RV Values Have Dropped Back to 2018 Levels: What the Community Is Saying

​The RV market has shifted dramatically over the past few years. After skyrocketing during the pandemic, prices are now tumbling back to pre-COVID levels. We asked the RV community to share their experiences, and the responses paint a clear picture: sellers are struggling, buyers have opportunities, and the market looks very different than it did just a year or two ago.

Prices Are Back to Pre-COVID NormsDuring COVID, RVs were in high demand, and values surged as families sought new ways to travel. That demand has cooled. Many commenters pointed out that used Class C RVs from 2018 or newer are now listed around $40,000–$50,000 — similar to what buyers were paying back in 2018.
One community member explained:
“I was chatting with a dealer yesterday… They are sitting on used RVs they can’t sell, and new ones aren’t moving very fast. When a pickup costs 30% more and a camper 40%+ more than a decade ago, it’s no wonder they aren’t selling.”

Oversupply and High Interest Rates Are Driving the DeclineSeveral commenters pointed to oversupply as the biggest factor. Thousands of RVs were sold during the pandemic, and now many of those owners are looking to sell. That glut, combined with today’s higher interest rates, makes it tough for new buyers to step in.
As one put it:
“Too bad interest rates are not [back to 2018 levels].”

Quality Concerns With New ModelsInterestingly, quality concerns came up frequently. Owners compared newer models unfavorably with RVs built just a few years ago.
“My 2016 Jayco Eagle is light years ahead of a 2025 Jayco same model in terms of quality.”
For some shoppers, this means well-maintained used RVs may actually be the smarter buy.

Disposable Income and Lifestyle ShiftsRV ownership is ultimately a luxury, and some commenters noted that it’s one of the first expenses to get cut when budgets are tight. Others mentioned lifestyle changes like the return to office work, which leaves fewer weekends free for camping.
“Luxuries like a camper are going to be the first thing people cut out of their budgets.”

Buyers Are Finding DealsDespite the pain for sellers, there are bright spots for buyers. Some reported finding steep discounts:
“I just bought a GEM of a 2017 Salem Hemisphere… $10,500 and it almost feels like I stole it.”
Others picked up lightly used units at prices close to what the previous owners paid several years ago — a sign that the bubble has fully deflated.

The Bottom Line

• If you’re selling: It’s a tough market, with values dropping fast and buyers in short supply.
  
• If you’re buying: This may be one of the best times in years to find a deal, especially if you can manage the financing.
  
• For the industry: Oversupply, high costs, and quality concerns mean recovery could take time.
  

The RV market is cyclical, and while prices may rise again in the future, for now they’ve settled firmly back at pre-COVID levels.