RV Trailer Cost

Typical costs:

• A popup tent trailer costs $3,000-$7,000 for a basic model (beds, dinette, icebox or mini-refrigerator, cooking appliance) and increases to $8,000-$20,000 for models with higher-end appliances, a toilet, heater, air conditioner, etc. Tent trailers are box-like (8'-18' long and 4'-6' tall) when folded for travel. Unfolded, they create a tent on a raised platform that can be up to 30' long, with a cooking/dining area and beds for 6-8 people.
• Conventional travel trailers can cost $8,000-$65,000, but average $15,000-$30,000. These are the standard, non-motorized, hard-sided RVs, 10'-40' long or longer, and may have one open area inside or several separate rooms. At a minimum they include a sleeping area and what can range from a simple food prep/dining area (stove top, sink, and icebox) to a complete kitchen with full-sized appliances.
• Fifth-wheel trailers can cost $13,000-$100,000, depending on size (21'-40' long) and features like slide-outs to expand the living space, a separate master bedroom and bath, full-sized appliances, an electric fireplace and more. Also called a Fiver, a fifth-wheel is designed to be towed by a pickup with a king pin hitch in the truck bed, so the front of the trailer extends above the truck bed.
• Toy hauler trailers can cost $12,000-$80,000 or more, depending on size (14'-40' or longer) and amenities, varying from the basics for sleeping and eating to all the comforts of home. Sometimes called a sports utility recreational vehicle, a toy hauler is either a conventional travel trailer or a fifth wheel with living quarters in the front and a cargo/garage area and ramp in the rear for hauling motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs or other equipment. RV trailers start depreciating[1] as soon as they're driven off the dealer's lot, so a well-maintained unit that's a few years old could be 20%-30% less than its original purchase price.

• At a minimum, an RV trailer typically contains beds, a table and a food preparation area. The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association illustrates different types of towable RVs.
• Riders are not allowed in an RV trailer while it's being towed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lists safety tips[2] for driving with a trailer.

• A medium- to heavy-duty pickup truck or similar tow vehicle can cost $20,000-$50,000 or more. Towing a loaded trailer reduces the tow vehicle's fuel efficiency by at least a couple miles per gallon and could cut it by as much as half (or more). Many owners of heavy RV trailers report getting 8-10 mpg while towing.
• Adding a standard ball trailer hitch on the tow vehicle can cost $50-$700; installing a fifth-wheel hitch can cost $500-$2,500. If the trailer is wider than the tow vehicle, extended side view mirrors start at $4-$80 for models that clamp onto the existing side mirrors, or $150-$450 for permanently installed towing mirrors.
• Overnight campground or RV park fees can cost $10-$40 a night. Using a dump station to empty the trailer's sewage system is typically included in the overnight fee; dumping without spending the night can cost $5-$25.
• RV insurance premiums vary significantly depending on value, frequency of usage, location, company and driving record.
• State registration fees for RV trailers start around $25-$50 a year, but for larger and more expensive trailers in some states it can be $100-$300 or more.
• Renting an RV storage space can cost $20-$100 a month outdoors and $45-$450 a month indoors. An RV cover can cost $50-$1,200 or more.

• As a try-out or an alternative to buying, renting an RV trailer costs $50-$175 a night.

• RV shows[3] offer different makes and models in one place; admission can be free or $5-$10.
• Prices on new RV trailers vary considerably; dealer prices are typically negotiable. Digital Federal Credit Union offers tips for getting the best price[4] . RV Magazine explains how to negotiate and finance[5] an RV purchase.
• For used RV trailers, NadaGuides.com provides a tool to estimate prices[6] and Changingears.com describes determining a fair market price[7] with the Nada Guides as a starting point. As a reference, consignment seller PPL Motors posts actual RV selling prices[8] .
• ChanginGears.com provides checklists for inspecting a new or used RV[9] before buying, and for road testing[10] an RV trailer.
• Search for local dealers through the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association[11] or GoRVing.com[12] .
• . The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides tips for selecting a tow vehicle[13] .

1.  www.rversonline.org/ArtNewUsedRV.html
2.  www.nhtsa.org/
3.  www.gorving.com/where-to-find/rv-shows
4.  /www.dcu.org/streetwise/boat-rv/rv-price.html
5.  www.rvmagonline.com/features/0808rv-rv-buying-tips/negotiating.html
6.  www.nadaguides.com/RVs
7.  changingears.com/rv-art-determining-rv-fmv.shtml
8.  www.pplmotorhomes.com/sold/soldmenu.htm
9.  changingears.com/rv-checklist-inspection.shtml
10.  changingears.com/rv-checklist-road-test-trailer.shtml?sec-checklist
11.  www.rvda.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Dealer_Info&template=/DealerSearch/Custom/dea...
12.  www.gorving.com/where-to-find/dealers
13.  www.nhtsa.gov/cars/problems/equipment/towing/selecting.htm

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