Are you ready to join the growing road-trip trend by buying a camper? If so, you’re probably trying to decide whether to buy a new or used RV. There are plenty of reasons to buy pre-owned, and Cruise America is a great way to do so.

On the other hand, there are some downsides to buying a vehicle that has seen multiple renters. Here are the pros and cons of buying a used RV camper.

A great way to buy a used RV

Cruise America is probably best known as one of the top RV rental companies in the nation. Create an account to begin searching for your dream recreational vehicle to rent. You get to enjoy time on the road in a homey vehicle and don’t have to worry about annoyances such as maintenance, payments, or storage.

But what if you don’t want to rent and like the idea of owning your own camper? Well, Cruise America also sells RVs. Many of its vehicles have been refurbished before they’re put up for sale.

Cruise America says all of its RVs are “loaded with extra features and purchased in bulk at favorable prices” and are built to “strict standards and specifications for durability, safety, and ease of operations.”

Plenty of perks to buying a used RV

New RVs can be costly. Though plenty of new campers are relatively affordable, nicer ones don’t come cheap. That’s why buying used can be attractive.

Buying through Cruise America comes with perks such as a three-month/3,000-mile limited warranty. It covers parts such as the engine, automatic transmission, and drive axle assembly.

There’s also an optional five-year/100,000-mile U.S. powertrain protection offer. This includes the engine, transmission, drive axle, and water pump. Because those are parts that break down most on RVs, this is a great deal for anyone buying used.

Cruise America also offers optional four-year coach coverage that includes the hot-water heater, A/C, waste system, L.P. gas system, freshwater system, heating system, auxiliary power/power steps, converter/battery charger, range oven, refrigerator, electrical systems, and ventilation and exhaust fans.

All the above is great, but there are some drawbacks you should be aware of before purchasing a pre-owned RV. 

Downsides to buying a pre-owned camper

You’ll save money initially by purchasing a used RV, but repairs can get expensive. No matter how great the warranty, something will inevitably malfunction that won’t be covered.

There’s also the fact that you won’t know how many people rented the camper before you purchased it. Sure, many renters probably take great care of rented vehicles, but others might not care. There’s no way of knowing, and there may have been unreported damage to the RV.

If you want to be certain your RV is in great condition, buying new is probably the better way to go. But if you’re willing to accept a few risks and join the thousands of Americans who’ve purchased a used RV and love it, Cruise America is a great option.