Top 10 Marketplaces for Travel Trailers under 5K
If you’re in the market for a used travel trailer under $5,000, my guess is you’re probably feeling like you’re not getting a good view of the market.
Of course, you probably have your eyes set on RV Trader, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. And it’s for a good reason; these are some of the best marketplaces for used RVs under $5k.
However, there’re plenty of other marketplaces you could cast your net and see if you’ll get lucky.
So, where else should you be looking?
In this article, I outline some of the top marketplaces for used travel trailers under $5,000.
I must mention that you must do due diligence in the used RV marketplaces. As with any other purchase, marketplaces have issues with scammers galore, and the process can get dicey if you’re not keen.
With that out, let’s jump into the top marketplaces for travel trailers under $5k.
1. RV Trader
RV Trader is the best thing out there for buying a used RV under $5,000. RV dealers and private sellers usually post their RVs for sale on RV Trader, which surely helps with the buying process.
The online marketplace also has millions of views every month, and more than 200 000 different RVs are listed. It’s a premium marketplace destination for every type of RV.
Furthermore, the marketplace has easy search features and allows buyers to filter their searches depending on the brand, model, type, floorplan, pricing, etc.
Based on experience it might be challenging to find a travel trailer under 5,000 but it’s still a good idea to search and perhaps see what you can get for your money.
RV Trader sells more RVs than any other marketplace and has fewer scam calls. They’ve multiple ads and fees, making them unattractive to scammers.
Of course, due diligence is necessary, but it’s unlikely you’ll get ripped on RV Trader.
2. Camping World
Camping World has pretty much-mixed reviews, and I know including it in our list of the best marketplaces for travel trailers under $5,000 will raise eyebrows.
Many RVers would suggest you stay away from Camping World. Maybe that’s true for most.
However, I’ve to disagree. It might be anecdotal, but my last experience at CW was painless.
One thing I like about Camping World is they have a national presence. They’ve more than 200 locations in 42 states.
Furthermore, they have a laundry stock of used RVs for any budget, and it’s pretty easy to get one that tickles your fancy. Camping World also sells RV gear and equipment.
When shopping for used travel trailers under $5,000 at Camping world, I advise you to know what you want and how much you want to spend. Have a very specific “wish list” of must-have criteria, and if you find one at CW, there’s no reason not to go for it.
3. Bish’s RV
Our third RV purchase platform is a dealership and the perfect spot for those in the Pacific Northwest.
Bish’s RV is among the largest family-owned RV dealerships. It’s a popular dealership, thanks to the relentless marketing skills of “Josh the RV Nerd.”
Josh Winter, real name Josh Haylett is a likable guy and part of Bish’s RV ownership. He has a popular YTB channel, Josh the RV Nerd, and can help you get a decent used RV under $5,000.
While he’s not in sales, he seems to be a decent dude and will help you.
And in case you don’t get him, the Bish’s RV team will help. I’ve bought a travel trailer from them and have never been taken care of like I was at Bish’s.
They’ve three dealerships; Boise, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls. I like that they’ve excellent trailers and RVs for any price, and always look forward to making the customer happy.
4. RVT
RVT is yet another awesome marketplace to buy a used RV under $5,000.
It’s easily accessible in the US and Canada and among the leading sources of RV classifieds. Hence, it’s the perfect option for RVers looking to find new or used campers, travel trailers, motorhomes, fifth wheels, or any other RV.
The good thing with RVT is they have a search feature, allowing you to filter the RV options based on floorplans, design, and type. It’s also easy to stretch your budget or keep it cheap using the search function.
Another perk of using RVT is they’ve thousands of RV listings; the best part is they specialize in RVs under the $10,000 mark. So, finding a travel trailer on a budget gets simpler.
Further, there’s the flexibility of communicating either with a private seller or dealership. There’s so much convenience shopping for an RV under $5,000 with RVT, and from experience and user reviews, you’re unlikely to get disappointed.
5. Autotrader
I’ve found Autotrader to be the least scammy marketplace. Certainly, if you’re buying and much less being bombarded by the “best price” chancers.
However, they’re always bad eggs wherever you look, and the platform doesn’t matter. The good thing with Autotrader is that it charges for anything over grand, so scammers will likely avoid it because it costs them money upfront. The ad charges also mean most sellers are only keen on selling the nicer travel trailers.
My only gripe with Autotrader is you have to wade through tons of less desirables, but there can be great bargains.
Dealers largely use the platform, but you’ll also find some private sellers. There’s generally plenty to choose from.
Price-wise, it’s easy to find options in the budget range and premium RVs.
6. Facebook Marketplaces
Facebook marketplaces are always a good start when searching for used trailers under $5,000. But you need to get the buyer to beware warning. You really never know what you’re getting.
And as much as I’m not a big fan of FB marketplace, they’re still kicking most marketplaces as the top-used platform for purchasing RVs. It’s also a great platform for selling RVs.
During RV purchases from RV, try to find some local RV sales groups and weed out the dumbasses. Of course, the experience will suck, but it’s worth it.
An easy way to find an FB RV sale group in your locality is to search <state name> RV Campers.
If you’re not lucky, you could expand your search area; if you get lucky, you might need to travel somewhat to view the unit you’re looking for.
My favorite FB group is RV’s $10,000 and Under. Here, sellers will post their RVs and detailed pictures, conditions, location, and prices.
It’s a great way to find used RVs under $5,000, but due diligence is required.
7. Lazy Days RVs
Lazy Days is an exceptional RV dealership with locations throughout the US. The brand has already established and created a name in the RV community.
Along with RV sales, Lazy Day is also involved in sales marketing, advice, ownership, transfer, and more.
They also have a huge inventory of used and new RVs. Their selection also consists of premium and high-end options at a fraction of the MSRP.
Their selection of travel trailers under $5,000 might be pretty limited, but it’s still worth trying. And if you won’t purchase an RV from them, it’s still an amazing site to compare the prices of used RVs from a certified dealership for research purposes.
8. Craigslist
I’ve used Craigslist for years for buying and selling stuff, from bikes, cars, trucks, and campers to electronics.
While Craigslist isn’t as popular as it was a year back, it’s starting to shine as an alternative for RVers looking for RVs under 45,000.
The prices on Craigslist are usually better, and the ability to link or connect with a personal profile seems to keep people a bit hones and far with their pricing and descriptions.
If you need the best search results on Craigslist, I suggest you expand your CL search beyond your immediate area with something like searchtempest.com.
Of course, there’re iffy situations on Craigslist, much as with Facebook. You’re likely to come across scammers and goobers with unrealistic and too-good-to-be-true pricing. It’s wise you exercise due diligence.
9. General RV
General RV only has 14 dealerships in the US, but this doesn’t make them any lesser in terms of RV selection and customer service.
I bought a new travel trailer from General RV in 2016, and I’ve nothing but positive things to say about the dealership.
First, their selection is decent, and while not the largest one, you’re sure to find something nice. They’ve a collection of more than 6,000 new and used RVs.
Their extra services, such as financing and delivery, are also awesome, while their intuitive website provides a nice way to compare prices and everything.
10. eBay
eBay might have fewer options for the best RVs under $5,000, but it’s still a worthy destination.
The platform also had a bad rap and was risker several years back, but it seems they offer much more protection nowadays.
Buyer protection has become a key policy on eBay and provided you ensure you’re happy with the conditions of the RV you’re buying and have clarified any ambiguity, there’s not much that can go wrong.
So, don’t miss a bid on your favorite RV under $5,000 just because you let the fear of getting ripped get into you.
Wrap Up
Generally, these are some of the popular marketplaces and dealerships for purchasing RVs and travel trailers under $5,000.
However, you shouldn’t be limited to these. I would suggest you also visit local parks. I’ve seen quite a few deals go through the park offices. It’s worth a shot when RVers leave unexpectedly and need to dispose of their RVs fast and for a lowered price.
You could also drive through the countryside and storage units. I usually see lots of parked RVs with sale signs on them.
The key thing to remember is that due diligence is necessary for any RV purchase. You don’t want to get scammed.
