Buying an RV – Used vs. New?

April 4, 2025

When someone asks if you should buy new or buy used when it comes to RVs, the discussion often devolves to the following to catchphrases:

“ Only suckers buy new! “

“ Buying used is buying someone else’s problems! “

At the end of the day, there are pros and cons to every decision. Taking the emotion away from the discussion, there are very real and rational arguments that can be made. So, let’s delve into that.

RVs parked in a lot, cloudy sky in the background, trees along the back.

In the camp of those who say to buy used, they make the following points:

Pros:

  • Less expensive
  • The bugs have been worked out
  • If you fulltime, a good friend of mine says that “warranties are for weekenders”
    • There’s truth in this when your RV is your home, sending it to a dealer for weeks at a time can be a huge hassle

Cons:

  • No warranty
  • There could be problems the previous owner hid

Gray pickup truck towing a large, black and white RV, parked near a building.
Fulltime living and camper work = sleeping in the back lot

In the camp of those who say to buy new, they counter with:

Pros:

  • Shiny new smell
  • You’ll know the history of preventative maintenance and upkeep
  • Comes with a warranty!

Cons:

  • New doesn’t mean it’s without problems
  • Warranties are only as good as the dealer you buy from

Longest Story Shortest…

Row of white RVs parked outside under a blue sky, possibly a dealership.

What it comes down to for me- when you buy new, you’re going to have issues. Some major issues, some minor issues. It’s an extremely rare unit to come without issues.

When you buy used, you’re bound to have some issues- some major, some minor.

Sadly, on both sides of the fence, I’ve heard of war stories. I’ve also heard of positive stories both ways.

Newer Post >

Other blogs you might like...

Assorted hand tools, including wrenches and pliers, scattered on a workbench.

Can You Fix Your RV Yourself?

By Jennifer Schillaci • November 2, 2026
ASE master mechanic Jeff Malatesta of RV Diagnostics shares what to check before you call an RV tech
Two smiling women beside “Community Spotlight” and “Life on the RV with Mary Walker” text.

Chaos, Checklists, and a Super C: Meet Mary Walker of Life in the RV

By Jennifer Schillaci • October 26, 2026
Meet Mary Walker of Life in the RV in our latest Learn to RV Community Spotlight, and find out how you could be our next guest.

RVers don't have to wait for fall. Let's go find it.

By Jennifer Schillaci • October 20, 2026
Get Lost in Fall Together
Two people smiling in front of a modern glass building on a sunny day

A Day at the RV/MH Hall of Fame with Stan

By Jennifer Schillaci • October 12, 2026
Join us as we Explore with Stan Cromlish of the Wandering Gypsy RV Life Podcast and Learn to RV
Person walking along a wooded trail with tall trees and green foliage

Fitness on the Road: Rucking, Hiking, Running & Pickleball

By Jennifer Schillaci • September 28, 2026
RV fitness without the shame: rucking, hiking, biking, running & pickleball tips from RVers on staying active life on the road no maktter your skill level
RV campsite with people relaxing in foldable chairs beside a white camper, mountains in the background

Go RVing Encourages RVers to Enter RV-2-50 Contest for a Chance to Win $5,000

By Mindy Smith • September 5, 2026
Enter Go RVing's RV-2-50 contest for a shot at $5,000. Celebrating America's 250th year with RVers everywhere — deadline is September 15
PRVCA presents Hershey America’s Largest RV Show logo with campground and RV icons

Your Ultimate Guide to the Hershey Rv Show

By Jennifer Schillaci • August 29, 2026
Heading to the Hershey RV Show? Get Learn to RV's insider tips on tickets, parking, must-see booths, meet & greets, and the official Hershey scavenger hunt.
Niagara Falls collage with waterfall views, family photos, and a Niagara Falls State Park sign

America’s 250 Became Our Classroom: A Full-Time RV Family’s History Lesson on the Road

By Jeff and Monica Grant from Dean and Gertie Explore the World • July 25, 2026
See how America’s 250th became our classroom as our full-time RV family explored Williamsburg, Wells, Lake George, Fort Ticonderoga, and Niagara.
Adult carrying a child on shoulders under leafy trees, looking up and smiling

The Real Talk Guide to RVing with Kids: What No One Tells You Before You Go

By Missy Jack of Jack Adventures Await • July 24, 2026
Life with Littles Real talk on full-time RVing with babies, toddlers : the constant mess, the mental load, and the radical presence that makes it all worth it
Two children sit at an outdoor folding table with snacks and crafts beside a road.

Raising Little Entrepreneurs: Teaching Kids to Earn, Save, and Think Like Business Owners

By Jennifer Sansford • July 14, 2026
Our kids still ask for things. The difference now is what happens next. Over the past year, we've been showing our children, ages 9 and 11, different ways to start and run a business while we travel. It started as a way to keep them engaged and give them a sense of ownership on the road, and it's turned into something we're genuinely committed to. When they ask for extras now, the answer is almost always the same: that's what your money is for. Not as a punishment, but as a real lesson in what things actually cost and what earning something means. The result is kids who think before they spend — because they know what it felt like to earn it. I am not saying they spend it wisely every time, but they are learning. Here's how we've been doing it.
Show More