As with cars and trucks, RV manufacturers release new RVs annually. Often, these releases include new features, floorplans, consolidated RV brands, or new RVs entirely. But knowing when to expect and what to expect can be hard to navigate, especially if you’re shopping for one of the most exciting new 2025 RVs.
Let’s learn how the RV model year timeline works and cover a few tips to find the best 2025 RV models at a price you’ll love.
RVIA’s Recommended Model Year Changeover Timeline
Each summer, RV manufacturers announce new model-year RVs. These announcements have come as early as Q1 from those looking to get an early jump and generate excitement, but most of the changeover occurs from July 1st through August 31st.
But here’s some added context. In 2020, the RV Industry Association (RVIA)released official guidelines recommending that manufacturers announce new model-year RVs from the beginning of July through the end of August. However, in a June 2024 release, RVIA recommended the model-year changeover occur from June 1 through June 30th, beginning with the 2026 RV models.
These are recommendations, and some gray area still exists. Some manufacturers may not follow the recommendations, but RVIA strives to provide some normalcy for RV consumers.
When Can Consumers See Actual Changes in 2025 RVs?
The earliest you’ll likely see meaningful floorplan changes and feature additions to 2025 RVs will be at events like the Hershey RV Show in early September. Historically, manufacturers have released new model years in the summer but then released those same models with significant upgrades in the fall, so the shows are actually the best place to see the changes.
There’s an important tip here: this atypical release schedule also means that early model-year RVs released in the summer may not differ much from the previous model year (i.e., early 2025 RV models may be similar to late 2024 RVs). So, if you want to see the newest models, tour innovative RV floorplans, and learn about meaningful changes for the upcoming model year, going to a big fall show is probably your best bet.
You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive notifications as we bring you reviews and walkthroughs of the newest RVs to you as soon as they’re available.
How Does the New Model Year Impact Previous Model Year Pricing?
Our next tip: Knowing the timing of RVIA’s recommended model year change can help if you’re interested in purchasing a previous model year RV—especially if you’re looking for a deal. As dealers begin to look forward to adding the new model year to their inventory, they become more aggressive about moving out the previous year’s inventory. You may see lower prices on previous model year campers that are more affordable.
So, if you’re in the market for a used RV and hear about new models being released, that’s your cue that dealerships may begin offering discounts or incentives to purchase the previous model year’s remaining inventory.
Key Takeaways on When 2025 RVs Come Out
So, here’s what you need to know about 2025 RV models and the announcements of new model years going forward.
- “Model year” and “meaningful changes” happen at different times. Not all of the same “model year” RVs are the same.
- RVIA’s recommended model year changeover will shift slightly earlier for the 2026 model year (but you’ll see outliers as manufacturer releases vary).
- The first time to see, tour, and experience actual floorplan/feature changes will be at fall RV shows like Hershey.
- The release of the new model year impacts the pricing and availability of previous model years.
- Actual changes from year to year vary by manufacturer, ranging from complete brand overhauls to minor floorplan shifts (and everything in between!)
Distribution is another factor, and once new RV models are released at fall shows, there may be some delay before they hit a dealership near you. But they could be there already! If there’s a specific 2025 RV you want to see in person, you can contact your local Camping World to express your interest to our team, who will notify you when new models arrive on the lot.
Are you curious about what we’re most excited to show you in 2025? Here are a few introductions to what’s coming:
- A Sneak Peek at the Keystone Coleman RVs
- Meet the East to West Silver Lake Travel Trailers
- The All-New Eddie Bauer Motorhomes from Thor
Which 2025 RVs are you most excited to see and learn more about? Let us know in the comments below!
