Why Now Is The Right Time To Buy A Used RV 2026

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Last Updated on January 26, 2026 by Paul Clayton

Table of Contents

Why Now Is the Right Time to Buy a Used RV

Key Takeaways

- Used RV prices have normalized after years of inflated pandemic highs.
- Travel trailers and fifth wheels are in heavy oversupply, making it a genuine buyer’s market.
- Class A motorhomes remain in short supply, keeping prices stronger in that segment.
- Pandemic-era buyers are dumping lightly used rigs, creating excellent opportunities.
- Dealer lots are whole again, with deep inventories and motivated pricing.
- This year’s towable inventory is expected to remain high, with used prices stable or slightly lower.
- Many 2021–2023 RVs are hitting the market with low miles, excellent condition, and significant depreciation already baked in.
- The high cost of living and storage hikes are driving sell-offs, increasing used volume.
- If you want value and selection, this year is one of the best years in the last decade to buy used.

Purchasing a used RV just a year or two ago was a frustrating experience. From 2020 to 2023, the RV industry was running red-hot. Demand exploded during the pandemic, manufacturers couldn’t keep up, and dealer lots across the country were empty. Used RV prices hit historic highs in some cases, even selling above MSRP.

But those days are long gone.

Now, the RV market has shifted dramatically. Used RV prices have corrected, dealer inventory is deep again, manufacturers have slowed production, and consumers have more choices than they’ve had in almost a decade. In most segments – especially travel trailers and fifth wheels – it’s officially a buyer’s market.

If you’re considering getting into an RV this year, now is one of the best times in the last decade to buy a used one.

Let’s break down why the market is flooded with pre-owned inventory and why buying used makes exceptional financial sense.

Where Did the RV Surge Come From?

To understand today’s inventory boom, we need to rewind.

When the pandemic hit in late 2020, millions of Americans turned to RVs as the safest way to travel. International borders closed, flights were limited, cruises shut down, and people craved a way to escape lockdown fatigue.

RVing became the perfect solution.

At the same time, RV factories were closed, supply chains collapsed, and components like foam, refrigerators, and axles were back-ordered for months. That meant almost no new units were being produced. Demand soared while stock plummeted.

The result? Used RVs became gold.

Fast forward to today:

Travel restrictions are gone
International travel is back to pre-2020 levels
Cruises and theme parks are booming again
Workers are returning to offices
Many pandemic-era buyers realized RVing wasn’t their lifestyle

Now, the used RV market is loaded with gently used 2020–2023 models, many with low miles and minimal use.

11 Reasons the Used RV Market Is Flooded

1. The Pandemic Boom Is Over

COVID-era RV buying frenzy is officially behind us. With standard travel options fully back, many owners no longer feel the need to keep the RV they bought during lockdown. As returns to office grow and remote work scales back, many pandemic RV purchases are hitting resale lots at fair prices.

2. FOMO Buyers Are Dumping Their Rigs

From 2020 to 2022, people bought RVs simply because “everyone else was buying one.” Now those buyers see the cost of ownership, loan payments, storage, maintenance, and realize they don’t use their RV enough to justify it. They’re unloading them fast.

3. High Cost of Living + High Interest Rates

Even though RV loan rates have stabilized, consumers are still fighting inflated costs everywhere else. Grocery prices, insurance, and utilities are up. Many households are deciding that an RV is a luxury they can part with, leading to more units returning to the market.

4. RV Storage Prices Are Through the Roof

Storage fees nationwide have increased, and some regions have seen rent hikes of 30-60% since 2021. If someone is paying $150 to $350/mo to store a rig they rarely use, selling becomes the easy choice.

5. RVing Isn’t for Everyone

Thousands of people bought RVs during the pandemic without understanding the lifestyle. After a few trips, many realized:

Camping takes effort
Systems require maintenance
Dump stations aren’t fun
Tight campsites aren’t for everybody

So these nearly-new units are quickly returning to the used market.

6. Owners Want Different Floorplans

First-time buyers often purchased “whatever was available” in 2021 to 2022. Now that inventories are healthy again, many owners want:

Bigger rigs
Smaller rigs
Lighter rigs
Bunkhouses
More storage
Better towing layouts

Trade-ins are increasing, fueling used inventory.

7. RVing Is Work, and Some Owners Quit

The reality of RV ownership hits hard: towing, leveling, repairs, cleaning, maintenance, and planning campsites. Many casual RVers weren’t prepared for the commitment. They’re selling low-mileage rigs built during the boom years.

8. Campgrounds Are Crowded

State parks, national parks, and premium resorts now require reservations months in advance. This frustrates newer RVers who expected spontaneous travel. Combined with rising campground rates, many are opting out of RV ownership entirely.

9. Market Oversaturation After Overproduction

When manufacturers caught up in 2022 to 2023, they overcorrected, producing massive amounts of inventory just as demand dropped. By 2024, it became clear: lots were overstocked, especially with towables.

Today, travel trailers and fifth wheels are oversupplied, and dealers are motivated to move used stock quickly.

10. Fuel Prices Still Matter

Even though gas prices eased in 2024, fluctuating fuel costs continue to make long-distance RV travel less appealing for some families. Those who don’t travel often can’t justify keeping a depreciating asset in the driveway.

11. New Buyers Still Want “Shiny and New.”

Some shoppers refuse to buy used, even though used makes more financial sense. This creates more churn in the used market, especially for 2021 to 2023 rigs that still look brand new but depreciate aggressively.

FAQ

Which used RV types have the best deals this year?

Towables are the biggest bargains:

Travel Trailers – massive oversupply
Fifth Wheels – high inventory + lower demand
You’ll find the most price flexibility in these categories. Class As, however, remain limited and are selling closer to value.

5. What model years should I target for the best value?

The “sweet spot” is: 2018–2023 models. These years offer:

Modern layouts
Updated tech (USBs, solar prep, better insulation)
Great depreciation value
Many gently used units from pandemic buyers

6. Why are so many low-mileage RVs for sale right now?

Because thousands of people bought RVs during COVID without realizing the lifestyle requires maintenance, planning, and time. Many rigs were used only a few times before being stored. Now, with rising costs, owners are selling them off, which is great news for today’s buyers.

7. Are used RVs reliable, or should I worry about hidden problems?

A well-maintained used RV can be highly reliable. The key is:

Getting a full inspection
Checking the roof, seals, slideouts, and water intrusion
Verifying appliance and system function
The most common RV issues are evident during a good walkthrough. Dealer units that have been inspected and reconditioned are typically safe buys.

8. Is it better to finance or pay cash for a used RV?

Interest rates are still higher than pre-pandemic levels, so cash is king if you want the best deal.
If financing:

Shorter terms save interest
Used RVs under 2015 may be harder to finance
Compare credit union rates vs. dealer-arranged financing

9. Will RV inventory stay high next year?

For towables, yes, inventory is expected to stay elevated through the year, especially for travel trailers. Manufacturers slowed production, but not fast enough to offset the flood of used units. For Class A motorhomes, inventory will remain tighter due to high production costs and lower manufacturing output.

10. What should I avoid when buying a used RV?

Steer clear of:

Units with soft floors or roof rot
Water stains or musty smells
Poor DIY modifications
Models known for structural issues
Private sellers who refuse inspection

11. How much negotiation room is there on used RVs right now?

Dealers are motivated to move inventory, especially older units taking up space. Depending on the rig, buyers can often negotiate:

Price reductions
Free accessories
Warranty add-ons
Better financing terms

Industry Trend: Class A Motorhome Shortage

Here’s the exception to the oversupply story:

Class A motorhomes are still limited.

Manufacturers are struggling with:

High production costs
Chassis shortages
Skilled labor shortages
Lower demand for big motorhomes from younger buyers

This means Class A units remain in shorter supply, and prices are holding stronger than towable RVs.

Towables (travel trailers & fifth wheels) = Buyer’s Market
Motorhomes (especially Class A) = Balanced to Tight Market

Upcoming Inventory Expectations

Based on RVIA shipment forecasts and dealer order behavior:

Towables (TT, FW)

Inventory is expected to remain high through 2026
Dealers will continue offering discounts & favorable deals
Used prices should stay stable or slightly decrease

Motorhomes

Class A inventory will remain tight
Class C supply will improve, but not flood
Diesel pushers may continue seeing strong demand from retirees

Overall Market Direction

The industry is settling into a post-pandemic normal, with steady but not explosive demand. Supply is finally ahead of demand, which makes this a great time to buy used.

It’s Buyers’ Time: Why This Year Is a Great Time to Buy

After nearly three years of overpricing, used RV prices have normalized. Supply is high, demand is moderate, and owners are motivated to sell.

Don’t expect prices to crash; that’s unlikely, but the days of paying inflated pandemic premiums are over.

If you’ve been waiting for:

A wider selection
Fair pricing
Lots with real inventory
Motivated private sellers
Dealers offering discounts

The RV market has finally returned to reality, and as a dealer, I can confidently say: If you’re serious about owning a used RV, this is absolutely the right time to buy.

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