When it’s finally time to sell your RV you will want to make sure you go about it correctly. There are some hard and fast dos and don’ts that you’ll need to follow when you’re getting ready to sell your recreational vehicle. In this article, we will take a look at what they are.
The Don’ts of Selling an RV
Don’t Hide Anything or Be Deceptive
Don’t be deceptive and try to hide defects in your RV. If there’s water or body damage, then show it in the pictures and disclose it in your description. If you parked your rig outdoors for several years don’t try to spin it, or sugarcoat it.
Remember, buyers don’t like surprises or deception. If they are interested in your offer but discover that you are hiding something they won’t trust you, and the deal will be harder, if not impossible, to close.
Don’t Overprice or Underprice the RV
Don’t overprice your RV because you think you’ve successfully hidden defects or damage. If you’re honest about its condition, then you can be completely candid when answering questions posed by a prospective buyer. On the other hand, don’t undervalue your RV. Doing so could lead buyers to question if there are undisclosed defects.
Not sure what your RV is worth? Find its true value.
Don’t Accept Personal Checks
When it’s time to complete the sale don’t accept a personal check or provide the buyer with your banking information. If the buyer needs to do a wire transfer, that can be accomplished without you divulging your bank information.
The Dos of Selling an RV
Do Sell at the Right Time of Year
One common-sense thing to keep in mind when you’re preparing to sell your RV is the season. Trying to sell your RV between Thanksgiving and Christmas when the rig is covered in snow, is probably not going to be a successful venture. That said, if you and your RV are in Arizona, Florida, Southern California, or Texas, then selling it in the dead of winter might be the perfect time.
Do Prepare Your RV for Sale
Clean the inside and outside of the RV.
- Make all repairs you can afford.
- Remove your personal property and prepare the rig to be transferred to a new owner.
- Write a complete description and include it in your advertising.
- If there are operational anomalies that a new buyer needs to know, document those operational steps.
- If you own the RV outright, locate the title so you’re ready to make the transfer of ownership after receiving payment.
Do Take Good Photos
Photos are an incredibly important part of any RV listing. Use the tips below to the ideal RV listing photos.
- Put things away and stage the RV for photography.
- Use good lighting.
- Take pictures of everything from one end of the RV to the other, on the inside and the outside.
- Show the best features of your RV as well as any defects and issues.
- Open the basement doors or engine compartment, take high-quality pictures of the galley, bedroom, bathroom, driver’s area, tires, awning, furniture, floor, slides, and roof.
- If your rig is a truck camper, then take pictures of it on the truck and as a free-standing camper.
Remember that your buyer may be thousands of miles away, and your pictures and description are all they have to help them make a purchasing decision.
Do Advertise Your RV for Sale
Advertise your RV in all the popular places where buyers look for RVs. Local advertising through sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace is a good start, but the wider you broadcast your offer the sooner it will sell. Use well-known national RV publications such as National Vehicle and RVTrader to reach the broadest audience.
Or Rent Instead
If you aren’t ready to sell, but can’t afford your RV or if your rig is taking longer to sell than you thought it might, there is also the option of renting it out. This will help lighten the financial load that comes along with RV ownership until the time comes to part with your rig.
Selling Your RV: Frequently Asked Questions
Before selling your RV, make any repairs you can reasonably afford to make and go the extra mile to clean up your RV and make it look its best. It’s also a good time to research what the market prices for similar RVs are in your area.
It’s all about the market! Browsing used RV marketplaces online can help you understand how much RVs similar to yours in type, age, style, and mileage are selling for in your area. You can also use the NADA/J.D. Power guides, similar to KBB for RVs, to get an estimate.
Common mistakes during RV sales include overpricing, neglecting cleaning or repairs, hiding flaws, skipping maintenance records, and posting poor-quality photos or listing descriptions. At the end of the day, transparency, thorough cleaning, detailed documentation, and realistic pricing attract serious buyers and also prevent post-sale disputes.
Generally, if they’re affordable, reasonable repairs, yes. Many buyers will be more likely to invest in an RV that’s ready to roll than a “fixer-upper,” and certain types of repairs, such as sealing loose or leaky seals, can help decrease the incidence of further damage.
Start by thoroughly cleaning and detailing your RV and investing in the highest possible quality photos. (It may be worth hiring a professional.) Make sure your listing is both honest and detailed, and adjust your price to your local market. List your rig on multiple platforms to increase your chances, and respond promptly to signal to buyers that you’re a serious seller.
