Quick answer. Pick a dealer with a strong service department, match the RV's weight to your tow vehicle, inspect used units for water damage, and compare the full out-the-door price including taxes, fees, and delivery. Ask who does warranty work before you sign.
New or used?
New
Factory warranty, the latest floor plans, and a pre-delivery inspection. You pay for depreciation, which is steepest in the first few years.
Used from a dealer
Lower price, often with a dealer inspection and some dealer warranty. Condition varies, so inspect it yourself.
Private sale
Often the lowest price, with the least protection. Check for liens, and inspect and test everything.
Consignment
The dealer sells on an owner's behalf. Ask what has been inspected and who stands behind the sale.
What makes a good dealer
- A real service department. You will need repairs, warranty work, and winterizing, so ask about the shop and its wait times.
- Clear pricing. They should give you a written, itemized, out-the-door price.
- Pre-delivery inspection. Ask what is checked and whether you can be there for the walk-through.
- Warranty handling. Ask who does warranty work, how long repairs take, and what happens if you travel.
- Industry membership and reviews. Look at recent reviews, and check whether the dealer belongs to a trade association such as the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada.
- Patience. A good salesperson lets you think, compare, and come back.
Match the RV to your vehicle
Buying a trailer or fifth wheel? Match the RV to your tow vehicle before you fall in love with a floor plan. Weight is a common and serious mistake.
- Tow rating. Check your vehicle's rated towing capacity in the owner's manual or on its door label.
- Loaded weight, not dry weight. Compare your tow rating to the trailer's gross weight rating (GVWR), not the lighter "dry" weight in the brochure.
- Hitch weight. Tongue or pin weight affects your vehicle's payload and handling.
- Brakes and hitch. Confirm you have the correct hitch and a trailer brake controller.
For a motorhome, check the cargo capacity, since people and gear add up fast.
Inspecting a used RV
Inspect in daylight, ideally with a qualified RV inspector. Water damage is one of the most expensive problems to fix.
- Soft spots in floors, walls, or ceilings, and stains around windows, vents, and slide seals
- Roof condition, including seams and sealant
- A musty smell or fresh paint and caulking in odd places
- Slide-outs that run smoothly and seal properly
- Tires: check the date code, not just the tread. Many tire makers advise replacing older tires even if the tread looks fine
- Brakes, bearings, suspension, and frame rust
- All appliances working: fridge, furnace, water heater, stove, air conditioner
- Propane system leak test, and cylinder dates
- Batteries, charger, and electrical system
- Service records, and for a motorhome, engine and transmission history
For a financed or private-sale unit, make sure there are no liens and that the ownership documents match the serial number.
Comparing the true price
Ask every dealer for the out-the-door price on paper. It should list:
- The RV price and any discounts
- Freight, prep, and delivery fees
- Documentation and admin fees
- Extras such as a hitch, batteries, or extended warranty
- Sales taxes, which depend on the province where you register the RV
- Trade-in allowance, shown separately from the purchase price
If you finance, compare the interest rate and the total cost, not the monthly payment. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada offers plain-language guidance on loans.
Warranty and after-sale service
- Get the warranty in writing, and read what it excludes.
- Ask who does warranty repairs, since many manufacturers route them through dealers, and how far a dealer will travel.
- Consider whether an extended warranty is worth the price, and read its limits before you sign.
- Test everything during the pre-delivery walk-through, and list any defects on the paperwork.
When to buy
- Winter RV shows bring many brands and deals under one roof.
- Fall and winter can be quieter at dealerships, and there may be room to negotiate.
- Spring is the busiest time for both sales and service.
Red flags
- Refusing to give an itemized out-the-door price
- Pressure to sign today
- Reluctance to let you inspect or test the RV
- No service department, or long waits for repairs
- Unclear answers about warranty and who does the work
Find an RV dealer
This page covers how to choose a dealer and compare the real price. To find dealers near you, use the RV dealer directory at RV Resources Canada.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy a new or used RV?
New gives you warranty and the latest features but costs more and depreciates fastest. Used costs less, but needs a careful inspection, especially for water damage.
What should I check when buying a used RV?
Water damage, roof and seam condition, slide-outs, tires, brakes, appliances, the propane system, and service records.
How do I know if my vehicle can tow an RV?
Compare the RV's loaded weight and hitch weight to your vehicle's rated towing capacity and payload, from the owner's manual or door label.
What is an out-the-door price?
The full price you pay, including the RV, fees, taxes, and extras, with trade-in shown separately.
Do RV prices include taxes?
Usually no. Sales tax depends on the province where you register the RV, so ask for it to be shown on the quote.
Sources and further reading
Prices, rules, and availability change. Check directly with providers and official bodies.