Buyers guide page

There are wide range of new and used RVs for sale in BC.

From the larger Class A motorhome to the compact Class B camper vans, to the Class C, an RV takes transportation and living quarters, blends them together to create a one of a kind camping experience. There’s something for everyone, from compact and space saving models to luxury buses that can pull a family car.

Finding and buying your RV is never and easy task. Of all the new and used RVs for sale in BC, which is right for you? We’ve put together this guide to help you.

Learn more below!

A truck camper (or “camper” for short) is a popular RV option due to its flexibility. A truck camper is a slide-in camper that is made to fit in the bed of your pickup. From there, there’s a wide range of options and equipment available.

New and Used Campers Retain Their Value

One thing to know whether you are shopping used or new, campers don’t depreciate as quickly as cars do so the price difference will be marginal.

Campers Are Convenient

A camper is convenient for a lot of people—which might be why you see so many of these RVs for sale in BC! Truck campers are a great way to go places that aren’t possible with other campers. Owners find they can take the trips when they want, and that they save money compared to trailers.

Know Your Limit

Before you look at RVs for sale, find out about your truck. The manufacturer will have listed a maximum gross weight that your truck can carry. This weight limit is different from a truck’s towing capacity, because the weight is carried differently. Usually you can find the maximum weight on the edge of the driver door or in your manual.

The Look & Layout

On the inside (example)
On the outside (example)

What to Expect When Trading in Your RV

Are you looking to trade in your RV for something new—or new-to-you—for the next camping season? Chemo RV is your one-stop shop RV trader in BC. Whether you’re trading your unit for a new or used one—here is an overview of what you can expect when trading in your RV.
Just like when you sell your used vehicle, you’ll be asked to provide information about the condition of your RV. You’ll be asked questions like whether your RV has ever had any damage or repairs, and when it was last serviced. This will help determine its current value. Generally, the better condition (or nicer looking) the RV, the more valuable it is.
Just like disclosing when your vehicle was last serviced, your RV trader will also want to know if you bought your RV new or used. This will also help determine the current trade value.
Owning your RV outright will play a role in the trade-in value. If you fully own your RV and are no longer financing it, the final trade-in value will simply be deducted from the new or used RV that you’re trading for. In this case, you’ll need to provide payout information. If you are still financing your RV, you may either be credited or owe the remaining difference on your loan.
It helps for us to know what you are in the market for and what you don’t like about your current model. When your RV trader has this knowledge, they’ll be able to recommend the best fit for your next RV.
Your RV trader will want to inspect what you’re trading in. Sometimes, it’s difficult to find time to bring your RV down to your trader—but, it’s still possible to get the ball rolling on your trade until you can come in. If your RV hasn’t been seen by your trader yet, they may ask you to sign an appraisal form that outlines the condition of your unit. This will help your trader get a general sense of the condition of your RV and its trade-in value.
If you want to get a sense of what the market price is for your RV, its best to look online to see what model you’re trading-in is currently selling for. When you’re searching for the market price, make sure you search the exact year and make and model of your unit in order to get the most accurate market price. Knowing the market price before selecting your new or used RV will give you a good idea of the value or equivalent price of your trade-in.
Whether you just bought your RV last year or you’ve had it for a decade, it is standard procedure to recondition and recertify all our trade-ins before we resell them. Our priority is safety and offering units in their best condition. While the cost to recondition and recertify your RV has to be factored into its trade-value, you’ll save any difference incurred on your trade. Trade-in units do not have additional taxes added, while new and used RVs do.

Your five essential RV parts and accessories

Whether it’s for safety, enjoyment or maintenance—RV parts are important additions. RV parts and accessories can help preserve your unit and even save your RV trip if you get caught in a mechanical bind! Just like when you pack all the essentials for a camping trip, stocking up on the right parts and accessories is necessary.

Here are five essential RV parts and accessories that will enhance your RVing experience!

Just like the tool kit that you keep at home to make quick fixes, it’s good to have a tool kit when you head out on the road in your RV. You don’t want to find yourself stuck if something happens to go wrong with your unit halfway into your trip!

Whether you buy a toolkit or assemble one from scratch, some important tools that you should always include for common RV problems are: screwdrivers, an adjustable wrench, a hammer, bungee cords with hooks, duct tape, a tire gauge, silicone and an assortment of nuts and bolts.

You can go take a look at our selection by clicking here!

RV covers help keep your RV in its top condition by protecting it from the elements. Why not just use a tarp? RV covers protect against mildew-causing moisture—while tarps don’t. In fact, tarps actually trap moisture in your unit and can cause more damage than using nothing at all. A cover is a simple way to help preserve and maintain your RV.

RV covers also help protect against UV rays, as long-term sun exposure can decrease the value of your unit. It can also help prevent insects and rodents from entering your unit during the winter. No one wants to open their RV in the spring to find a bunch of critters camped out in their unit!

Go take a look at our covers by clicking here!

When you tow your RV with a breakaway switch, the breakaway cable attaches the switch to your unit. If an issue occurs when you’re towing your RV and it separates from your vehicle, the cable will activate the breakaway switch and help slow the unit down. Should that cable get worn out—or even break—it’s wise to keep a spare one in your vehicle in case you have to reattach your unit.
Your RV’s sewer hose helps clean your unit of waste and water by connecting your RV’s toilet to an external sewage system. With use, your sewer hose can become worn and develop leaks. That’s why you should always bring a spare hose when you head out in your RV—it may save you from a messy job!

Pesky mosquitos always find their way into campsites—especially in Interior BC. Mosquito coils are a good solution to keeping them at bay. The coils smoulder, creating a continuous fume that repels mosquitos. They should only be used in outdoor spaces. Avoid using them inside, as they can be dangerous to inhale in a confined space. Place the coil in a common area outside of your RV and enjoy a summer free from mosquito bites!

We have a great selection of RV parts and accessories for sale. Check out our Parts & Accessory Guide or Shop them in our online store.

Motorhome or travel trailer?

Deciding between a motorhome or travel trailer is the age-old decision for RVers. With so many different RVs for sale, it can be difficult to narrow down your options to find the perfect one.

We’ll help you get started! Here are some points to consider when deciding which type of RV will be the best fit for your family’s lifestyle.

Keeping your towing capacity in mind is very important when you’re looking at which RV to buy.

In order to transport a travel trailer, you will need a vehicle with towing capacity. While most SUVs, vans and trucks have towing capacity enough to haul a travel trailer—it’s a good idea to find out exactly what your vehicle’s towing capacity is before you start shopping. You can check with your vehicle manufacturer or manual to confirm its towing capacity, or use resources that are available online.

If your vehicle does have towing capacity, a travel trailer offers a great RV experience! With the right hitch on your vehicle, you can easily transport your trailer to your destination. Most campers prefer to unhitch when they arrive so they can freely use their vehicle to explore until it’s time to head home.

If you don’t have towing capacity, a motorhome is a great RV option. Motorhomes don’t require a vehicle with towing capacity, as the units are themselves motorized. Still want to bring a vehicle along? Class A and Class C motorhomes can tow most vehicles—so you can freely go out on day trips while you leave your motorhome parked at your site!

Are you a weekend camper or long-haul camper? This can also help determine which RV is best for you.

If you like to set up camp for an extended time a travel trailer may be your best option. With a travel trailer, you have to hitch it to your vehicle to transport it. If you’re planning on staying at the same campsite for an extended period of time, you don’t have to worry about hitching your trailer to your vehicle every time you want to move locations. You can just kick back and relax until it’s time to pack up and head home.

Motorhomes are self-propelled and designed to be mobile—so they’re great for those quick weekend trips where you want to get a change of scenery for a couple days! They’re also a great option if you’re planning to stop and camp at multiple different locations. They don’t need to be hitched up to a vehicle, so you can simply get up and go with ease.

Just how there are costs that come with owning and maintaining a house, your home on wheels will have a variety of maintenance costs. But, like choosing between different types of homes, RV units have unique needs and cost savings.

While motorhomes are typically more expensive to purchase than travel trailers, you can save money on fuel when travelling. Because motorhomes are self-propelled and aren’t pulling a large amount of weight—unless you are towing your vehicle— you can save on fuel! Travel trailers can be a more inexpensive option to purchase but towing a travel trailer with your vehicle can also decrease fuel efficiency.

When it comes to maintenance, motorhomes are more susceptible to repairs due to having an engine and transmission that need to be maintained. Because travel trailers aren’t motorized, they typically need fewer repairs and usually have lower repair costs.

Motorhomes and travel trailers come in a variety of different sizes and floorplans that can accommodate any size of family.

Class A and Class C motorhomes are the most spacious motorhome options, while fifth wheel trailers are the biggest travel trailers. Whether you’re interested in a trailer or a motorhome, you’ll be able to find one that can fit a large family or just a couple of people.

If you’re interested in testing out a motorhome or travel trailer, check out our RV rentals. Think you’ve made up your mind? We have one of the largest selections of new and used RVs for sale at our dealership.

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