Thinking of buying a travel trailer? There are so many decisions to make.
* Do you want a new or used trailer?
* Is it going to be a cash or financed purchase?
* What are you willing to spend?
* Should I get a fifth wheel, toy hauler, or tongue travel trailer?
* Which manufacturers are you interested in?
* Which floor plan best suits your needs?
If you’re undecided, you should start by considering the pros and cons of buying used vs. buying new Take your time when shopping for your travel trailer. Do your research and avoid spontaneous purchases.
PROS of buying a used travel trailer
* More for your money. A used travel trailer will hold its value longer than a new trailer. A used trailer is the way to go if you’re looking to save money or want to stay payments-free for 10 years. You can get a used 252 with all the bells and whistles cheaper than a NEW 202 travel trailer.
* Do your research. Visit travel trailer forums and read what owners are saying about travel trailers in particular, both good and bad, this information could save you a lot of headaches down the road. Remember that most travel trailers that are purchased new rarely see camping action, a lot of trailers are stored or parked in people’s homes. It’s not unusual to find a used travel trailer in showroom condition, even older travel trailers from the 1970’s can be found in excellent condition.
* Pre-owned travel trailers hold their value! If you get a good quality bargain on a used travel trailer and decide to sell it a few years later, you have a great chance of getting all your money back.
CONS of buying a used ride
* Potential problems. Buying a used travel trailer is a bit of a gamble, there could be minor or major problems and if you are lucky there are no problems with the trailer. In most cases, the warranty will have long since expired, so the costs will be out of pocket. Do your homework well so problems don’t come as a surprise.
* Elbow Grease. You will need to give your new used trailer a good cleaning, no matter what condition it is in.
* Less selection of ideal floor plans. Floor plans are limited by what is currently for sale.
PROS of buying a new travel trailer
* Pleasant and sparkling. It’s new, fresh and all yours!
* Warranty. If there are problems, return the trailer to your dealer and they’ll fix it for free!
* Free of mantenimient. You don’t have to bother buying new tires, a new battery or any other parts for at least a year or until the warranty has expired.
* Blueprints of the floor. Many floor plans and interior colors to choose from.
CONS of buying a new travel trailer
* New trailers depreciate quickly. A new travel trailer loses its value the moment it leaves the dealership lot. If you financed with little or no down payment, you’ll be “upside down” owing more than the trailer is worth, for years! If you have to sell your mobile home, you will most likely owe more than it is worth and have to pay the difference in cash.
* The cost. If you keep your budget in mind, you almost certainly don’t want to be stuck making monthly payments for the next 10 years on a travel trailer that you’ll use at most 8 months out of the year. Do the math and figure out how much each camping trip will really cost you per year, just factoring in monthly payments. Oh! If your payments are $350 a month x 12 months = $4,200. $4,200 can buy a fantastic used travel trailer and you won’t have to pay!