Used Tent Camper Values

From LoveToKnow Camping

Many families who love to go camping with a tent often make the decision to upgrade, but they may have difficulty determining used tent camper values. By carefully considering the features and condition of any used tent camper, you can easily come up with an estimate of its value.

Estimating Used Tent Camper Values

The decision to upgrade to a pop-up tent camper is one that many families make. When there are more children in the family, there is a much greater need to have additional comfort and security while camping in the wilderness. Tent campers offer extra space, convenience, and elevation above the ground. That eliminates the uncomfortable dampness and discomfort that comes with sleeping in a tent. However, it can be difficult for many families to go from spending a few hundred on a tent to a few thousand on a tent trailer, so families often opt for a used tent camper. This may be a viable option, but it's important to understand what factors can affect used tent camper values.

Used Tent Camper Condition

The first step when considering used tent trailers is to carefully examine the condition of the camper. The year of the camper isn't always indicative of condition. The right owner might take better care of an older model camper than other owners would take care of newer ones. In fact, buying an older model, well cared for camper can greatly reduce the cost of your purchase. If the camper has furniture or seats, check the cushions to make sure they are in good condition and not torn or punctured. Most importantly, carefully check the canvas top to make sure that the seams are still sewn tight and there are no tears or holes. Canvas can be very expensive to repair. Other items to check carefully when looking over a potential used tent camper are as follows:

  • Tires should not be terribly worn or "bald".
  • Check fabric and curtains for tears or excessive staining.
  • Make sure faucets, drains and all plumbing work properly.
  • If there's a water heater, check its operation to make sure it works.
  • If it has an air conditioner, turn it on to make sure it operates properly.
  • Ask the owner to raise the top so that you know every part works as it should.
  • If there are appliances like a refrigerator, verify that it turns on and cools.
  • When the slide-out opens (if there's one), check the sliding mechanism for proper lubrication.
  • Check the awning for tears or holes.

Pick and Choose Important Features

Before you start looking around for the perfect tent camper, make sure you know exactly what features you really want the camper to have, and what features you can live without. Knowing this early can save you a lot of time, because if the used tent camper doesn't have some of the features you really want, you don't need to waste your time checking it out. Some people prefer to have a shower and toilet included, while other people don't want to deal with the setup and mess. Some people want an air conditioner, while other people prefer allowing natural shade and a breeze to cool the camper. Whatever your taste or preferences, make sure you decide on them before you start looking. Once you know what you want to have in your tent camper, you can look for the models that you know will have the features you want. A few important features to consider that can impact the value of the tent camper include the following:

  • A shower and toilet or extra counter space
  • A front storage unit for carrying outdoor gear
  • Single axle or tandem axle (more or less weight or stability)
  • A gas or electric refrigerator, or no refrigerator
  • An air conditioner
  • A water heater is usually a luxury if there's a shower
  • Size of the freshwater tank
  • The size of the camper itself, which depends greatly on the towing vehicle
  • A slide-out (room that extends a couple of feet from the side)
  • An awning for shade outside the door


Check Book Values for Accurate Pricing

The most respected and well established resource to look up camper pricing is the NADA guide for recreational vehicle consumer pricing from 1975 to 2009. All you need to do is select the model, select the year and series, and the check off all of the features that the tent camper has. Select "get used value," and the website will calculate the estimated used price for you. This is an excellent resource for anyone who's interested in learning what a fair value is for any used tent camper.

Final Words

Tent campers are the most affordable solution for families who love tent camping, but who may want a few added luxuries and conveniences that a simple tent doesn't provide. Even the simplest pop-up tent camper offers a wonderful, dry and warm place to sleep, well above the cold and damp ground with the additional space that any young family can use. That alone is worth the extra cost of a good used tent camper.

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