Over the past few years, we’ve seen the vintage trailer market ride an incredible wave—prices soared, demand was high, and trailers often sold within days of listing. But just like many other luxury goods, the tide is shifting. As the economy continues to stabilize after a period of inflation and high interest rates, discretionary spending has taken a hit—and that includes the sale of high-ticket, non-essential items like vintage trailers.
The Peak and the Plateau
If you were watching the market closely, you may have noticed that prices for vintage trailers peaked roughly 12 to 24 months ago. Since then, we’ve observed a notable cooling-off period. In the past 6 to 12 months, trailer sales have slowed, and buyers are becoming more price-conscious. Based on our observations and conversations with sellers nationwide, values appear to be down by as much as 30% from their peak.
This doesn’t mean trailers aren’t selling—but buyers are being more selective. Value-priced trailers that are marketed well are still moving, though not as quickly or at the lofty prices we saw in the boom.
Here are some tips to help you get top dollar If you are selling a trailer:
Stage and Photograph It Like a Pro:
Clean, declutter, and stage your trailer with cozy décor. Good lighting and high-resolution photos go a long way. Bonus points for including a walk-through video—buyers love seeing how a space feels in motion.
Advertise Everywhere:
Don’t rely on one platform. List your trailer in multiple places—social media groups, online classifieds, specialty vintage trailer sites, and more. You want to be visible not just to the most people, but the right people.
Take It to a Rally:
Bring your trailer to a vintage trailer rally and participate in open house events. It’s the perfect opportunity to show it off in person. Interested buyers can walk through, ask questions, and picture themselves camping in it.
Buying Smart in a Softer Market
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a vintage trailer, this might be it. With more inventory and lower prices, you have options—and room to negotiate.
Study the Market:
Follow listings on Facebook groups, online marketplaces, and trailer-specific websites like the classifieds on www.vintagecampertrailers.com to get a feel for current asking prices and comps to trailers that are in similar condition to yours.
Don’t Be Afraid to Make an Offer:
If a trailer has been listed for a while, sellers may be more open to negotiation than they would have been a year ago.
Visit Rally Open Houses:
These gatherings are not just fun—they’re educational. You’ll get to see a variety of trailers in one place, talk directly to owners, and sometimes even strike a deal on the spot. Find a rally near you.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking to sell a vintage trailer, it’s more important than ever to make your trailer stand out.
The vintage trailer lifestyle is still going strong—but like any market, there are ups and downs. Whether you’re buying or selling, staying informed and proactive is the best way to make the most of today’s shifting economic landscape.
And remember, even if values have dipped for the time being, the joy of owning, restoring, and camping in a vintage trailer never goes out of style.
