Selling Your Used RV
Selling a used recreational vehicle can be an intense process if you take it on yourself. There are certain things you have to do when faced with an automobile sale and there are certain things you have to do when faced with a house sale. With a recreational vehicle…you have to do everything you’d do for both because the RV combines the two into one, unique product.
Before you decide to sell your used RV:
- Make sure that you are ready. Nothing is more wasteful than preparing to sell a product and starting the haggling and then deciding that you aren’t quite ready to let go after all.
- Check out the current market. What are similar RVs going for in your area?
- Look for alternate, yet accessible, markets. Is there an online sales forum you’d feel comfortable accessing to list your motorhome? For instance, check out Craigslist or eBay. But unless you are absolutely comfortable with the process…avoid it. There are frequent cases of fraud.
- Give the RV a face lift. Scrub it from top to bottom. Clear out the cabinets (it will make them look more spacious). Wipe down all the surfaces. If there are any easy repairs to make; make them yourself before trying to list it for sale. Buyers will expect a price break for needed repairs; out of proportion to the actual cost of the repair. Check any cushions and repair/replace as needed. Check the vinyl and make sure it’s clean.
- Practice maneuvering the various items within the RV. If it features a fold away tabletop, make sure you can easily whip it in and out. If it has beds that double as couches, make sure you can make the change while chatting and without blinking an eye. You want the buyer to think that it’s so easy anyone can do it. And if you struggle to remember how to work the lever or which way to direct the table as you lay it flat to slide against the wall…they’re going to think twice about their own ability to use the feature.
- Have all the standard maintenance performed: oil changes, tune up, tires balanced, etc. And have documentation on hand to whip out and impress potential buyers.
Once you’re prepared to sell your vehicle:
- Create a great listing. List all the features and necessary info. If you leave basics off buyers will assume there’s something wrong with the RV.
- Find the right outlet for your listing; or list it in several RV sales areas.
- Make sure to respond quickly to any interested parties. You can bet that your listing isn’t the only one they’ve responded to and you want to get them out to see the RV before they’ve found another one that works for them.
- Finally, don’t accept personal checks! I suggest requiring the individual to meet you at your bank with a cashier’s check and waiting for the title, etc. while you deposit it. If there are no problems you sign it over on the spot.
OR…you could avoid the entire process by jumping online to Pedata RV Center’s instant purchase feature and find out immediately how much you can receive for your recreational vehicle; just input the make and model along with the year of the vehicle and Pedata will let you know how much you can get for your RV. They’ll even send someone out to pick it up immediately (anywhere in the US and Canada). How’s that for accommodating? You can see why this simple, one step option is advantageous in comparison to jumping into the midst of the current buyers’ market. But if that’s the path you choose…we wish you luck!