Why Buy From an RV Dealer?
With more private sales than ever offered online, we wanted to outline some of the benefits of buying a used RV from a dealer, and what to look out for when purchasing privately! Hi, we're Camp-Out RV. We are a family owned and operated RV dealership that’s been serving Stratford and the surrounding area for 60 years. With our extensive knowledge and expert advice, we do everything we can to get you out on your next adventure.
So why buy an RV from a dealer? You're looking through Marketplace and see an RV for sale, it's a floorplan you think you might like and it's listed at a really good price, you're interested, you message the seller. We're not saying that there's anything wrong with that, however there are key benefits to purchasing an RV from a reputable dealer opposed to a private seller, let us tell you them.
1 - Peace of Mind
One thing that is assured when buying a used RV from a dealer like Camp Out is the peace of mind in your purchase. All trade-in and used units on our lot undergo a thorough evaluation for damage and condition prior to being posted for sale. Water damage can be catastrophic to your RV and can be covered fairly easily by a dishonest seller. Exercise caution when inspecting an RV and keep an eye out for modified paneling or paint in the unit.
Prior to delivery, each and every one of out used RVs then undergo a pre-delivery inspection by one of our licensed technicians, carefully inspecting the water system, gas system, appliances, and checking both the interior and exterior over for cosmetic damage. The extensive PDI process takes over 5 hours to complete, ensuring by the end that all systems and appliances are in good working order.
The units are then meticulously cleaned and detailed inside and out by our cleaning crew, thoroughly cleaning high-mold growth areas like fridges, washrooms, basement storage, etc. Granting you a fresh, clean trailer for your first trip out. When you buy from a reputable RV dealer like Camp Out RV, you will find full transparency about the history and condition of any RV on our lot.
2 - Lien Checks
Another big advantage of purchasing an RV from a reputable dealer is the guarantee that the unit has been paid-out in full by its previous owner and that there are no outstanding liens. Although unlikely, some units could have multiple liens against it depending on its sales history. If you unknowingly purchase a unit with an outstanding lien, you are at risk of it being repossessed by the title of the lien holder, even if you aren’t the one owning the money.
One sign to look out for when purchasing privately is the asking price - if a private seller has a unit listed at a higher price than your local dealer, it is likely because that seller still owes money on the unit and is trying to recuperate some of their losses. At Camp Out RV, we price all of our units based on current market price, condition and other variables.
3 - Market Pricing
Which brings us into our next point, Fair Market Pricing. When you purchase an RV from a reputable dealer, you are being offered real-time competitive market pricing. Dealers have to remain competitively priced within the market, meaning we can’t make up prices as we go! Our sales team has a thorough research process when evaluating our used inventory based on make, model, age, condition and other extenuating factors.
You’ll find that dealers are also transparent in their pricing and aren’t looking for bidding wars or higher offers like most private sellers. The listed price is the asking price, so there is no stress of feeling like you have to negotiate or that you could’ve “gotten a better deal”. At Camp Out, our listed price includes the “little extras” like an electrical cord, water hose and a power adapter. All shop time and supplies used during the PDI are also included, along with filled propane tanks and a deep cycle battery. Costs that all add up pretty quickly when not included in the sale price.
4 - Find Your Match
When perusing through RVTrader, Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace, you often “filter” your search to show specific trailer types, models, features, etc. Maybe you want bunks, maybe a rear washroom, or a king bed - whatever your preference is, we can help you find it. These specific parameters and requirements aren’t as easy to “filter” on generic buy and sell websites, requiring you to sift through the pages to find the units you like. From there, there’s messaging sellers, waiting for replies, arranging a viewing, negotiating price, etc, etc. Making the process long, tedious and potentially compromising your wants for a more convenient purchase. When you purchase from a dealer like Camp Out, we are doing the work for you, listening to your needs in a unit and finding the right one for you. If we don’t have your dream trailer in stock, we’ll take your info and contact you when something similar arrives on the lot, doing the searching for you.
Another advantage of purchasing from an RV dealership is the option to purchase new RVs! Whether you have your heart set out on a specific floorplan or you want custom ordered features, buying new is the way to go. New RVs can be ordered just the way you want them, come with manufacturers warranty and a guaranteed product - with no accident history, leaks, or damage. RV dealers like Camp Out RV have access to numerous different makes and models and have the ability to order units with or without certain options, allowing you to design the trailer of your dreams without compromise.
5 - Financing
When you purchase a new or used RV from a reputable dealer like Camp Out RV, you’re given the best financing options available. When you’re purchasing from a private seller or trade event, you’re typically limited to paying cash or through a third-party lender. RV dealerships have access to special financing through partnerships from some of the biggest banks in Canada, and with 60 years in business, Camp Out RV has established strong relationships with our partners - offering our customers access to exclusive financing options.
The sales team at Camp Out RV will work to get the best rates and best chances of approval so you can count on getting your dream RV!
6 - Warranties and Extra Care
Another advantage of purchasing an RV from a dealership is the opportunity to protect your unit after you’ve picked it up. When purchasing an RV from a private seller, warranties are often no longer honoured when the unit is under new ownership - regardless of how new it is. At Camp Out RV, we will assist you in insuring that your unit is protected whether it is brand new from the factory or preloved and needing an extended warranty.
RV dealers also offer investment protection options like premium paint-protection packages to prevent sun damage or fading to your fibreglass and mouse-deterrent underbelly spray. These products and their warranties are just some of what sets a dealer apart from a private seller.
7 - Premium Care and After Sale Support
Purchasing an RV from a dealership also means you're going to receive after-sale support. If there is anything you are not happy with, you have a reputable dealer to call and discuss issues with that wants to work with you to ensure you're happy. Whether it's a faulty part or mechanical failure, RV dealers have a responsibility to rectify these issues that private sellers do not. Purchasing from an RV dealer guarantees a level of accountability that private sales do not.
RV dealers also have access to certified RV Service Technicians on site, meaning that any diagnosing and repairs are being done by trained professionals. Having an RV serviced by certified technicians can also increase your resale value and uphold your RVs value from depreciation longer. RV service technicians are trained specifically to work on the models that their dealer sells, meaning that a reputable RV dealer is undoubtably the most familiar with your RVs parts and accessories. RV dealers also have access to hundreds of thousands of OEM parts both on-hand and available for order that are otherwise hard to find. The more your RV sees the same dealership, the better maintenance and service history they can keep record of, which will be helpful to you when the time comes to sell!
At Camp Out RV, we work diligently to ensure that we are honest and transparent in the sales process. All preloved units undergo a tedious inspection upon arrival to the lot, where any and all repairs are documented. The RVs are then subject to a second thorough inspection after they sell during the PDI, where all appliances and systems are rechecked. Whether you are a returning camper or first-time buyer, we are happy to fit you with the right RV to suit your evolving needs! Give us a call or text today to find out more or set up a viewing of our current inventory!
#HappyCamping 😁