Travel Trailer Cost

Typical costs:

• A new travel trailer can cost $8,000-$65,000 but averages $15,000-$30,000 depending on size, weight, layout, materials and amenities.
• For example, the fiberglass Scamp 13[1] is 13' long overall with interior space of 10'x6.5', weighs about 1,200 lbs., has 13" tires and starts at $8,300 with basic kitchen appliances (mini-fridge, sink, cook-top) plus a sofa/bunk beds and a dinette/double bed. Options include a bathroom/shower. The fiberglass Casita Liberty Deluxe 17'[2] starts at $15,000-$16,000, weighs 2,185 pounds, has 15" tires and includes a marine toilet/shower stall, choice of bed size, a water heater and air conditioner.
• The 19'11" Rockwood Mini Lite Model 1809S[3] weighs 4,636 lbs. when loaded with fuel and water; sells for $15,000-$20,000; and comes standard with a heated mattress, slideout with sofa, bathroom with shower stall, microwave, gas oven, ducted furnace and more.
• The 40'11" JayCo Flight Bungalow 40BHS[4] weighs12,500 pounds with fuel and water, and starts at $37,000 with multiple slide-outs; a master bedroom with a queen-sized bed; a full bathroom with bathtub; hookups for a stacking washer/dryer; full-sized kitchen appliances; and a free-standing dining table and chairs.
• An expandable travel trailer (also called a hybrid travel trailer or a hybrid camper) is hard-sided but with tent-like beds that fold down or slide out to create additional sleeping areas, and can cost $13,000-$25,000 or more. The Rockwood Roo 183[5] sells for about $15,000-$22,000, and comes with three soft-sided 60"x80" bed areas, and a bathroom with shower stall.
• RVs start depreciating[6] as soon as they're driven off the dealer's lot, so a well-cared-for travel trailer that's a few years old could be 20%-30% less than its original purchase price.

• At a minimum, a travel trailer contains a bed, a table (which often converts to a bed), a food preparation area and storage. Larger models may include a galley kitchenette and small toilet stall, or a full kitchen, bathroom, master bedroom and living room. ChanginGears.com provides an overview of travel trailers[7] .
• Driving with a trailer can be challenging. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lists safety tips[8] for driving with a trailer.

• Larger and heavier trailers must be pulled by a medium- to heavy-duty truck, which 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). Some owners of heavy travel trailers report getting 8-10 mpg while towing.
• Adding a standard ball trailer hitch to the tow vehicle can cost $50-$700.If the trailer is wider than the tow vehicle, extended side view mirrors start at $4-$80 per pair 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.
• RV insurance premiums vary significantly depending on value, frequency of usage, location, and company; get quotes before buying a specific trailer.
• 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, depending on size, materials and fit.

• Free or low-cost[9] overnight camping is available.

• RV shows[10] offer different makes and models in one place; admission can be free or $5-$10.
• The combined weight of the travel trailer, hitch, passengers, luggage and other gear must not exceed the towing capacity of the tow vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides tips for selecting a tow vehicle[11] .
• Dealer prices are typically negotiable. Digital Federal Credit Union offers tips for getting the best price[12] on new and used RVs. RV Magazine explains how to negotiate and finance[13] an RV purchase.
• For used travel trailers, NadaGuides.com provides a tool to estimate prices[14] and Changingears.com describes determining a fair market price[15] with the Nada Guides as a starting point. As a reference, consignment seller PPL Motors posts its actual travel trailer selling prices[16] .
• ChanginGears.com provides a checklist for inspecting a new or used RV[17] before buying it, and for road testing[18] a travel trailer.
• Find local RV dealers through the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association[19] or GoRVing.com[20] .

1.  www.scamptrailers.com/Showroom/13Trailers.aspx
2.  www.casitatraveltrailers.com/showroom.html
3.  www.forestriverinc.com/RV/
4.  www.jayco.com/products/travel-trailers/jay-flight-bungalow
5.  www.forestriverinc.com/RV/
6.  www.rversonline.org/ArtNewUsedRV.html
7.  changingears.com/rv-sec-learn-type-tt.shtml
8.  www.nhtsa.org/
9.  rvbasics.com/rv-lifestyle/low-cost-RV-camping.html
10.  www.gorving.com/where-to-find/rv-shows
11.  www.nhtsa.gov/cars/problems/equipment/towing/selecting.htm
12.  /www.dcu.org/streetwise/boat-rv/rv-price.html
13.  www.rvmagonline.com/features/0808rv-rv-buying-tips/negotiating.html
14.  www.nadaguides.com/RVs
15.  changingears.com/rv-art-determining-rv-fmv.shtml
16.  www.pplmotorhomes.com/sold/travel-trailer.htm
17.  changingears.com/rv-checklist-inspection.shtml
18.  changingears.com/rv-checklist-road-test-trailer.shtml?sec-checklist
19.  www.rvda.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Dealer_Info&template=/DealerSearch/Custom/dea...
20.  www.gorving.com/where-to-find/dealers

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