The price of an RV can range from $10,000 to $300,000, depending on its features and style. A camper trailer pulled by a truck that is moderately equipped might cost $20,000 in total. A fifth-wheel’s average cost as an RV could be $40,000. The average starting price for a motorhome is $100,000.
You should choose the option that best suits your needs and budget because the answer can vary greatly. Let’s examine the various RV categories and their average prices.
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RV Ownership Costs
- Registration and taxes:When you buy an RV, you have to pay registration and taxes, just like when you buy a new car. The RV Calculator on the DMV website allows you to get estimates of these costs, though they vary from state to state.
- Fuel:It’s likely that the cost of fuel will be higher than when you fill up your car. RVs are much larger and must carry a lot of weight. Diesel is a common fuel choice for motorhomes, which can also increase fuel prices.
- RV insurance:RV insurance is similar to combining home and auto insurance. Because it is a vehicle, it needs some aspects of car insurance for accidents, but because you are camping in it, you would also need some aspects of home insurance. Pet injuries, liability for vacations, roadside assistance, and other things are all options for your RV insurance. The price varies depending on the type of RV and whether you want to cover personal items in your RV.
- RV hitch: This won’t always be something you need to buy because some RVs already have a hitch installed from the factory. However, depending on your truck’s towing requirements or for a better towing experience, you may need to upgrade the hitch frequently. Due to their size and mounting on the truck bed, fifth wheel hitches are frequently much more expensive than travel trailer hitches. Depending on the type, prices range from the $300s to over $1,000. Additionally, installation has a cost.
- Camping:Similar to hotels, most campgrounds charge a nightly fee for guests to stay on-site. Depending on where they are and the amenities they offer, they can cost anywhere from $10 to $120 per night.
- Maintenance: Your RV requires some general upkeep and maintenance every year. Depending on your location, you might have to winterize and de-winterize your RV every fall and spring. Although it can vary from year to year or even month to month, it can be difficult to estimate the cost, so it is always a good idea to have a repair fund.
- Storage:You will be responsible for paying storage fees if you can’t keep your RV on your own property when it’s not in use.
You now have a better idea of what you can afford before committing to the RV lifestyle after taking into account all these costs.
We’ve compiled a list of popular RVs at various price points to make your shopping experience easier and help you find the ideal RV within your price range.
Average New RV Prices
As you might expect, prices vary widely depending on style and features. When choosing the option that best combines the amenities you value most with your budget, do a lot of research. To get you going, here is some information.
New Class a Average RV Prices
Class A RVs are the largest and frequently the most visually appealing drivable RVs, as we already mentioned. These RVs, which resemble buses in terms of their profile, typically cost between $50,000 and $150,000 when they are brand-new but are easily attainable in the high six figures. Luxury class A flights costing $1 million or more are not unheard of!
New Fifth Wheel Average RV Prices
The largest towable RVs, fifth wheels, can be quite expensive. An entry-level fifth wheel can be purchased for between $35,000 and $60,000, while luxury fifth wheels can cost up to $150,000 or more.
Don’t forget that in order to tow it, you’ll also need specialized tools (and a vehicle with enough towing capacity).
New Class C Average RV Prices
The cost of class C RVs is slightly lower than that of class A RVs. A new class C motorhome can be found for between $50,000 and $100,000, depending on the specifics, in part due to their typically smaller size and more accessible parts. New super C RVs typically range in price from $100,000 to $150,000.
New Class B Average RV Prices
Depending on the features you select, a Class B motorhome, also referred to as a camper or conversion van, can also be expensive. They typically range in price from $80,000 to $100,000 and go up to $150,000 or more.
New Travel Trailer Average RV Prices
The cost of towing a travel trailer is lower. Pop-up campers can be purchased for as little as $15,000 when they are brand-new, in contrast to the $25,000–$35,000 price range of standard travel trailers and toy haulers.
Used RV Cost Averages by Type
Expect significant price differences between new and used RVs in each of these categories, just like you would with any other type of vehicle. You may find price differences between more recent models and the newest ones because a new RV loses 20% of its value as soon as it leaves the dealership.
When estimating an RV’s cost when buying used, take into account the RV’s age, mileage, and condition. You frequently get what you pay for in life, which makes it essential to have an inspection done if you’re purchasing from a private seller or have any concerns.
Used Class a Average RV Prices
Similar to new Class As, the price of a used one will be greatly influenced by the size and features. Even so, a used model from the past five or ten years will cost you at least $80,000 to $120,000. In the $20,000–$40,000 price range, RVs 15–25 years old are also listed by private sellers and dealerships.
Used Fifth Wheel Average RV Prices
The style of a used fifth wheel RV affects pricing as well. You’ll find price tags ranging from about $30,000 to $120,000 for premium models based on data demonstrating that used fifth wheels also lose 20% of their value in the first year.
Used Class C Average RV Prices
For used models from more recent years, expect to pay between $35,000 and $70,000. Older models, however, can occasionally list in the $20,000 to $30,000 range from private sellers. We advise caution when buying a significantly older or heavily-used RV, as we would with any used RV purchase.
Used Class B Average RV Prices
If the smaller size and fewer features of used Class B RVs suit your needs, they can be among the most affordable. You can find older models for as little as $10,000-$15,000! Prices start at around $30,000 for a more recent used model with average features, but they can still go up to six figures for luxury models.
Used Travel Trailer Average RV Prices
Taking into account the typical 20% depreciation, used travel trailers and toy haulers will cost between $20,000 and $30,000, while a used pop-up camper will cost between $10,000 and $15,000.
Different Types and Classes of RVs
How much an RV costs has a great deal to do with the RV type. Towable and driveable are the two main categories into which RV manufacturers divide their products. There are various classes, each with unique features and prices, within each group.
You will undoubtedly find your ideal RV among the wide variety of floorplans and models. Let’s examine the various RV categories available today.
Class a RVs
Class A RVs are the largest drivable RVs – what you might think of as a “typical” motorhome, with a bus-like profile. Although they cost the most, they also provide extra amenities and storage space.
In terms of size and living conditions, owners might compare them to little mobile homes. All the amenities may be included in this class of RV. King-sized bed, spacious bathroom, air conditioning, lots of kitchen space, and more.
Class C RVs
The size of class C cars is also a bit smaller, and they cost less money. These RVs have a driving area that is similar to a truck, and the cab typically has storage or sleeping quarters above it. There are also so-called “super C” RVs are vehicles with the power and space of a class A and some of the design features of a class C. Class C motorhomes can be compared to a hybrid of A and B.
Class B RVs
The tiniest RVs that can be driven are class B motorhomes. These RVs tend to be the least spacious and feature the fewest features, which results in a lower cost. Their profiles resemble those of large vans.
There are, however, some models available that are quite pricey. Class B vehicles constructed on Mercedes Benz frames will cost you the same as Class As vehicles. This kind of RV is ideal for first-time campers due to its compact size, which allows you to drive safely.
Fifth Wheels
Fifth wheels are large towable RVs that are similar to class A RVs in that they are typically very nice and feature-rich, but they are typically a little more affordable. Fifth wheels make the best luxury camping on a budget vehicles because they lack drivable motors.
A lot of people who are thinking about living in an RV full-time prefer 5th wheels because they have a lot of storage space. These RVs typically include amenities like air conditioning, king and queen-sized beds, a spacious living area, full kitchens, and even additional beds for visitors or children. These amenities are similar to those found in Class As hotels.
With up to six slide outs in some floor plans, there is more room for the entire family. Because they offer more sleeping accommodations and frequently have two bathrooms, fifth-wheel RVs are a favorite among families.
Fifth wheels also require special equipment mounted in the bed of your truck so you can tow it, and you’ll need a vehicle with enough towing capacity. 5th wheels come in a wide variety of styles and price points. They range from standard trailers with amenities akin to class A or C RVs to pop-up campers that function as sizable, towable tents.
Travel Trailers
For novice RVers, travel trailers are fantastic. You might already be able to tow a small travel trailer if you already own a truck or SUV. These RV configurations attach to your car’s bumper. Due to the absence of a front cap, they have a lower profile than fifth wheels.
Additionally, because this is another RV type without an engine, you can find them at the lower end of the RV price range. Despite this, many families and couples adore the room and freedom that a travel trailer provides them. So don’t feel constrained by its size.
What to Consider When Buying An Rv
Cost Different Between RV Types & Classes
An RV’s type is one factor that may affect the cost. There are many different kinds of RVs available. RVs in the classes A, B, and C are the most prevalent ones.
These three classes are primarily distinguished by the size of the RV. Class A RVs stand out because of their characteristics because they resemble buses. Class A RVs are typically quite large, which makes sense. Class A RV prices typically range from $200,000 to $300,000. As a result, they are more expensive than RVs in lower RV classes.
The next category of recreational vehicles is class B RVs, which resemble vans. Depending on the manufacturer, a class B motorhome’s body may look different. Class B RVs are less expensive than class A RVs because they are smaller, with prices ranging from $100,000 to $200,000.
The class C RV comes last but not least. These models are easy to drive even and are a favorite of Cruise America’s RV rental customers! Costs for brand-new Class C RVs range from $75,000 to $125,000, which is less than A and B.
Sales Tax, Maintenance & Other Long-Term Costs
You should keep in mind that there are expenses besides the cost of the RV when planning your budget.
Let’s say you choose to spend $40,000 on a used class C recreational vehicle from Cruise America. The base price of a used RV is $40,000, but there are additional fees that must be paid. State and local taxes on vehicles as well as registration fees for vehicles are some of these fees. The cost of these fees and the requirements you must meet depend on where you live.
Maintenance is one of the additional costs associated with purchasing an RV. Maintaining your RV will help it function properly. Your RV may come with a limited warranty, depending on where you purchase it. For instance, Cruise America provides a limited warranty for malfunctioning RV components. The length of these warranties varies depending on the seller, but they typically end after a predetermined period of time.
Why the RV Price Fluctuations?
The 19 price points on that list included at least a dozen different RV manufacturers. Why did prices fluctuate so dramatically? Why are two travel trailers, the Winnebago Minnie Winnie and the Heartland Bighorn Travel, almost $30,000 apart in price?
Here are a few reasons this is the case:
- Manufacturer reputation: Comparatively speaking, Thor Motor Coach, Keystone, or Jayco are much larger manufacturers than Starcraft and Heartland. You are already very familiar with those three latter brands if you see them. Such brands raise their product prices by leveraging their popularity and reputation. Naturally, there are more RVs available from these manufacturers. Like the lesser-known K-Z RV, which only produces travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, and toy haulers. However, a company like Jayco also sells other vehicle types in addition to Class A through Class C motorhomes.
- Age of the RV: The most expensive RV on the market will be one that is brand-new in 2018 or even 2019. That is the way things are. Look for an RV made between 2014 and 2017. You might be able to save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
- Availability of the vehicle: The RV can be found where, exactly? Is this a car from a well-known brand like Jayco or a less well-known one? As an illustration, during my research I came across an RV manufacturer that only sells its vehicles in Canada. If you buy an RV from a manufacturer like that, you can expect to pay more. There are fewer places to buy the vehicle.
- Floorplan: I’ll admit that I chose the floorplans for each of the 19 RV examples above at random. Some of the floorplans were the smallest and most affordable. The biggest and priciest floorplans were those of others. Want a larger bedroom, a full bathroom, a full kitchen, and larger living and dining areas? Be prepared to spend more on your RV.
- Extra features: The prices above are all baseline prices. This does not take into account any additional customizable features you might want to purchase. Some people decide to customize their RV’s interior, exterior, interior color, flooring, and décor patterns. Others desire as much high-tech hardware as they can, such as built-in TVs. If that describes you, be prepared to add several additional thousands of dollars to any of the above prices.
Conclusion
Knowing the typical RV price can be helpful if you’re thinking about purchasing your own RV. You can estimate your costs using the information provided. Keep in mind that the price will vary depending on the age, manufacturer you select, state of the vehicle, and additional features. The sticker price fluctuates depending on these extras.
A good starting point are the 19 average RV prices that were included in this article. Start planning your RV budget using this information.
Happy shopping!
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