Used Camper Buying Guide: Types, Inspections, Budget

Shopping for a used camper can open up affordable adventures if you know what to look for.

From towable trailers to self-contained motorhomes, this guide breaks down the types of campers, how to inspect one before you buy, where to shop, and what a realistic budget (including financing) looks like.

Types of Used Campers

Used campers fall into two big buckets: towables (travel trailers, fifth-wheels, pop-ups, teardrops) and motorized RVs (Class A, B, and C). Towables are generally cheaper to buy and maintain, while motorized rigs combine living quarters with an engine for all-in-one convenience.

As you compare options, match the camper to your tow vehicle or driving comfort. Know your vehicle’s tow rating and payload if you’re considering a trailer, and factor in where you’ll store the rig, whether you’ll camp off-grid, and how many people will sleep inside.

Typical used-price ranges (highly variable by brand, condition, and region): pop-ups and teardrops ($2,500–$12,000), small travel trailers ($8,000–$20,000), mid-size travel trailers ($12,000–$35,000), fifth-wheels ($18,000–$60,000), truck campers ($6,000–$25,000), Class B camper vans ($35,000–$110,000), Class C motorhomes ($28,000–$90,000), Class A motorhomes ($35,000–$150,000+).

Common Camper Types Explained

Travel Trailers (Towable)

Most popular and versatile; range from compact 16' single-axle units to 35'+ family bunkhouses. Easy to detach at camp and use your vehicle for errands.

Pros: Broad price range, simplest maintenance, can be towed by many SUVs/trucks.
Cons: Sway and wind sensitivity if not properly equipped; weight can creep up with gear.
Typical used prices: $8,000–$35,000 depending on size, age, and brand.

Fifth-Wheel Trailers (Towable)

Hitch over the truck bed for stability; great for extended stays and full-timers due to spacious interiors and storage.

Pros: Stable towing, residential layouts, generous storage.
Cons: Requires a capable pickup with a bed-mounted hitch; tall height limits some routes.
Typical used prices: $18,000–$60,000.

Pop-Up Campers and A-Frames (Towable)

Lightweight, garage-storable, and budget-friendly; canvas sides or hard-sided folding designs.

Pros: Towable by small SUVs; easy to store; entry-level pricing.
Cons: Canvas can leak or mildew; set-up time; limited insulation.
Typical used prices: $2,500–$12,000.

Teardrops and Off-Road Trailers (Towable)

Minimalist sleeping pods often with rear galley; off-road models add clearance, armor, and independent suspension.

Pros: Super easy to tow; park almost anywhere; quick set-up.
Cons: Small interior; most lack standing room and bathrooms.
Typical used prices: $5,000–$20,000 (more for premium off-grid builds).

Truck Campers

Slide-in units for pickup beds; excellent for backroads and boondocking, especially with 4x4 trucks.

Pros: Go-anywhere footprint; no trailer to tow; can unmount at camp.
Cons: Payload limits are critical; can feel top-heavy; fewer family floorplans.
Typical used prices: $6,000–$25,000.

Class C Motorhomes

Van or truck cab with a sleeping loft; family-friendly with lots of seatbelts and beds.

Pros: Easy to drive; good serviceability; common rentals mean strong supply on the used market.
Cons: Lower fuel economy; maintenance on both house and chassis systems.
Typical used prices: $28,000–$90,000 (older rental retirements often $30,000–$55,000).

Class B Camper Vans

Converted vans with compact, high-quality builds; great for couples and stealthy urban parking.

Pros: Small footprint; easiest to park and drive; strong resale value.
Cons: Highest price per foot; limited space; often 2-sleeper.
Typical used prices: $35,000–$110,000.

Class A Motorhomes

Bus-style coaches; the most living space and amenities for long trips or seasonal stays.

Pros: Residential feel; huge storage; powerful chassis options.
Cons: Parking and storage challenges; higher maintenance and insurance.
Typical used prices: $35,000–$150,000+ (gas models usually cheaper than diesel pushers).

What to Look For in a Used Camper (Inspection Checklist)

Water damage: The number one deal-breaker. Check roof edges, ceiling/wall corners, slide floors, under windows, and around fixtures. Push on walls for softness; look for stains or ripples. A $20–$40 moisture meter helps.
Roof and seams: Inspect sealant for cracks or gaps. On rubber roofs, check for chalking, tears, or punctures. Confirm recent reseal dates in maintenance records.
Floor and frame: Step everywhere for spongy spots. Crawl underneath to inspect the frame for rust, bent members, or poor repairs.
Appliances: Verify the fridge cools (overnight test ideal), furnace and water heater fire on propane and electric (if combo), and the AC blows cold.
Electrical and batteries: Test 12V and 120V systems, lights, outlets, converter/charger, and shore power cord. Batteries older than 4–5 years likely need replacement.
Plumbing and tanks: Pressurize water, run every faucet, and check for leaks. Inspect water pump, toilet seal, and look under sinks. Fill and drain tanks if possible.
Slide-outs: Extend/retract fully; listen for grinding; check seals and slide floors for rot.
Tires, brakes, and bearings: Tires age out around 5–7 years regardless of tread; check DOT date code. On trailers, ask about last bearing service.
Chassis (motorized): Request service records, verify mileage, inspect for leaks, and scan for codes. Confirm recall work is done.
Title and history: Ensure clear title, match VINs, and avoid salvage/flood titles unless you know what you’re doing. For motorhomes, a vehicle history report can help; for trailers, ask your DMV about lien and theft checks.
Professional inspection: A mobile RV technician pre-purchase inspection ($200–$600) can save thousands.

Which Camper Is Right for You?

Weekend couples: Small travel trailer, teardrop, or Class B for easy storage and quick getaways.
Families: Bunkhouse travel trailer or Class C with seatbelts and sleeping for all.
Full-timers/long trips: Fifth-wheel or Class A/C with bigger tanks, storage, and residential layouts.
Backroads/boondockers: Truck camper or off-road teardrop with solar and higher clearance.
Tow capacity limits: Match GVWR and tongue/pin weights to your tow vehicle’s ratings; when in doubt, go smaller.
Storage and parking: If you can’t store a 30'+ rig at home, favor a van, truck camper, or sub-22' trailer.

Where to Buy a Used Camper

Dealers: Wider selection, trade-ins, and potential short warranties. Expect higher prices and fees; good for financing convenience.
Private sellers: Often best prices and maintenance transparency; arrange inspections and handle paperwork yourself.
Online marketplaces: RVTrader, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, local classifieds, and brand-specific forums/groups. Set alerts and expand your search radius for better deals.
Rental fleet sales: Retired Class C units (e.g., Cruise America) with documented maintenance; higher miles but lower prices.
Auctions: Riskier but sometimes bargains; buyer beware of undisclosed issues and limited inspection windows.

Tip: Use price guides like J.D. Power (NADA) and comparable listings to benchmark value. Always verify the VIN, title status, and that the seller has a lien release if applicable.

Cost Breakdown: Prices, Financing, and Total Ownership

Typical Used Prices (Online Listings)

Pop-ups/Teardrops: $2,500–$12,000
Small Travel Trailers (16'–22'): $8,000–$20,000
Mid Travel Trailers (23'–30'): $12,000–$35,000
Fifth-Wheels: $18,000–$60,000
Truck Campers: $6,000–$25,000
Class C Motorhomes: $28,000–$90,000
Class B Vans: $35,000–$110,000
Class A Motorhomes: $35,000–$150,000+

Note: Prices swing with brand (Airstream, Winnebago, Grand Design command premiums), age, condition, and upgrades (solar, lithium batteries, off-road packages).

Financing: What to Expect

Rates and terms: Many banks/credit unions offer RV loans with terms from 5–15 years. Recent APRs for good credit commonly land in the mid- to high-single digits, but vary by lender and market conditions.
Down payment: 10–20% is typical. Older rigs (often 10–15+ years) may require larger down payments or personal loans.
Example: Buy a $12,000 used travel trailer with 10% down ($1,200). Finance $10,800 for 10 years at 8.5% APR: about $134/month, with roughly $5,280 total interest over the life of the loan.
Pre-approval: Check your credit union first; they often beat dealer rates and reduce pressure at negotiation.

Total Cost of Ownership

Taxes/registration: Varies by state; expect a few hundred to a few thousand at purchase.
Insurance: Roughly $25–$150/month depending on rig value, usage, and location.
Storage: $50–$250/month if you can’t store at home.
Maintenance: Budget $500–$1,500/year for sealant, bearings, tires, batteries, and appliance service.
Upgrades: Solar/lithium, weight-distribution hitch, or suspension mods can add $500–$3,000+.
Fuel: Motorhomes and tow vehicles will see lower MPG; factor trip costs accordingly.
Pre-purchase inspection: $200–$600—often money well spent.

How to Find the Best Deals

Shop the shoulder seasons: Late fall and winter often yield better pricing as sellers avoid storing over winter.
Widen your radius: Rural areas may be cheaper than high-demand metro markets; be ready to road trip.
Set alerts: Use RVTrader and Facebook Marketplace alerts for specific models, years, and price caps.
Bring comps: Show comparable listings and NADA values to justify your offer.
Move fast—but verify: Good deals go quickly. Get on the phone, ask the right questions, request VIN/title photos, and schedule an inspection.
Negotiate repairs: If inspection reveals issues (tires aged out, soft flooring, dead batteries), negotiate a price reduction or have the seller fix them.
Have financing ready: A pre-approval or cash budget helps you secure a deal before others.

Quick Buying Checklist

Confirm tow ratings or driving comfort with the rig size you want.
Inspect thoroughly for water intrusion and structural issues.
Test every system on shore power, battery, and propane.
Verify title, VIN, lien release, and any recall work.
Price against NADA and multiple comps; plan your total cost of ownership.
Get a professional inspection if you’re not experienced.

With the right search strategy, a solid inspection, and realistic budgeting, buying a used camper can deliver years of memorable trips without draining your savings. Start with the type that fits your lifestyle, shop widely, and let the numbers guide you to the best value.