The Best Places to Buy an RV, Used or New

The RV lifestyle starts with an RV purchase — which starts with comprehensive research that narrows a search to the style, make, model, floor plan, and brand that's right for you. Buying, however, can be an overwhelming, confusing process wrought with potential pitfalls and missteps. (All complicated further by coronavirus quarantines and travel restrictions, which have sparked record sales at RV and fierce competition for disappearing stock.) A five-, six-, or even seven-figure price tag is not where to roll the dice, and from whom and where you buy matters not only for what you pay, but the quality you get, and the service you can expect. Cheapism tracked down some of the best options to consider for those looking to buy a new or used RV, including online resources, dealerships, and RV shows.

Keep in mind that while many of the largest and most comprehensive RV shows in the country take place in the fall and winter, the coronavirus could cancel those plansinto 2021.

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Camping World maintains more than 130 physical locations around the country. You can shop online and use the website to calculate monthly payments after a down payment, compare sale prices to MSRP, and check availability nearby.

Related: 22 Important Things to Consider Before Buying an RV

RV Trader is one of the most widely used online source for buying and selling RVs in the world, if not the outright biggest. Millions of monthly visitors browse more than 200,000 new and used RVs of all types, makes, models, and manufacturers. Users can get insurance quotes, estimate monthly payments, and set up price alerts while they shop.

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Another online resource with physical locations is PPL Motor Homes, which specializes in used motorhomes and RVs. You can shop all categories, makes, and models, and also use site resources such as pricing tools, buying strategies, delivery options, and comparison tools for used and consigned RVs.

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Another major and highly regarded national dealer is General RV Center, billed as America's largest family-owned RV dealer and boasting more than a dozen locations across six states, including Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Utah, and Virginia. General RV also maintains a vast, nationwide network of service bays.

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MHSRV, which claims the title of No. 1 motor home dealer in the world in terms of volume, stocks more than $165 million worth of vehicles. MHSRV, which says its sales account for more than 40% of all motor home sales in Texas, promises the lowest prices by starting with a dramatically reduced MSRP — as much as a quarter of the price off — before calculating sale savings and trade-in value.

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Like RVTrader, RVT.com is a major online-only outlet for sales across North America. Serving as a massive online classified listing, it showcases nearly 125,000 new and used RVs. Makes, models, and styles from top manufacturers and brands are available, and buyers can work with dealers and private owners.

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Pop RVs lists more than 2,200 RVs for sale, with more than 100 new ones arriving most weeks. The site, which supports Make a Wish of Southern Florida, lets users browse by price range, brand, category, and manufacturer.

Make sure you’re covered for anything that might come up as you cross the country in your new RV. AAA offers RV service as an added option, but many RV owners swear by Good Sam Roadside Assistance, which specializes in RV plans.

Another online-only source is Conversion Trader, which sells all kinds of RVs, including sprinters, schoolies, and buses. The site stands out for offering a wide selection of specialty vehicles, including stealth, off-grid, and handicap vehicles, as well as unfinished projects.

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The name of this show in Hershey, Pennsylvania, says it all — it's America's Largest RV Show, where more than 40 manufacturers showcase more than 1,400 RVs. Educational seminars, giveaways, and meet-and-greets with manufacturers and dealers are all part of the event. It's being skipped this year, though, which puts the next chance to attend in  Sept. 13-17, 2023.

RV shows are good places to browse, ask questions, meet dealers, and get up close and personal with some of the models you're considering. Now in its 35th year, the Florida RV SuperShow at the Florida State Fairgrounds is one of the biggest and most comprehensive shows in the country. More than 1,550 RVs and 450 vendor booths are spread across 26 acres. The next show is scheduled (fingers crossed) for Jan. 17-21, 2024.

Every January — including in 2024, organizers say — the sleepy desert town of Quartzsite, Arizona, transforms into an RV mecca. Up to 1 million people converge on the tiny town, which is 20 miles from the California border, making the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show probably the world's largest such gathering.

There aren’t a lot of hotels and motels in Quartzsite (we counted exactly three), so if you’d like to go RV shopping at the upcoming trade show, you’ll probably want to rent an RV for your stay—there are a number of campgrounds in the area. Popular RV rental services like Outdoorsy and RVShare have been flooded with demand lately, so it might make sense to look into rentals soon.

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The Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis is home to the Indy RV Expo, the biggest of its kind in the state and one of the leading shows in the region. Deals and special financing are available, representatives are on site, and RVs of all types and models are spread out across 120,000 square feet. The next show is set for Jan. 6-7 & 10-14, 2024.

The Chicago RV & Camping Show has been running strong for more than a half-century. Shoppers and revelers alike can check out the newest and most highly anticipated models and floor plans from 20-plus dealers showcasing more than 400 vehicles. If you're ready to buy, special show prices are part of the package. The next show will be Feb. 15-18, 2024

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West Coasters can look forward to the California RV Show in Fontana for live entertainment, food, vendors, and more than 1,300 RVs in every class — but not this year. The next show takes place Oct. 1-10, 2021, when you're likely to once again see more than 40 manufacturers showcasing their top RVs, many available at special prices.

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If you're not able or willing to visit a big RV show and aren't near a big national or regional dealer, don't worry. Some of the best deals, best service, and best selection in the country might be there for taking right in your backyard. RV Business, one of the leading industry publications, compiles an annual list of the 50 top local RV dealers in the U.S. and Canada — canceled by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 despite surging sales. The list from 2019 may be helpful, though.

Related: Is Buying an RV Through Costco Worth It?