EVERYONE’S FIRST RV BUYING EXPERIENCE is different, good or bad. But as a four-time RV owner—now on my latest Campsite Ultra 26BW—I can confidently say you learn from every RV you own (and yes, you still make mistakes!). My first RV was a used 1983 Fleetwood Tioga Class C motorhome, excluding the Fleetwood Bounder my parents bought in 2000.
Was I subconsciously partial to the Fleetwood brand when searching for my first RV? Maybe. A 2025 study completed by the RV Industry Association (RVIA) suggested that 83% of RV owners are likely to purchase the same brand for their next RV.
But what if you don’t have any brand experience to go on? What other factors lead you to prefer one RV over another—and can you trust them? What factors should you prioritize to find an RV for your camping style?
That’s precisely what I plan to explore. My experience buying a Class C motorhome, a Class A RV, a small rear bath travel trailer, and my current front kitchen camper has taught me a lot about selecting the right RV type, choosing between new or used models, and deciding whether to buy from a dealership, a manufacturer, or a private seller. Plus, there’s the crucial final criterion: what’s your budget?
Of the many factors to consider when purchasing your first RV, here’s what I consider the most important.
Key Takeaways
- Start Small and Simple: For first-time buyers, compact travel trailers, Class C motorhomes, or camper vans are ideal due to easier driving, towing, and maneuverability. Comfort with towing or driving should guide your RV type selection.
- New vs Used RVs: New RVs offer warranties, modern features, and easier financing, but used RVs can be more budget-friendly and depreciate less. Budget, regional availability, and how long you plan to RV should influence your decision.
- Where to Buy: Dealerships offer the most support, inspections, and variety for beginners, while private sellers may offer better prices but come with more risk and fewer resources, making dealerships the better choice for most first-time buyers.
RV Type
For most buyers, the best first RV is a travel trailer, Class C motorhome, or Class B camper van. There’s a common thread that I believe makes these the best RV types for beginners: they’re generally easier to maneuver.
Compact travel trailers are easiest for new owners learning to tow a camper. For those who don’t want to deal with towing, small Class C motorhomes and van campers are generally known as the easiest RVs to drive.
Built on a Ford truck chassis, my first Class C RV didn’t feel like driving a bus, and there was no hitching and towing learning curve. It offered excellent interior versatility with the primary bed, convertible dinette, and cabover bunk—all standard features in most Class C motorhomes.
Storage was abundant under the bed and dinette and in exterior storage compartments. The rear hitch receiver was easily equipped with a rack for hauling our bikes, and a mounted rear ladder—a standard feature on most Class Cs, but something that’s rarer to find on entry-level travel trailers and camper vans—made roof and awning maintenance easy.
The main drawback? We lacked a secondary vehicle to get around once we reached our destination. And trust me, commuting to a new job in a new city while driving a 26-foot motorhome isn’t ideal.
As I’ve since learned, a small travel trailer has some benefits over a small motorhome for first-time owners. It provides the freedom to unhook and use your tow vehicle to explore. For new camping families, this alone may be a swaying factor. While I’ll never forget loading the entire family into the motorhome for trips as a kid, you’ll also love the ability to explore a larger radius with a truck and trailer, rather than being limited to your campground.
Key Takeaway
My main advice on choosing the best first RV is to keep it small and simple. Compact trailers are an excellent choice if you’re comfortable towing and have a vehicle that can handle a small RV under 5,000 pounds. Small motorhomes are ideal if everyone wants the freedom to ride inside the camper as you travel.
First-Time RV Buyer Tip
Choose a camper that you feel comfortable driving or towing. You’re naturally dreaming about using your RV in a campground, but remember you have to get there with as little hassle as possible. No matter how beautiful your campground is, a stressful road trip can be hard to shake.
New or Used?
The decision between buying a new vs used RV is somewhat similar to car shopping: we all want the newest, latest, and untouched model. But we’re likely paying a significant price to do so.
The prices of new, entry-level recreational vehicles have changed in recent years, leading to more favorable options for first-time RV buyers. There are small travel trailers with an MSRP under $10,000 and monthly payments below $200, depending on financing terms. When I bought my first RV, the new market didn’t have much I could afford, but that may not be the case today. So, comparison shopping will help you determine if you can afford a new RV or if a used camper with similar features will be your best option.
Still, buying new is a tempting offer and has considerable appeal. According to that RVIA study, 71% of RV owners surveyed bought their camper new, and 70% of those who expressed an intent to buy another RV in the coming years said they’d prefer buying new vs shopping used. Several factors may be responsible for this statistic:
New RV Benefits
- New RVs are still under manufacturer warranty, making some repairs easier for beginners in their first year of ownership.
- New RVs have more favorable interest rates, similar to new vs used vehicles. While a surprising 45% of owners surveyed reported buying with cash, it’s generally easier to get more favorable loan terms if you finance a new RV vs a used camper.
- There’s a broader variety of new RV floor plans and feature packages to explore at dealerships.
New campers also have improved technologies that make camping easier. Industry innovations like tankless water heaters and 12-volt refrigerators make new campers more attractive to first-time buyers.
They also don’t have any wear and tear from the previous owner. There’s no risk of lingering odors or unknown damage from a past owner that you’ll have to fix down the road. And finally, it’s easier to find online resources to help you learn how to use, maintain, and repair a new RV vs a used camper.
However, that’s not to say that a used RV might not be your perfect first RV. Compare the benefits of buying new vs used:
Used RV Benefits
- Used RVs are generally more affordable than models with similar features on the new RV market.
- The RV depreciation rate slows for used campers after the average 20% depreciation that occurs with new campers in their first year. Interestingly, travel trailers tend to depreciate more slowly than other RV types.
- There’s less risk of financial loss when buying used vs new. A lower starting price and less depreciation mean a lower chance of losing money if you decide the RV lifestyle isn’t for you after a trial period.
Additionally, the previous owner may have installed upgrades or added features not typically found in a new entry-level RV. Used RVs allow you to gain valuable purchasing and camping experience to guide you when, and if, you trade in your used RV for a new model.
Key Takeaway
The decision between new vs used warrants a case-by-case approach. For example, my parents got an incredible deal on a barely used Tiffin motorhome because of an unfortunate event in the previous owner’s life. But my first RV purchase could’ve been a colossal failure if my brother hadn’t been a mechanic and we hadn’t set aside an additional budget for fixes.
The best advice I can give is to cast a wide net. That means checking pricing and availability of new and used RVs at your local dealerships. You might compare that information to private listings online via RVs.com. Create a shortlist of candidates on both markets before you start looking at anything in person.
Regional availability may also sway your thinking. Some markets are more saturated with new or used RVs. For example, states that are popular winter getaways, such as Florida, Texas, and Arizona, tend to have a higher selection of used RVs than others.
Tip for First-Time RV Buyers
Your choice of new vs used RVs may simply come down to budget. If no new options exist in your range, your hand is somewhat forced. But if your budget isn’t the limiting factor…
My take is that new RVs are better for those who are reasonably sure they’ll remain RV owners for at least 3-5 years.
If you’re uncertain if RV life is for you, a used option can be a better first RV because its value won’t depreciate as much in your first year of ownership.
How Much To Spend On Your First RV
According to that same RVIA study, the median age of RV owners has dropped to 49 from 53 four years ago. While the study shows that owners are getting younger, their average annual income has remained roughly the same. In response, dealerships and manufacturers have sought ways to make entry-level campers more affordable for first-time RV buyers.
When I bought my Sunlite Classic travel trailer in 2021, finding a compact floor plan with standing room for less than $20,000 was hard. There were cheaper options, but most were teardrop or micro campers that didn’t boast a full kitchen, dinette, bedroom, and bathroom. My main buying factors were a dedicated workspace, a functional indoor kitchen, and a bed I didn’t have to convert daily.
Since then, the number of RVs under $20,000 that meet those criteria has undoubtedly increased. There are even entry-level options like the Coleman 13B with starting prices under $10,000. With the right financing terms, these affordable campers can be the best first RVs for buyers with a maximum monthly budget of under $200.
However, those with larger budgets can consider brands that specifically target third or fourth-time buyers. RVs at a slightly higher price point can offer significantly upgraded amenities, more living space, and better construction—ensuring that you get a camper that introduces you to RV life and gives you a reliable adventure basecamp for the foreseeable future.
Key Takeaway
Average RV prices vary by RV type. Travel trailers, considered the most affordable option for a first RV, generally range from $10,000 to $100,000+. Class C motorhomes, another great type for beginners, typically range from $50,000 to $100,000. While attractive for van life enthusiasts, Class B RVs are a bit more expensive, averaging between $100,000 and $200,000.
No matter where you’re buying, it’s smart to use an RV valuation tool to check if you’re getting a fair price. NADA RV values can also be worth monitoring to understand what specific models sell for. These valuations can also give you leverage in negotiations, especially if buying a used camper on the private market.
First Time RV Buyer Tip
How much you can expect to spend depends on your target RV type. While travel trailers offer the most affordable option, you may need to factor in the cost of a new tow vehicle if you’re current one can’t handle the trailer’s towing requirements. In some cases, a beginner-friendly motorhome may be more affordable than upgrading your tow vehicle and buying a travel trailer.
Recommendations for the Best RV for First-Time Buyers
Here are some recommendations for the best first RV:
Coleman 13B Travel Trailer
Affordability is the key here—there’s perhaps no other new RV on the market in 2025 with a better starting price than this bunkhouse travel trailer. It’s also perfect for small families looking for their first RV and is towable by most SUVs. Although it’s a compact floor plan, you get a primary bed, two bunks, a kitchenette, and a bathroom.
Eddie Bauer 26EB Class C RV
The Eddie Bauer lineup offers some of the most affordable Class C RVs in 2025. I love the 26EB floor plan because the primary bed flips up to create a rear garage area with access from a rear cargo door. That makes it easy for first-time RV owners to load bikes or kayaks without additional hitch accessories.
Winnebago Solis Pocket 36B Camper Van
The Solis Pocket is the most budget-friendly brand in Winnebago’s camper van lineup. There are two floor plans, but the 36B is my favorite for first-time RV families because it has an optional pop-top that gives the kids a loft-style tent room. That model is also eligible for the Winnebago + EcoFlow Power Pro Kit, which is a must for owners who don’t want to be limited to staying in campgrounds with full hookups all the time.
Here are a few other brands worth exploring in these first-timer-friendly RV categories:
Travel Trailers
- Keystone Coleman Light: Lightweight floor plans perfect for towing with mid-size SUVs or compact trucks.
- Forest River Wolf Pup: Upscale features in an affordable package, including several all-electric models.
- Jayco Jay Flight SLX: From compact couples campers to bunk room layouts, you’ll find nearly any travel trailer floor plan imaginable in this lineup.
Class C RVs
- Thor Freedom Elite: Budget-friendly motorhomes with unique interior layouts and creative “garage-style” storage solutions (in select models).
- Forest River Forester: One of the most diverse Class C lineups with options built on Ford, Chevy, and Mercedes-Benz chassis.
- Thor Coleman: An excellent selection of versatile floor plans, including options with Murphy beds, twin-to-king bed conversions, and queen beds in a slide-out.
Van Campers
- Eddie Bauer: Efficient layouts with interior design and decor unique to the Eddie Bauer brand.
- Thor Scope: Two floor plans for first-time RV couples who desire simplicity—all thrills, no frills.
- Winnebago Travato: Advanced heating and cooling systems + upgradable power management technology for easier off-grid camping.
Where To Buy Your First RV
Aspiring first-time RV owners can buy a new or used camper from a dealership, get a new RV directly from a manufacturer, or buy a used RV from a private seller. Of the four RVs I’ve owned, two came from private sellers and two from dealerships. So let’s talk about the route that’s right for you.
RV Dealership
Buying from a dealership is one of the most common experiences for new buyers. There’s considerable benefit to walking through different floor plans, asking questions, and comparing prices. Plus, dealerships streamline financing and paperwork.
Still, some buyers have reservations about RV quality or getting “tricked” into buying something they don’t actually want. But when I think about my buying experiences (dealerships vs private sellers), the significant dealership benefit that stands out is the efficiency of comparing and contrasting many RVs in a single afternoon.
Vetting options from private sellers often took months, and I was lucky to see one or two options each weekend. As time passes between seeing used RVs from private sellers in person, it gets tough to recall what you liked or disliked about previous models, making it easier to fall victim to recency bias.
And then there’s the RV’s condition. Every owner has different standards. I’ve seen some used RVs for sale from private sellers that were a hard no as soon as I walked in. There’s no standard for what condition a camper should be in before selling it when buying on the private market.
On the other hand, any good manufacturer rigorously tests their campers before they are shipped. One significant benefit of buying from a dealership is that most will conduct an additional pre-delivery inspection before they hand you the keys. This inspection varies depending on the dealership, but will generally include testing the electrical, propane, and water systems, checking for exterior damage, filling holding tanks and checking for leaks, and more.
Don’t hesitate to ask about inspections and what has been tested, and have a salesperson or technician walk you through an RV’s systems before buying.
If you’re buying used, many dealerships put the models they acquire through a used reconditioning program. Again, the exact process varies, but it will typically be more comprehensive than the efforts made by private sellers.
When buying from a dealership, knowledgeable sales and technical staff can also walk you through the process and answer your questions. From ensuring there aren’t any issues with the RV’s critical systems to understanding the nuances of RV financing, more resources are available when buying from a dealership than with any other buying route.
Those concerned about buying from a dealership after hearing about negative experiences should be aware of the right questions to ask an RV salesperson. Like shopping for a car, their goal is to persuade you to buy. You must remember that you control the timeline and deserve to have your questions and concerns addressed before you sign on the dotted line.
Private Seller
The primary benefit of buying from a private seller is negotiating power. However, as a first-time RV buyer, knowing what to look for when examining campers from private sellers is challenging. And if you can’t recognize damage, defects, or areas where maintenance has been neglected, you lose some of that ability to negotiate for a better sale price.
When I bought my first Class C RV from a private seller, it wasn’t until several weeks of ownership when temperatures dipped and we fired up the furnace for the first time that we discovered the extensive wasp nest hiding in the burner tube. With my Class A motorhome, a loose fitting on the back of the toilet created quite the opportunity for water damage the first time I connected to city water.
These examples aren’t meant to scare you from purchasing an RV. Hopefully, they demonstrate that missing checks in your pre-purchase RV walkaround is easy, especially as a first-time RV buyer. Many experienced RVers have found great deals buying from private sellers, but there’s added risk when you’re a new, aspiring owner.
Key Takeaway
Buying from a reputable dealership or manufacturer is arguably the best route for first-time RV owners. During your purchase, you’ll have the most resources to guide your decision and understand the nuances of RV insurance, warranty coverage, and optional plans like Extended Protection, Roadside Assistance, and Travel Assist.
Before you sign and make a down payment, a certified RV technician should walk you through to demonstrate the condition and operation of all RV systems. This is your chance to double-check everything from roof to frame and ask questions of an experienced professional if you’re unsure how to operate some aspects of your new camper.
After your purchase, there’s someone at the end of a helpline or support contact to address issues, unlike with a private seller, where the odds of being ghosted once the sale is complete are much higher.
My final tip to add to your first-time RV owner checklist?
The benefit of having an RV technician complete a thorough pre-delivery inspection when buying new or used at a dealership cannot be overstated. As a first-time buyer, it’s challenging to thoroughly test all critical RV systems and appliances when purchasing from a private seller. In my experience, the odds of buying an RV that has unseen issues are much higher when purchasing used on the private market.
If you’re ready to dive into your search for the best first RV for your lifestyle, check out these additional resources:
What questions do you have about buying an RV for the first time? Let us know in the comments below.
