Advice from our Camper Counselors

Family with camper

Buying a camper will be the second largest investment many people ever make, next to the purchase of their home. Because of this, buying pre-owned is one of the most popular purchase options. But before you set up camp, here are a few things to tips that we’ve found lead to better buying decisions.

Know The Value

This may seem obvious, but knowing the value of the camper prior you want to buy will ensure that you get the best value possible for your money. Searching the internet by specific qualities you are looking for in a camper can also give the current retail and resale values. Once you know the proper value of the vehicle you’d like to buy, you can be confident that you’re making the right choice.

Check Owner and Maintenance History

To limit costly repairs in the future, you simply must find out as much as you about your camper before you buy. A record of repairs and maintenance is a minimum expectation, but it can be valuable to probe the seller for more information. What do they know about previous owners, how many have there been? How has the camper been stored in the winter months? Improper storage can lead to thousands in repair costs. Try to make a personal connection and build rapport with the seller. Ask about all the interesting places they went or fun things they did, as well as why they’re selling now. The more they tell you about their experience with the vehicle may give valuable insights into potential issues down the road.

Never Buy Unseen

With so many online buying options, it can be tempting to make a virtual sale. However, you should never make a purchase of this size without seeing the camper up close for yourself. The ability to properly inspect and ask the questions we mentioned above are essential when it comes to your decision to buy and how you’ll feel about your purchase afterwards.

Bring an Experienced Buyer

If this is your first camper purchase, we recommend bringing an experienced buyer with you. If you know someone who has knowledge of campers and RVs or is familiar with the buying process, they can help you ask the right questions and keep an eye-out for those easy-to-miss red flags.

Making the decision to purchase a camper can be a great investment, whether you’re planning personal retreats or fun family getaways. And keeping these buying tips in mind will help give you peace of mind that you made the right choice. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call @ 804-274-1200 or stop by your nearest branch today. You can also check out our Vehicles page for more information about our lending process.