List of 12 Things to Consider for Camper and Travel Trailer Values

1. If you’re going to purchase a camper or travel trailer, are you looking for new or used travel trailer values? Just like new and used car prices, there’s a difference in price for the trailer sitting on the new RV lot, and the same travel trailer once it’s been purchased and removed from the lot. It’s lots of fun to visit new RV lots, and really fun to look at the floor plans and order a new travel trailer.  On a budget?  If you’re looking to save some money on the purchase of your travel trailer, buying used may be a good choice. 
2. Are you buying or selling a camper or travel trailer?  If you’re buying a camper or travel trailer, have you narrowed down the model you need?  When you visit a lot it’s exciting, and you may end up choosing a travel trailer that’s a bit more pricey than you need.  When you’re buying a travel trailer first make a checklist of what you really need, in the way of size and features.  And don’t forget to consider the weight and towing requirements that your tow vehicle will handle.  When you’re looking to buy a travel trailer please remember that when you tow it you will have your items stored inside, so consider this when selecting your travel trailer.
3. If you are trying to determine the travel trailer value for an rv you already own, a good starting point would be to make a complete appraisal checklist.  Your travel trailer value will consist of the model and year of the travel trailer, the year and overall condition, and any extra features you may have installed.  Take pictures inside and out, and note the condition of electrical, plumbing, storage, canvas, appliances, etc.  Be honest about any mold, mildew or other damage.
4. Ready to compare travel trailer values?  Some good places to look are Nada for some lookup tables of general info, Craigslist and eBay for actual sales.  Nada is a good starting point, it’s free, easy to use, and will help you to think about all the features of the travel trailer you’re trying to get the values for.  Craigslist is great for travel trailer values too, you can see listings that are today’s prices.  You won’t be able to get any historical data from Craigslist, just current info.  eBay is fantastic for both current and historical travel trailer values.  Just go to eBay Motors and you’ll be able to search travel trailer values, and if you click on the advanced search feature (you have to be logged in, and have an account to use this) you can see what the travel trailer values for closed listings are.
5. If you just need quick info for travel trailer values, and you know your model number, Google and other search engines are great for finding used travel trailer values.  It’s kind of the luck of the draw, but if you enter your exact camper name and model number in the search engine you’ll be amazed at what you can come up with in the way of info for travel trailer values.
6. What makes up travel trailer prices?  If you’re looking at new travel trailer prices, there is dealer overhead.  The dealer pays rent and utilities, and salaries or commissions to salespeople.  The dealer may own or might have financed the travel trailers on the lot.  The day of the month may be a factor in travel trailer prices – there’s always hope at the beginning of the month for the dealer, and by the time the end of the month is upon them, there may be room for negotiation for travel trailer prices!
7. When you buy a used travel trailer from a private party, you have to consider that what you see is what you get.  If something is wrong with the travel trailer, it’s generally your problem once you pay for the travel trailer and take it with you.  When you’re buying a used travel trailer first make sure the party selling it to you is really the owner.  If there is any doubt, walk away.  Make sure the ownership papers and registration is in order.  Check regulations of sale with your local Department of Motor Vehicles to see what you’ll need to do when you purchase a used travel trailer.  If this first priority checks out, then proceed to a complete inspection.  If you’re able to bring along someone with experience in this area, all the better.  Safety is a top priority, both with the towing of the used travel trailer and the use of the used travel trailer.  If it’s not safe, and you can’t fix it, walk away.  If the owner is telling you something about the used travel trailer that doesn’t make sense, or is pressuring you in any way, just walk away.  It’ not worth it to buy someone else’s problem when you buy a used travel trailer.  Once you’ve determined that the title and safety considerations are in order, then inspect the used travel trailer features.  If it’s what you need, and will satisfy your requirements today and for the next several years, you may have a good match for your needs in a used travel trailer.
8. How do you find a travel trailer for sale?  Once you’ve narrowed down your requirements to the type of travel trailer you need, what you can tow safely, and your price range, where can you look for a travel trailer for sale in your area?  Start with your local RV dealer.  They may take in used travel trailers on trade when they sell a new rv, camper or travel trailer.  Let them know what you’re looking for, and they can be on the lookout for it.  Next, you can find your travel trailer for sale on Craigslist or eBay.  There are also quite a few websites that have classified sales for rvs and travel trailers for sale. 
9. What’s the best time to find used travel trailers for sale?  Probably the off season.  If someone has been considering putting their used travel trailer up for sale, that means they don’t need it anymore.  Nothing speaks louder for a lack of need for a travel trailer then a yard full of snow!  Use the winter months to your advantage when you’re looking for used travel trailers for sale!
10. How do you know if travel trailer pricing is good?  Before you buy, give yourself a few days to research the travel trailer pricing you’ve found.  Check the resources mentioned above, and do some comparisons.
11. Is the economy affecting travel trailer sales?  There are several different ways to look at this.  Yes, if you ask different rv dealers if their sales are up or down, you will get current info on travel trailer sales.  Look into this enough and you’ll probably find that there are still buyers, and there is travel trailer sales data to back this up.  The more interesting question is this;  which travel trailers have strong sales?  What are people buying, and why?  Value for the dollar is important, and travel trailers that provide enough features for comfort and safety, without going overboard in luxury, will be a good value, and probably reflect in the travel trailer sales data.
12. How do you know if you’ve found the right travel trailer at the best travel trailer price?  By the time you get to this question, you’ve no doubt done your research.  You know what you want and why, you know the pricerange you’re comfortable with, and what you can safely tow.  Once you’ve arrived a the travel trailer price question, give youself the time to document the details of the purchase, and take a few minutes to look on Nada, look at Craigslist and go to eBay Motors.  (Be sure to open an eBay account a few days before you need to look something up, and do a few practice searches to make sure you’ve got the hang of the advanced search feature.

Have we covered the bases for you on the topic of new and used travel trailer prices?  Hope so!  Please leave a comment to add to the conversation – what helped – or – what did we leave out?  Thanks!

*Please enjoy the 100 year Anniversary of RV’s video!

We knew that we did not have a ton of money to spend and therefore, we knew that we could not purchase a top of the line RV with all the amenities. Since I was handy, I was convinced that we could modify any RV to meet our lifestyle needs. Since we already had a 1 ton truck, we used that as a base line for our decision and decided on purchasing a 5^th wheel that we could tow. The next few pieces of the puzzle were not as clear. Since my wife was teaching online, we knew that we needed Internet access. That meant that we needed to be able to have internet connectivity from our RV, power a laptop, and a printer while on the road. Additionally, we also knew that we wanted to stay connected to the world and have satellite TV, Sirius satellite radio as well as other amenities.

As we began to figure out how we were going to do all of this, one thing became clear. We needed power and lots of it. The challenge of full time rving for us was that we were also travelling with two dogs.  For most this would not be much of a challenge, however, our dogs were Rottweilers. Upon researching the best ways to travel with dogs we quickly found out that most RV parks would not allow us to stay with our dogs. Apparently Rottweilers have bad reputations and are considered an insurance risk. Traveling without our dogs was not an option for us so things became even more complicated. If we were not going to be able to stay at RV parks, where were we going to get the power we needed for all of our required amenities? Thus began my research for a solution to our power problem.

I immediately though that RV solar panels could be the solution. I was right, but the problem was a bit more complicated than just bolting on a few solar panels. In order to make the solution work, I needed to know how much power I was going to use on a daily basis so that I could properly size not only my solar panels, but also the battery bank that I would need to store the energy collected, as well as the inverter that I would need to convert that energy from DC to AC power. Each system was a part of the overall solution.

Ultimately, I ended up modifying my entire RV. I added a large bank of 6 Volt AGM batteries properly wired to output 12 Volts for the RV. Attached to the batteries and wired into the RV electrical outlets was an inverter that transformed the DC battery power to AC for all the appliances that I needed and also charged the batteries when we were plugged in at an RV park. Lastly, and most importantly, I utilized solar panels to charge the batteries. For the most part, we did not stay at RV parks. The solar panels once properly sized for our needs kept us going and allowed us enough power to live the lifestyle that we wanted while on the road.

Today I consider the solar panels that we purchased the best investment that I ever made. They allowed us to camp in style wherever we wanted without having to rely on costly RV parks. They constantly keep my batteries charged and maintained as long as there is sun available. Additionally, they allowed us to live the lifestyle that we wanted to live while on the road without compromise.

 If you are interested in accomplishing a similar project and would like more information on how to accomplish the same tasks, please visit us at http://www.solarrvpanels.com.

Need camper value?  When searching for your new or used camper value take into consideration these important points!  Camper value consists of age, brand, condition, location and economy.

1. The year of manufacture plays a large part in determining camper value.  Unless you’re evaluating a vintage camper, the newer the better is generally true.  Safety features of current models are probably better than previous models.  Experience in manufacturing generally leads to better styles and workmanship, positively affecting the camper value.
2. The camper brand and its’ popularity are key to camper value.  Although one camper might be manufactured exactly the same as another brand, brand is important in camper value.
3. It goes without saying that the condition is vitally important in determing camper value.  A well maintained camper will very obviously be of a higher value than a camper poorly maintained.
4. Recent sales data will support your estimate of camper value.  You can check eBay motors, Nada guides, Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for info.  Craigslist is becoming increasingly popular also for checking camper value.  eBay Motors is easy to check live auctions for the geographical area you are looking to establish the camper value.
5. The overall economy will affect your camper value.  When people have excess money to purchase items, it drives inflation.  When excess cash is not readily available, inflation will drop, and prices will go down.  The definition of inflation is too many dollars chasing too few products.  Depending on whether you’re buying or selling, you’ll like this factor of camper value.  At the time of this post we’re in a period of next to zero inflation, which will keep the value of a camper very low.  There is an excess of inventory on the market currently, so this is a buyers market.
6. Geographic area plays a part in camper value.  Some areas have milder climates, supporting camping for more days per year.  Also consider how the camper has been stored, inside out of the weather, or outside to brave it alone.  You might also look into whether the camper has been driven much on winter roads that have been icy and salted down.  The salt will age the underbelly of the camper, and that will pull down the camper value.

Have we left out anything you think about when it comes to camper value?  Please join the conversation and let us know what you secret is to establishing camper value!

Read More:

Travel Trailer Values – New and Used Travel Trailer Value

A quick search of eBay finds an amazing assortment of travel trailers!  eBay makes your search simple.  If you’re looking to establish travel trailer values, you’ve come to the right place!  To begin, visit eBay Motors – we’ll give you some eBay links to select from for your travel trailers on eBay.

Click Here:  Travel Trailers eBay – Toy Haulers

Click Here:  Travel Trailers eBay

Click Here: Travel Trailers eBay – Keystone

Click Here: Travel Trailers eBay – Pop-Ups (Folding Campers, Tent Trailers)

You can find a huge assortment of travel trailers eBay.  Please use the links above and modify your search to view the current eBay listings for these travel trailers values listed below.  In addition to these travel trailers on eBay, you’ll find even more brands.  Have fun shopping for your new and used travel trailers on eBay!  eBay is a great place to get more for your money, when you shop for your used travel trailer, you’ll find grat travel trailer values!

• Airstream, Aline, Aljo Lite, Bambi, Casita, Coachmen, Coleman, Conway, Damon, Dutchmen, Expandable, Fifth Wheel, Fleetwood, Folding Campers; Travel Trailers eBay
• Forest River, Four Winds, Glendale, Gulf Stream, Holiday Rambler; Hybrid, Travel Trailers eBay
• Jamboree, Jayco, Jumping Jack, Keystone, Light Weight, Lite, Little Guy, Monaco, Motorcycle, Newmar, Nomad, Northwood, Outback;Travel Trailers eBay
• Palomino, Pilgrim International, Pop-Up Campers, Potomac, Prowler, Rapido, Retro, Rockwood, R-Vision;Travel Trailers eBay
• Safari, Salem, Scotty, Shasta, Silver Shadow, Skamp, Skamper, Skyline, Slide Campers, Sportsmen, Springdale, Sprinter, Starcraft;Travel Trailers eBay
• Sunline, Sunnybrook, Sunvalley, Tahoe, Tear Drop, Tent Trailers, Terry, Thor, Timberland, Trailmanor; Travel Trailers eBay
• Travel Supreme, Viking, Vintage, Weekend Warrior, Wildwood, Zeppelin; Travel Trailers eBay

Read more: 

Travel Trailer Values – New and Used Travel Trailer Value

I had the good fortune to run into an interesting family, Lee and Judy Riley of Harrisburg PA, at the Russian River 1000 Trails RV Park, and they shared with me their experiences of traveling with a Fleetwood Southwind 36′ Slide Out RV.  Which is a full sized Class A rv.)  And, even more interesting, travelling with Nicky, their Royal Poodle.  (Visit their blog:  TravelsWithNicky)  Lee and Judy have been travelling and rving with a variety of rvs over the years, and have quite a bit of experience buying and trading in rvs.  They prefer trading in their older rv rather than selling it themselves.  In 2006 they purchased a 2003 Fleetwood Southwind 36′ Slide out rv, and traded in their fifth wheel at the same time.  They purchased their Fleetwood Southwind Slide Out Rv from Lazydays RV SuperCenter in Florida.  (Quite possibly the largest rv dealer in the US, or anywhere for that matter.)  I asked them what I usually ask folks that own an rv:  If you had it to do all over again, what would you have done differently, and do you wish you had bought something else instead?  Lee and Judy were happy with their purchase, and shared their experiences buying an rv, with a few suggestions for other prospective buyers to keep in mind when buying their new (or used) rv. 

Considerations when buying an rv:

• Consider what your driving experience will be like.  An rv is much easier to handle on the road and setting up than a fifth wheel camper.
• Know what your budget is ahead of time when shopping for an rv.  When you visit an rv lot, always walk away from your first visit – don’t make an emotional decision when buying your rv.
• Carefully make your list of desired features in your new rv.  If there’s something on your list that’s important to you, don’t settle for less.  Don’t make the mistake of thinking; “It’s not that bad, we’ll get used to it.”  Don’t compromise when you shouldn’t.  You don’t get used to “it”, it just leads to dissatisfaction down the road. 
  

When Judy and Lee went shopping for their new RV, they selected a 2003 36′ Southwind Fleetwood slide out motorhome.  This rv has three slide outs, one slide out in the kitchen, one slide out in the living room, and one slide out in the bedroom.  The slide outs are electric.  They found almost everything they were looking for in the Southwind 36′ Fleetwood slide out rv, and here are the items that were important to them.  (And you might consider these items when you shop for a new motorhome or camper also!)

• Slide campers give you more space for living quarters and storage, so consider a slide out rv.
• Given the choice over electric slide outs or hydraulic slideouts, Lee would prefer hydraulic slide outs, they’re smoother.  Their Southwind Fleetwood rv has electric slide outs, which work well, but Lee would have preferred hydraulic slide outs.
• Their Southwind Fleetwood has a Ford V10 Gas engine, which gets about 7mpg.  Their friend bought essentially the same identical motorhome, the one difference being the engine.  They got their rv with a Chevy 454 engine, which gets about 9mpg, and has better torque on the hills in the mountains.  So, Lee’s recommendation – if you have a choice go with the Chevy over the Ford engine. 
• Tires are important.  The 22″ wheels are better than the 19″ wheels.  Check the date on the tires.  If they’re approaching 5 years, regardless of tread, have the dealer put new tires on.  It’s tire rot, not tread wear that is a major problem.  Tires only last about 7 years, and if the motorhome has been sitting unused for awhile, rot may be an issue, and you’re not really going to see that on a visual inspection.  At $250. to $300. per tire, better be safe than sorry – get the new tires before you sign the deal!
• Some of the things to check when you’re comparing slide out campers – what is the floor plan?  Do you prefer your bathroom separate from your bedroom?  Lee and Judy have a floorplan where the shower is in a separate room from the toilet and sink, and everything is separate from the bedroom. This is a much better setup for two people, they can both use some of the facilities at the same time. 
• Look into the drawers to check that they’re full depth.  Some slide campers have half depth drawers. With rvs, storage is critical. 
• Judy stressed the importance for them of having clearance around three sides of the bed.  She absolutely did not want a bed flush with the wall, this was not negotiable.  She said you think you can get used to it and it won’t be a problem, but it really gets old having to crawl around trying to get out of bed at night!
• The refrigerator size is important, and this is another feature that is non-negotiable for Judy – don’t settle for the little refrigerator!  Theirs is a Norcold, and it’s beautiful.  There will be times when you’re dry camping, and the small size refrigerator just won’t do!
• Judy’s rv has a very nice built in washer/dryer combo, which is a plus.  Their slide out rv didn’t come with the built in washer/dryer, but there was a space that was plumbed for it.  They were able to locate the exact model they needed for only $100. and Lee installed it.  Judy loves it for washing small loads, but uses her custom built (by Lee!) clothes line instead of the dryer.
• If the awnings need updating but the hardware for the awnings is still good, try talking to your local upholstery shop that works on boats.  Canvas is canvas, and Lee recently saved over $100. by having new awnings made rather than purchasiing them from a camping supply supplier that required the purchase of new hardware with new awnings. 

Since Lee and Judy have purchased and traded in so many campers, fifth wheels over the years, I asked them how they go about determining the blue book value of a camper.  Do they use Kelly Blue Book or Nada Guides for checking the blue book value of an rv?  Or have they ever looked at the completed listings on eBay to check selling prices and blue book value of a camper?  They don’t!  They had a suggestion for me that makes so much sense, especially in today’s unusual economic times.  They check with their bank, to see what amount the bank would be willing to loan.  (Even if they’re paying cash.)  They said that when they ask the bank to determine the blue book value of the camper, they think the bank is actually quoting the wholesale bluebook, not the retail bluebook.  This makes sense when you consider that the bank may become the owner of a number of rvs down the road if the owners are unable to keep up the payments, and it’s in the bank’s interest to loan the lowest amount possible in case they need to take over ownership.  So Lee and Judy recommend talking to a bank (or several) about the bluebook value of the rv before purchasing it.  And be involved in the process of establishing the blue book value of the camper – carefully consider whether the dealer is stating a current market value for the bank evaluation. 

Judy and Nicky

Thanks Judy and Lee for allowing me to interview you, and for all your wonderful suggestions on how to get the slide camper of your dreams! 

Nicky, Lee and Judy

Keystone Challenger Slide Out Camper

The Keystone RV Slide out camper offers a tremendous amount of built in storage space, spacious living area, and fabulous kitchen setup.  This model slide out camper has 4 slide-outs.  I recently visited with Paul and Laura Hase who were camping with a large group with their 2007 Challenger Keystone RV Slide Out Camper.  They love their slide out camper and really put a lot of time and effort into researching the new campers for sale before deciding on the Keystone RV.  They had previously owned and outgrown a toy hauler and needed to upgrade to a camper with more living space and a better kitchen setup.  Paul and Laura own a group home for developmentally disabled adults, and they love to rv travel and camp with their clients.  They chose the Keystone RV slide out camper because it was the best option for them to be able to camp comfortably with a large group.  When they travel they prepare gourmet meals (not hotdogs – think chicken marsala!) and need to seat up to 14 people inside during periods of camping in foul weather. 

Keystone RV Slide Out Camper

Slide Out Camper 

Laura told me that the three most important items to them when researching a new slide out camper were storage, kitchen prep space, and seating available inside.  They were just packing up their rv to leave the Russian River 1000 Trails when I caught up with them and asked them how the liked their slide out camper.  Well, they love it!  The Keystone RV slide out camper has 4 slide outs, which gives them tremendous living area and an incredible amount of built in storage.  The kitchen area was fantastic, with lots of counter space and storage cabinets.  They were packed and ready to pull out when they gave me a tour, and I could see how they easily they packed and how quickly they were ready to go.  They had all their luggage stacked neatly along the sides of both sides of the slide out camper, and they also had a row of luggage down the middle.  They knew exactly how far in the slide outs for the camper came in, so they used every bit of storage for their luggage when they used the hydraulics to pull in the camper slide outs.  Paul was very pleased with the hydraulic camper slide outs, and also with the Sidewide hitch by Airborne.  (He prefers hydraulic slides over electric slides.)  Drawbacks to this model Keystone RV slideout camper?  Paul and Laura wish that the dining room table and chairs would have been a booth design with benches, instead of a table and chairs.  This would have given them additional sleeping area and a bit more storage in the benches.  You can never have too much storage in your camper!

This review gives a big thumbs up for the Keystone Challenger Slide Out Camper!  It’s beautiful, spacious, has lots of storage and cooking space, and with the 4 slide-outs, is a really nice setup for camping with groups.

Thanks Paul and Laura for the time and the tour!  And thank you Regan, John, Fred, Julie, Ashley, Katie, Goldie, Steve, Tim, Jacob, David, and Jarrett for allowing me to tour your slide out camper and take pictures!

We Love to Camp!

Do you have a slide out camper?  Are you considering the purchase of a slide out camper?  Which model have you considered, and why?  Do you prefer a motorhome slideout, a fifthwheel slideout or a toyhauler slideout?  If you have already purchased a slide out camper, are you happy with it, or do you wish you had gotten something different?

Please join the conversation about slide out campers!

The following Used Nada Guides are now available for purchase on the Nada website.  Unless noted, these Used Nada Guides are the 2009 versions.

1. 2009 Official Used Car Guide, Used Nada covering years 2009 through 2009 (some 2009, passenger, SUV and light duty trucks)
2. 2009 Official Older Used Car Guide, Used Nada covering years 1990 through 2001(passenger cars, SUV and light duty trucks)
3. 2009 Classic, Collectible, Exotic and Muscle Car Appraisal Guide & Directory, Used Nada covering model years 1926 through 2009 (passenger and light duty trucks model years 1926 – 1989, special interest vehicles and highline exotics from model years 1946 to 2009)
4. 2009 Recreation Vehicle Appraisal Guide, Used Nada covering model years 1995 through 2009 (Park Models, 5th Wheels, Travel Trailers, truck campers, motor homes, rvs, camping trailers – fold down, pop up campers)
5. 2009 Recreation Vehicle e‑Guidebook CD‑ROM, Used Nada covering model years 1975 through 2009 (truck campers, camping trailers, motor homes, park models, heavy duty tow vehicles, travel trailers, popups, folding campers)
6. 2009 Older Recreation Vehicle Appraisal Guide, Used Nada covering model years 1975 through 1994 (Truck Campers and Camping Trailers, Motor Homes, RV’s, Pop ups, Folding Camping Trailers, Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels and Park Models)
7. 2009 Motorcycle, Snowmobile, ATV, Personal Watercraft Appraisal Guide, Used Nada covering model years 1905 through 1994 (motorcycles, sidecars, snowmobiles, personal watercraft, trailers)
8. 2009 Marine Appraisal Guide, Used Nada covering model years 1993 through 2009 (trailers, inboards, outboards, sailboats, jet and stern drives, yachts, etc.)
9. 2009 Marine e-Guidebook CD‑ROM, Used Nada covering years 1970 through 2009 (Printable window stickers)
10. 2009 Older Marine Appraisal Guide, Used Nada covering years 1970 through 1992 (All boats 7 to 75 feet in length)
11. 2009 Manufactured Housing Cost Guide, Used Nada covering years 1970 through 2009 (Average retail prices)
12. 2009 Manufactured Housing Cost CD‑ROM, Used Nada covering years 1970 through 2009 (single workstation license, not compatible with Macintosh)
13. Manufactured Housing National Appraisal System (NAS) (Approved HUD FHA Title 1)
14. 2009 Van/Truck Conversion and Limousine Appraisal Guide, Used Nada covering
    Van/Truck model years 1984 through 2009 and Limousine model years 1990 through 2009 (Updated 3 times a year, January, May and September)
15. 2009 Title & Registration Textbook (Includes all states dept of motor vehicle info, updated anually in January)
16. 2009 Title & Registration e‑Textbook CD‑ROM (single user license)
17. 2009 Official Commercial Truck Guide, Used Nada covering model years 2000 through 2009 (updated monthly, 12 month subscription)

 The Nada Bluebook is an industry standard of the National Automobile Dealers Association.  The telephone number for customer service is (714)556-8511 ext. “0″.  (Same number to order guides, or you may order your nada bluebook for nada pricing online at nada.com.)  When you need to establish used rv prices, the nada guide is very helpful.  Rv values can be determined with the nada rv price guide.  Nada pricing with the Used Nada is industry standard.

The Coleman camper has been a top US folding camper model since 1979.  The Coleman company has been manufacturing folding campers since the mid 1960’s, and is the only type of camping trailers it manufactures.  The Coleman camper trailer is an economical choice to purchase, maintain, and tow.  Coleman camper is distributed to camping enthusiasts around the world, and continues to increase in popularity.

The Coleman camper is an RV tent trailer which is set up to expand to provide comfortable living spaces.  The side and end walls of the camper are fabric, which is why the Coleman camper is referred to as a tent trailer.  The Coleman camper is towed to its’ desired location, and the roof is raised, and the end sections are pulled out to create the additional living space. 

When you’re thinking of purchasing a Coleman folding camper, consider the vehicle that will tow the folding camper first.  If you are going to utilize your current vehicle to tow the Coleman camper, find out the towing capacity of the vehicle.  You can find this out from your auto dealer or from the vehicle’s owners manual.  When you think about the camper weight, be sure to consider the fully loaded weight (all the items you stow aboard the camper when you tow it), and not the dry weight, which is just the camper itself.  Most Coleman campers fall within the range of slightly less than one ton to two tons.  (1,500 to 4000 lbs.)  You’ll need to verify that the weight of the tow vehicle plus the fully loaded camper trailer do not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating of the tow vehicle.  This weight range indicates the Coleman camper can easily be towed by most family sized sedans, SUV’s, and mini vans, making it a very economical choice for family camping. 

Next consider the requirements of the Coleman camper – how many people will be using it, what do you consider necessary in the way of kitchen, dinette, bathroom, and storage.  And of course consider your price range.  Once you’ve established your Coleman camper price range and know the vehicle tow capacity, you can begin the process of narrowing down your choices of Coleman campers. 

If your camper budget runs to the modest investment, or if you will not expect to use your folding camper very often of for very long, you could consider purchasing a used Coleman camper.  You can find quite a good selection on eBay, running from several hundred dollars for an older model beginning in 1967 to upward of ten thousand dollars for a newer top of the line Coleman camper.  If you’d like to take a look at live auctions for Coleman folding campers now on eBay, please CLICK HERE: Coleman Camper on eBay. At the time this post was written there were 15 Coleman campers on eBay, ranging in price from $202. to $5,600. Most of these Coleman campers had quite a few bids. If you’d like to take a look at actual sales prices on eBay for Coleman campers, CLICK HERE: Coleman Camper on eBay – Sold Prices. Sold prices for Coleman campers on eBay ranged from a low of $1,625 for a 1993 Coleman camper to a high of $9,500. for a 2007 Coleman camper – Fleetwood Evolution – which includes a toy hauler space onboard the trailer. (A high end model that was practically brand new.)

When looking at a used Coleman camper bear in mind the age of the awning fabric, and how that tent camper has been maintained and stored. A major improvement in the Coleman camper line occured in 1992, when a better brand of fabric for the tent trailer was introduced, increasing the longevity of the camper. Coleman campers built prior to 1992 have the older type of fabric, so this year is significant when you’re looking at Coleman camper models.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a used Coleman camper:

• What is the condition of the awning fabric of the camper
• What is the condition of the tires of the camper
• What is the condition of the hitch, electrical system, and plumbing of the camper
• What is the overall condition of the body and frame, doors, and cabinets of the camper
• What is the condition of the flooring of the camper
• Is there any rust or evidence of water leaks
• Does the owner have the clear title to transfer the camper
• What is the condition of the mattresses and cushions
• What is the condition of the heater, AC, water heater, stove, sink
• Is there an awning attachment – if so the condition

Enjoy your new camping lifestyle with a Coleman camper – the leading folding tent camper manufacturer in the US!

CLICK HERE:  Fold Down Camper Trailers on eBay Now

You can see quite a few more searches on eBay for folding tent campers here: Folding Tent Campers on eBay.

When you’re looking into buying a folding camper you’ll need to know that there are many models to choose from. When you’re looking at a used folding camper take into consideration the overall condition of the trailer, wheels, towing mechanism and electrical system. Thoroughly check out the interior condition, and make note of anything that needs repair or replacement on the folding camper. Age and method of storage are critical when establishing the value of the folding camper. When you’re buying a new folding camper you’ll need to keep your price range in mind before you can begin to shop for folding campers. There are so many wonderful models to choose from you’ll have a tough time if you shop prior to establishing the budget for your new folding camper.

Consider how long you plan to keep the folding camper prior to shopping. If a year or two is all you need, you can really cut corners (don’t cut safety corners) when you buy your folding camper. If you plan to keep it five or more years take the extra time in the beginning to make a thoughtful assesment of your needs and wants, when making your decison of which folding camper to purchase.

Have a great time in the great outdoors with your new folding camper!

Read more here:  Folding Campers