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Many consumers want the latest and greatest of everything, including campers. As a result, we often hear many shoppers asking, “When do new RVs come out?”
Unfortunately, getting a straightforward answer isn’t always as easy as you’d think. However, we’re here to get to the bottom of this question.
Today, we’re diving in and looking to see when you can expect to start seeing new RVs on a dealership lot near you.
Let’s get started!
When Are New RV Models Announced?
Many manufacturers start announcing their newest models during the 4th quarter of the previous year. This means you can expect to see marketing announcements from these brands. Some spend a pretty penny on these announcements to get their product the attention it deserves.
You can see these notices on social media or in mass email campaigns. If you have a brand you’re considering, connecting with them on social media is a good idea. It also doesn’t hurt to sign up for their email newsletters. This can help you stay connected and aware so you can jump on the opportunity immediately.
When Do New RV Models Come Out?
While most brands announce their new RV models in the last quarter of the previous year, they don’t start appearing immediately. You’ll often begin to see them on dealership lots during the first quarter of the new year. This typically means between January and March.
On the other hand, some manufacturers will jump the gun, announce their new models early, and release them immediately. We’ve seen manufacturers release next year’s models as early as the summer before. As a result, you could be seeing 2025 models on dealership lots in June of 2024.
What Really Changes Between Model Years?
The changes between model years can vary considerably from one unit to the next. You’ll often find small changes in hardware or minor tweaks to a layout. Sometimes, you may have to do considerable searching to spot the differences.
On the other hand, a brand may decide to make some significant changes and upgrades. This can include interior colors, appliances, or available features. We’ve seen some models that eliminated carpet or redesigned a bunkhouse setup. In many of these situations, the decisions resulted from customer feedback.
Some manufacturers listen to customers better than others. If owners are unhappy about something with their rig, they’ll complain to the manufacturer. Additionally, many of these owners will voice their issues in large online communities, the largest being Facebook. Executives at large brands regularly scroll through these groups to get real-time feedback on their products.
Should You Wait to Buy The Newest Model?
While having the latest version of an RV can be exciting, it’s not always best to buy the newest model. While innovation can be great, some changes manufacturers make aren’t always for the best. You may hold out for the latest model and discover it has something you don’t like about it compared to previous versions.
Additionally, buying the newest model can mean paying a premium price tag. You could get a pretty sweet deal if you see last year’s model sitting on the lot next to the newest model. A dealer may offer a decent discount to get it off their lot and replace it with a newer model. It never hurts to ask!
Where Can You See New RV Models?
One of the best ways to see new RV models is to attend an RV show. Some of the most popular RV shows occur during January. Some of the largest dealerships and brands in the country come to show off their newest technology and campers. These events can be an excellent opportunity to see them in person and walk through them.
If you’re looking for options, some of the best are the Florida RV SuperShow, America’s Largest RV Show, and the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show. These are great opportunities to connect with executives from some of the biggest brands in the industry.
Are New RV Prices Going Down?
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) predicts an increase in shipments for 2024 compared to 2023. We wouldn’t hold our breath on seeing a price decrease anytime soon. However, with interest rates expected to be higher at the start of 2024, we could see a slight decline across the board.
Additionally, some dealerships may be more likely to offer discounts or incentives, especially at the start of the year. Although, with the prediction of demand expected to ramp up in spring, increased prices look like they’re here to stay.
Pro Tip: Check out this article on What Not to Do When Buying an RV before visiting the next RV Show or a Dealer!
When Is the Best Time to Buy an RV?
The best time to buy an RV is at the end of the camping season. For much of the country, this typically means fall. Dealerships aim to unload campers to free up space for the newest models. As a result, they’ll be more willing to negotiate to close a deal.
Unfortunately, buying at the end of the season means you may have to wait several months before you can use it. Nevertheless, as long as you have a place to store it, this is an excellent opportunity to make any modifications or acquire any gear and equipment you need.
Time Your New RV Purchase Right
Buying a new RV can be an exciting experience. However, it’s critical that you time your purchase right, or you could find yourself experiencing buyer’s remorse. If you time it right, you could find yourself with the perfect rig for you and your adventures. You can make priceless memories and have the time of your life in your new RV.
