Like any other major purchase, a folding camper can either be an asset or a liability. To make sure you don’t make a mistake, follow these simple tips and you are sure give yourself the best opportunity for a lasting long-term investment.
Researching
Never go to even look at a camper without doing some research on the specific model or type of camper. The Internet can be a powerful tool and you should take advantage of it when it comes to researching a popup camper.
You also need to research the different makes, models and types of campers to make sure you choose the right one for your needs. Each camper has it’s own unique functional purpose and features. The more educated you are to these options, the better the decision you will make.
Buying
Never, never ever pay the asking price and in my opinion never ever buy a new camper from a dealer.
If you pay the full asking price, you are reducing your equity in the event you want to sell the camper at a later date. If you buy a new camper, you will never get your full investment back. As soon as you pull it off the lot, it will lose 20% of it’s value and once it’s gone it goes downhill after that.
Again, remember your camper is both an investment in memories and equally an investment financially. The best scenario is to by a quality camper at the lowest price possible. That will give you the opportunity to recoup at least 90% of your investment down the road. Ideally, you want to recoup 100% or even make a profit on it, which I have in the past.
So, when you are buying never be afraid to low ball people in an effort to find their bottom price. Then, do not be impulsive. You have to have the ability to walk away. Remember, no folding camper is a one-of-a-kind. They are massed produced and if you look hard enough you will find another opportunity to buy.
Maintaining
Maintaining your folding camper is critical to both your pleasure and your investment. It’s important to keep your camper in a good environment. I personally store mine in my garage. If that is not an option, I recommend renting a covered storage place. Weather is hard on campers and all it takes is one unattended to leak and your entire camper could be ruined.
It’s important to evaluate the camper’s condition several times per year and always two weeks before you plan on using it. Pop it up and make sure everything is in working order and there are no surprises that made their way in since you last opened the camper.
As soon as you notice something is not working, repair it. Unchecked repairs often lead to more costly larger repairs down the road.
Make sure the plumbing system is working with no leaks, the tires have not rotted and are inflated properly and the AC still pumps out cold. Nothing worse than towing the popup to your destination just to find it in a condition that can’t be enjoyed.
Selling
First, you have to understand that the camper is not worth what you think it is. It is worth what someone will pay you for it. No matter what you paid or how emotionally attached to the camper you may be, it’s still only worth what someone will pay you for it.
That being said, you need to do some research and that starts with NADA, eBay motors and CraigsList.com. Research each of these sites to see what your model or comparable model is going for. Price accordingly, but plan on a negotiation. You should take the base you are willing to sell the camper and add at least 10-15% to that price. That way when the potential buyer starts trying to lowball you, you have some ground to work with.
Again, your camper is a multi-functional investment. You need to get pleasure out of it and hopefully make a sound financial decision. If you follow those four simple points I mention above, you’ll give yourself the best shot at making a wise decision that your family can enjoy and you can financially stand up to.
US $5,995.00
