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Why You Shouldn’t Buy an RV in 2023

Why You Shouldn’t Buy an RV in 2023

The year 2021 was a record year for RV sales. And the start of 2022 followed in its footsteps. However, as the year wore on, we saw the RVing and RV life popularity drop off and sale decreased. Looking ahead to 2023, many people are uncertain about the future. So is 2023 a wise time to buy an RV? Here are several reasons why you might want to wait. 

Still Feeling the Effects of COVID on the RV Industry

COVID-19 had dramatic effects on every industry, and RVs are no exception. Manufacturers and parts suppliers halted production temporarily or even shut down for an extended period, but dealerships stayed open. 

With no international travel, people took to U.S. roadways to get out of the house and fuel their wanderlust. Of course, we think RVing is the perfect way to road trip, and many saw it as an opportunity to travel while maintaining their social distance. Hence, there was a significant surge in RV purchases in 2020 and 2021, and that spilled into early 2022.

With dealerships staying open during the pandemic but manufacturers closed, RVs started to sell out. Dealers couldn’t keep new RVs on the lot because there weren’t enough running manufacturers and used RVs were flying off the proverbial shelves.

This caused a strain in the RV supply chain, the ripples of which we’re still feeling today.

Manufacturers were producing and shipping RVs faster than ever. The rush not only increased prices but also put quality from certain manufacturers in question. With an emphasis on restocking dealership lots with RVs, some manufacturing defects slipped through the cracks.

The 2022 year rounded out another strong year for the RV industry, but some forecasts suggest a slump is in its 2023 future. Unfortunately, a slump may not necessarily mean cheaper, better RVs for buyers.

Why You Shouldn’t Buy an RV in 2023

There’s no time like the present to start RVing, but this year isn’t a great time to make an RV purchase. In addition to lower savings rates, elevated inflation, and higher interest rates, here are the five biggest reasons not to buy an RV in 2023.

Lower Demand Should = Lower Prices

In a classic example of supply and demand, the low RV supply during the pandemic drove up RV prices. With RVs, building supplies, and parts in high demand, prices increased to keep up. This economic principle also applied to used RVs. 

However, with the decrease in sales and demand coming into 2023, we haven’t really seen the drastic deals on new RVs that one might hope for yet. Inflation and a continuation of the supply and labor shortage that lingered from 2022 have been keeping prices from falling back to pre-pandemic numbers. However, as 2023 continues we expect prices will continue to fall and we might get there. You just might have to wait a bit longer.

Here’s the bottom line: If you don’t want to spend a lot on an RV purchase, early 2023 might not be the best time to buy a new RV just yet. We might see more significant drops later in the year, but we’ll have to wait and see.

However, you may be able to snag a used RV that someone else is taking a huge hit on for a good price. Keep reading, though, to find out if even that is worth it.

Are you a frugal traveler? Check out our RV buying advice here: How to Buy an Awesome RV Without Breaking the Bank

Is 2021 The Year To Buy An RV? What Dealerships Don’t Want You To Know

Long Wait Times for New RVs

There have always been wait times to buy a brand new or custom RV from a manufacturer, but the wait times in 2021 and 2022 were longer than ever. We don’t see much change going into 2023.

Manufacturers are STILL struggling to catch up from supply chain issues, so direct customer orders take much longer. As a result, some manufacturers are still working on their wait lists from last year. Depending on how sales go this year, we might see them catch up to normal lead times before the end of the year, but that’s still a ways out.

Used RVs Can Have (Costly) Problems

Used RV costs have come down quite a bit, especially if you find someone just trying to get out of RVing. The RV dream during the pandemic is wearing off on many, so they’re going back to their homes and offices and out of the camper. However, these sellers are realizing the prices aren’t the same. Even still, they will likely try to get as much of their inflated cost back as possible. Be prepared for more firm numbers and rigorous haggling if you choose to buy this year.

With more supply of used RVs, you definitely have more options. However, the shortcuts and defects resulting from the RV supply chain issues during the pandemic may leave you with unexpected problems. So if you were thinking you could save money by buying a used RV in 2023 instead, think again. All that money saved may be lost for bigger repairs.

RV Extended Warranty

RV Service Centers Can’t Keep Up

Whether you need to have warranty work done on your RV or a simple repair, RV service centers are struggling. So what does that mean for you? Unfortunately, that means exceptionally long wait times–sometimes several months or longer. 

RV service centers were notorious for long wait times before the pandemic. And now, there are more RVs on the road, and service centers are understaffed. This means wait times on RV service will be much longer – and you can’t go RVing if you don’t have your RV!

Can’t get an appointment at a service center? Try mobile RV repair! Learn more here: Mobile RV Repair Service vs. RV Service Centers: Which Is Better?

Sought-After Campgrounds Are Still Full

Finally, one of the most frustrating parts of RVing in 2021 and 2022: campgrounds were full and crowded. Reservations for 2023 are still looking grim. And while many people have left the lifestyle this year, we reckon the number of campers is still up from pre-pandemic numbers as people try to get the most out of their recent investments.

There simply aren’t enough campgrounds or campsites to support all the RVers on the road, and not everyone likes to boondock! Even if you do want to boondock, more and more locations are being closed because of overuse and misuse of the land.

It’s challenging to get a campground reservation when campgrounds are full. If you want to reserve a campsite, you need to plan ahead. Gone are the days of just “winging it”–now you need to prepare, plan, and book early. 

The RV Lifestyle Is Plateauing, But 2023 Is Not a Good Time to Buy

There’s no doubt about it: RVing is likely going to experience a downturn this year. But the effects of the switch don’t necessarily mean great things for RV shoppers. Even if you’re a savvy shopper, 2023 is not a good time to buy! 

Longer wait times and the softening economic backdrop will deter the most frugal shoppers. But, if you must buy an RV in 2023, do your research. Be prepared to walk away from a potential sale if you don’t feel like you’re getting a fair price or if it feels rushed or hurried.

But when you find the RV you want, you will have to check it thoroughly for manufacturing shortcuts and defects. Some sellers may not have been able to get the RV in to be fixed even if they tried. So it helps to have a good idea of what to look for before making a deal.

Be smart about any potential purchase, and remember that there are plenty of options out there for you. Best of luck in your search!

Did you buy an RV in 2021 or 2022? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

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About Mortons on the Move

Tom & Caitlin Morton of Mortons on the Move gave up the stationary life for one where they are constantly on the move. They are full-time travelers, television hosts, and digital media producers.
They left their jobs, sold their house and possessions, and hit the road in September 2015 in their full-time “home on wheels”. Since then they have traveled the US, Canada, and even internationally by RV.
Now, they are Discovery Channel & PBS TV Co-stars of “Go North” on Amazon Prime Video, co-founders and instructors of RV Masterclass, and contributing authors for Hwy.co and an Arizona travel guide.

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Dave cummins

Monday 6th of November 2023

Here’s what I’d like to know: what did most consumers pay as a discount off of MSRP in the years 2018 through 2023? And what did most RV dealerships pay relative to MSRP during the same years? Is there a trend in the discount off of MSRP to both Parties?

Lori Hempfling

Tuesday 13th of June 2023

Your article is good and I definitely wouldn’t encourage someone to buy a used RV that was built during the frenzy. However, there are older used RV’s that don’t have the problems of the newer ones. Especially the DRV’s that were built 2016 and prior.

Colleen

Sunday 21st of May 2023

My husband and I purchased a Leisure Travel Vans Wonder RV in May of 2021, giving a deposit of $10,000. We were told that it would take 12-18 months. We waited 18 months but heard NOTHING from the dealership. We emailed in November 2022 asking for info on the ETA of our RV. We were told that they would know more at the beginning of the year but orders were taking 18-24 months. Heard nothing at the beginning of the year. Wrote another email January 27, 2023 asking for the status of our RV. Were told they were still awaiting clarity but delivery times are now 24-28 months, prices are gong up, our RV was priced at $138,000 but will now be $178,000 and they haven't even started our RV; but they only take a month to build. Salesperson was going to the factory in April 3, 2023 to get more information. Received no info when he returned. May 16, 2023 received voice mail saying, again, the timeline is still 24-28 months, they hadn't started it, and he sent us an email. We received no email and it's now ay 21, 2023. 1) We have no idea where we stand in the line for getting our RV. 2) Since they have increased in price, what's to say that he isn't selling our RV to someone else who will pay the new and increased price of $200,000.

Dan Brewer

Friday 13th of January 2023

We picked up our Rockwood Mini Lite 2516S in March of 2022. Our dealer provided a 26% discount off MSRP and has been aces to work with from the beginning. I've also had many contacts with the Rockwood Rep. through the buying process and he has been forthcoming and responsive. So far, an excellent product and a great buying experience. It helps that we live 40 minutes away from our dealer in Shipshewana, IN.

Ray Davis

Friday 13th of January 2023

Thanks for the article. Always appreciated information. I began Rving in 1975 with a truck camper, then to a 16' TT and now a 33' fiver. Part-time at the start and now full-time. Most recently, the purchase of a used 2020Grand Design has proven prudent. I wanted a unit built pre-covid, due to rapid construction and perceived lower quality during '21 & '22,and was not willing to purchase new to avoid the initial killing in depreciation. It took me over a year to find a unit that did not have the owners trying to grab all the cash they could, as they made minimum payments and had a payout that was greater than the rig was worth after depreciation. Units that were preowned did sell at inflated prices as many seem to not embrace restraint while making substsantial purchases. Caught up in the frenzy of, if I don't get it now, the supply will dwindle and I won't get one. Many I have spoke with in the Rv community are indicating that although sites seem to be at a bit more of a premium than a few years ago, they have indicated that they have still been able to secure a site without much difficulty. On a final note to a comment made by another: perhaps the Morton's do earn some financial gain from their website. That is the American way. They provide informative articles on a regular basis that benefit many. If they have an opinion, whether one may consider it negative or otherwise, it is their opinion.

Mortons on the Move

Monday 16th of January 2023

Thanks for your comment Ray, it's great to get your thoughts and stories shared here!