Community Forums

Kbrowe66 · 08-05-2020, 08:48 PM

Hi there,

We have never owned an RV, and are looking at possibly buying a 2012 Winnebago View for our cross country trip this fall. Let’s say we don’t love it after we take our trip and decide to resell...do these models tend to hold their value? Any warnings about purchasing the 2012 View or any positives??

Thanks for your help!

Isaac-1 · 08-05-2020, 11:27 PM

In normal times RV values tend to rapidly decline the first few years, then slow down a bit in the 7-10 year age range, then they suddenly drop again at the 10-12 year age point and then stabilize. This may partly be due to the fact most lenders will not finance an RV over 10-12 years of age.

Note now is not normal times, everywhere you look it seems RV sales are booming, particularly for smaller motorhomes. I just saw a youtube video a few hours ago from parkway RV where the salesman said they are having a booming year, and have already exceeded their 2019 totals as of August 1st.

Roy-c · 08-06-2020, 03:53 AM

An RV is similar to a boat which is a hole in the water into which you pour $. There are exceptions but you should go into this knowing that you will probably lose $. The only question is how much. That will be determined in the future and I don't know of anyone with a crystal ball that will accurately predict that, do you ?
That being said, buy what you can afford and enjoy the ride. You will only pass this way once.

scbwr · 08-06-2020, 07:21 AM

It really boils down to what price you pay for it. If you get a good deal, your odds of selling it for the same price are a bit better. The kicker is that depending on where you live, whatever sales tax you pay may be hard to recoup.

TJFogelberg · 08-06-2020, 08:03 AM

You should be fine. I've bought 3 used RVs and sold all 3 myself. Each one taught me something new while we traveled around the country...eventually buying a new Minnie Winnie 31D in Oct '16.

Never bought wondering how much I could recoup upon sale...it will vary widely depending on many factors.

Put unit in high traffic areas with 2 signs on the first 2. 3rd sold on rvtrader.

When you sell and a buyer comes to look, have your spouse come out of the house as they enter the rv and shout "Cliff...another call on the RV!"

True story and I was the bait.

milkman55 · 08-07-2020, 02:52 PM

The Winnebago brand will certainly help you retain value on resale.

Just keep in mind all the Sprinter based RVs are weight challenged and are really best for a couple to travel, not a large family. Usually you are 1000-1200 lbs total available carry capacity, many even less than 1,000 lbs. Look for the weight sticker on either the driver door frame or the entry door frame.