup is similar, including the two-burner stovetop and the below-counter refrigerator.
8. 2013 Forest River Palomino Palomini M-131RL
Suggested list price: $10,913
Low retail: $4,450
Average retail: $5,360
Specs:
- Length: 16 feet 10 inches.
- Base weight: 1,930 pounds.
- Carrying capacity: 1,766 pounds.
Features:
- 5,000BTU AC.
- Two dinettes.
- Four sleeping spots.
Lastly, we have the 2013 Forest River Palomino Palomini M-131RL travel trailer. This trailer is close to trailers like the Jayco Jay Flight Swift SLX M-145 RB and Forest River Palomino Canyon Cat M-12RBC, but it is pretty different.
Namely, Forest River has put two dinettes in this travel trailer – 56 x 82 inches and 36 x 82 inches. While the increased dining area will be nice for some people, its tradeoff is that this travel trailer doesn’t have an indoor bathroom.
This travel trailer also has a sleeping room for four people, which is decent for the size. Aside from that, NADA lists a 1,766-pound carrying capacity for this RV, which, if true, is excellent for its weight and size.
Probably a few people will need the increased dining area offered by this travel trailer, but if you are one of them, then the Palomini M-131RL RV may be an excellent option.
Should you even buy a used RV?
Acquiring a used RV may seem like a bargain, but you are probably wondering whether it is worth it. After all, there may be some hidden costs associated with buying a used RV.
Well, it depends. Some used RVs should be avoided, while a few will allow you to save a lot of money and won’t incur significant repair costs.
That said, let’s overview the significant advantages and disadvantages associated with used RVs.
Pros of buying a used RV
Massive amount of money saved
The number one benefit of buying a used RV is the enormous amount of money you save.
RVs are vehicles, which means that they are depreciating assets. Driving a brand-new RV off the lot loses 10-30% of the purchase value. If someone buys a new RV and decides to sell it immediately, then you’ll buy a brand-new RV with a 10-30% discount.
Many people – us included – think buying a brand-new RV is not worth it. You are paying at least 10-30% more but aren’t getting equivalent benefits! And the very fact that RVs lose 10-30% of their value by just driving off the lot shows what a waste of money buying a new RV can be.
This 10-30% depreciation occurs at the moment of purchase, and the older the RV gets, the higher its depreciation is. This means you could buy a two-year-old RV for half its original price and maybe even cheaper! And this older RV can remain a modern piece of machinery for now.
Cheaper insurance
Insurance premiums are usually cheaper for used RVs, which further increases the money savings achieved by buying a used travel trailer or motorhome.
Price Transparency
When buying a new RV, the price can be a headache. You can’t know how far off the actual value the RV is priced. You don’t know to what extent you should negotiate the price and whether you should negotiate the price in the first place. This lack of transparency is a big issue for people who want to get the most value for their money.
With used RVs, things are entirely different. There are a variety of online platforms for buying used RVs where you can look around and assess the pricing of the desired RV model. You can roughly estimate the actual value of an RV by calculating the average price sellers ask.
The NADA guides can also provide you with precious information. Here, you can find price info on almost any RV manufactured in past decades. People often use the NADA figures when picking a reasonable RV price.
So, all in all, you can quickly gather data on the pricing of used RVs. Thanks to this, this market is much more transparent than the brand-new RV market.
Fixed off-the-lot mechanical issues
It’s no secret that RVs often suffer from mechanical issues within the first months of use. Thus, as a buyer of a brand-new RV, you should expect to spend quite a lot of money on fixing all the mechanical issues.
While money-saving is the most significant benefit of buying a used RV, a no less important benefit is that you don’t have to deal with all those issues that would have probably occurred in a new RV. The old owner has perhaps already resolved those issues and eliminated the early weak links.
Human touch added to the RV
RVs come very well-equipped off the lot, but many people prefer to modify them to make them more convenient for their needs. While the default stuff like refrigerators and air conditioners are essential, small additions like towel hangers or closet organizers can make a big difference. Also, previous owners may have installed more severe things like solar panels or a satellite receiver!
The stuff the old owner may have installed won’t necessarily correspond to your needs. However, the fundamental things that the RV lacked will have likely been added by the previous owner.
Aside from making the RV more convenient, minor modifications may make it more valuable. Maybe not by much, but still significant enough to be noticed. And given that used RVs cost much less than new ones, the value for the money can be insane.
Cons of buying a used RV
The RV doesn’t feel new.
The number one downside of buying a used RV that first comes to mind is that it no longer feels fresh and new.
A brand-new RV is going to be completely clean and free of odors. A used RV could also be in a near-new condition regarding cleanness, depending on how well the previous user has taken care of their RV.
If the previous RV owner was a smoker, the RV interior will probably have a noticeable odor of cigarette smoke. Pets can also be a source of all kinds of odors. And while this is perfectly okay – the RV owner may do whatever they want, you probably won’t like it if the RV isn’t perfectly clean.
No manufacturer’s warranty coverage
Used RVs are often no longer covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, though this depends on the warranty term and how old the RV itself is.
A manufacturer’s warranty is a welcome bonus in RVs since it safeguards you from the costs associated with the breakdown of the covered parts of the RV. You’d want a manufacturer’s warranty to cover your back.
There is, of course, the option of an extended RV warranty, but you will have to pay extra for it. In addition, extended warranty providers put forward specific requirements for RV age and mileage, and an old RV may not be eligible for an extended warranty.
Hidden damage
The thing that probably worries the majority of used RV buyers is hidden damage. While a skilled eye can relatively easily detect hidden issues, only a few buyers probably have the expertise to do an inspection themselves.
Detecting hidden damage is essential to make a more informed decision about your purchase. In addition, if you buy an RV with some damage, knowing about its issues will allow you to avoid any unpleasant surprises and plan your budget efficiently.
Nonetheless, you must inspect an RV in-depth before signing any contracts. If you don’t have the expertise to do it yourself, have someone else do it for you. Even if you have to hire a professional for an inspection, it is better to pay a little money now to safeguard you from considerable surprise costs in the future.
Repair & upgrade costs may outweigh the benefits.
Perhaps not the first downside that comes to mind, a potentially costly repair is the most significant disadvantage associated with buying a used RV. While you won’t necessarily need to spend any money on repairs, some RVs will require you to pay more than you would like.
Furthermore, these repair costs may be so high that they outweigh the financial benefits of buying a used RV. While you probably won’t need to spend as much on a new RV, the costs could be significant enough to make your purchase completely unreasonable.
Due to this, you should not go for a used RV that is priced too cheaply. Such an RV is either ancient or is beaten up quite significantly. Instead, it would be more reasonable to pay a little more money for an RV that is newer and in a better condition. The repair costs that an old RV may incur can make it a pricier buy than a more unique and expensive RV in a better condition.
Remember that the repair costs may include not only the mechanical parts of the RV. For example, suppose the interior of the RV smells of cigarette smoke. In that case, you may need to do more or less significant remodeling to eliminate the odor since cleaning may not help.
So, if possible, you need to consider all the costs that may occur with a specific RV before making a purchase.
The RV may quickly become obsolete.
A used RV may be a few years old, which isn’t a big deal. However, the RV is already somewhat obsolete and will get even more obsolete.
Tech advances very quickly nowadays, and what seems new today may become outdated in just a couple of years, let alone an RV that is already old. And since you will probably buy and use an RV for a long time, you may want to ensure it is as new as possible.
Minor tech stuff like USB ports – standard in modern RVs – can easily be added to an older RV with a simple wall plate add-on. These small additions are okay since they are cheap, but the RV shouldn’t be so old to require you to do a significant remodeling.
Aside from that, many developed campgrounds have age restrictions on the RVs they allow. Usually, anything older than ten years isn’t allowed at RV campgrounds.
Thus, it would be best if you were wary of the age of the RV. First, don’t go for an RV over ten years old, just in case. Plus, remember that it may not be allowed in campgrounds for five years when buying a five-year-old RV. This will be okay if you plan to get a newer RV within those five years, but otherwise, you may want to look for something more unique.
Poorer selection of used RVs
The last downside of buying a used RV is that you don’t have a wide selection. Used RVs mostly come as-is, and you don’t have control over what you get. You are limited to whatever is available on the market at the moment.
With new RVs, you have a more comprehensive selection of RV models than on the used market. In addition, you are free to buy whatever options you deem necessary for your RV.
Should you buy a used RV?
Cost-wise, if you aren’t crazy about how fresh your RV will look and feel, a used RV is a much more reasonable and efficient choice. Buying a new RV makes very little sense unless you have particular needs that can’t be satisfied with a used RV.
However, should you buy an RV for under $5,000?
You should save up for a $7,500-10,000 travel trailer. $5,000 tends to be close to traveling trailers’ scrap value, which RVs usually reach in about ten years. However, an RV that wasn’t too costly initially may reach its scrap value much faster.
In other words, you may want to avoid $5,000 RVs since they may be too old for safe use, for parking at campgrounds, and for getting an extended warranty. In addition, RVs that now cost $5,000 usually are low-end RVs that don’t offer too much comfort.
On the other hand, for $7,500-10,000, you will have a more comprehensive selection of better RVs. So, if possible, we think you should save up for a pricier RV. If not, and you need an RV right now, then buying an RV that costs around $5,000 may be reasonable.
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