Buying A Used Travel Trailer

Camping is a time-honored tradition, but that doesn’t mean modern conveniences can’t add to the fun. These days, millions of people around the world camp in RVs of all shapes and sizes—that’s why you want a used travel trailer!

To help you find the right pre-owned travel trailer, we here at Casa Grande RV Sales have put together some tips that will get you started. If you’re looking for more information, or if you’re just ready to browse our selection of used travel trailers for sale, stop by our store in Casa Grande, Arizona! 

First, A Budget

A used travel trailer means big savings, but that doesn’t mean they’re free. It’s important to enter this process with a firm idea in your head about how much you can afford to spend, and how much you’re willing to. That allows you to strike a balance between maximum savings and a travel trailer that meets all your needs.

The sticker price isn’t the only thing to consider when coming up with your spending plan, though. Remember to factor in repairs and regular maintenance, fuel, supplies, accessories, add-ons, and whatever else you might need to make your RV camping experience perfect. If a travel trailer catches your eye but has modifications or damage you want undone, factor in the cost of that as well.

Determine Your Needs

The term “travel trailer” covers a wide variety of model shapes and sizes. You’ll want to think about the type of travel trailer you’re hoping for and balance that with what you can afford. If all you want is an easier tent, you might go for a pop-up camper that guarantees a flat and dry floor. If you’re hoping for something extravagant, many travel trailers have private bedrooms, functional plumbing, and fully-equipped kitchens. If you want to land somewhere in between, teardrop campers offer many indoor luxuries in a smaller space and at a cheaper price.

Also consider your tow vehicle. If you own a pickup truck, you’re likely set for just about any travel trailer—though you’ll want to double-check tow capacity and weights first, just in case. If you own an SUV or other mid-range vehicle, lighter options will be better. Anything smaller will likely pen you in to the smallest available options. You can skip some of that if you’re willing to rent a vehicle for your trips, but that then needs to be factored into your budget as well.

Gather Information

Once you know what type of trailer you want, you might start finding a few specific models that catch your eye. It’s important to research these specific models online first, though, to see if there are any common problems. Online reviews should always be taken with a grain of salt, but any themes that crop up in them deserve to be considered. If you see overwhelmingly negative reviews, or reviews that go against what you were hoping for, feel free to scratch the model in question off your list. 

Remember to ask the dealer plenty of questions, as well. They’ll know plenty about RV brands and models, inside and out. See what they know and what they can tell you about a model to see if it suits your lifestyle. They’re a great resource that can help you fast-track comparisons and do the legwork for you!

If you manage to narrow your search down to a specific model and find a travel trailer of that kind, ask more questions about that specific vehicle. Learn about past owners and how they used the trailer, why they chose to sell, what the maintenance history looks like, and if it’s had any repeat repairs. Learn as much as you can about the travel trailer’s history and never feel like you can’t ask follow-up questions. 

See For Yourself

Eventually, you’ll need to look at the travel trailer yourself to determine if there are any last-minute red-flags. Look for any signs or damage or poor maintenance, like corrosion or sagging floors. If possible, hire a professional inspector to see if there’s anything you missed. If the travel trailer passes inspection, though, you’re good to go!

If you’re ready to start your hunt or end it, Casa Grande RV Sales can help! We have a wide selection of used travel trailers available and the experts you need to find you the perfect match. Our finance department can assist you with budgeting and payment plans, and our service department will make sure you’re ready to go. We proudly serve the people of Chandler and Gilbert, Arizona—let us serve you today!