Selling your RV for cash can be a confusing journey. Much like getting lost on the road, you may be uncertain as to what are the dos and don’ts. You want to sell your rig as quickly as possible but you’ll also not want to get ripped off or have an unpleasant experience. Selling anything can be a slippery slope, and RVs can sometimes be difficult to sell.
Newer motorhomes are easier to hawk, but if your goal is to sell a junk RV for cash, our handy dos and don’ts guide will make the process much easier.
The Dos of Selling Your RV for Cash
To have a successful selling experience there are several things that you can do to make it happen. Selling an RV doesn’t magically happen on its own and you’ll need to be proactive if you want to get it sold.
Price Your RV Appropriately
With so many used RVs available for purchase, you’ll need to keep your asking price reasonable. That’s not to say that you need to sell it for far below its resale value. Although that may spark a quick sale, you’ll definitely not get as much as you should for it. The same can be said for putting an overly high sticker price on it.
Do a little research and see what similar RVs are going for. Once you have a ballpark figure, you can then set a more accurate price. Another method to dial a fair price is to use an online RV value calculator. One of the more popular ones is NADA, the National Automobile Dealers Association.
Get Your RV Ready To Be Seen
A big one on your to-do list before you sell your RV is to get it ready to be seen. Nothing can turn a buyer off quicker is to see a messy or unkept motorhome. Dirty exteriors and sloppy interiors can leave prospective buyers believing that if you didn’t take care of the most basic of housecleaning duties then you probably also neglected regular vehicle maintenance.
Whether taking your RV to a dealership or selling it to a private party, ensure that it’s looking as neat and tidy as possible. If your plan is to advertise it online, make sure that the photos you post of it show it clean and organized.
Be Transparent
If your RV has any issues, it’s best to disclose them to prospective buyers. Honestly is the best policy and being upfront will eliminate problems or complaints if you sell it and then they discover some things that weren’t disclosed. Even better, fix any known issues before attempting to sell it.
The Don’ts of Selling Your RV for Cash
When selling just about anything, sometimes the “don’ts” are more important than the “dos.” Here are a few of the biggest things you shouldn’t do when selling your RV for cash.
Don’t Hide Its Issues
If your rig has some issues, visible or not, do not try to hide them. Savvy RV buyers know what to look for, and if they discover things that you should have disclosed, you’ve definitely lost that sale. This is especially true when taking photos to be used to advertise your rig. Trying to avoid the obvious by conveniently cropping out a rust spot or cracked window will not help you to get it sold.
Don’t Accept Personal Checks
A dealership won’t pay you with a personal check, but a private buyer may say that’s the only way they can pay. Personal checks could be fraudulent, or if legitimate, the account may not have adequate funds to cover it. If the buyer is firm about paying by this method, either go to their bank and cash the check there, or hold onto the RVs title and keys until the check clears. If the check is legible and cashable, the buyer shouldn’t have any issues with your terms.
Don’t Under-Advertise
To sell your motorhome, you’ll want as many eyes as possible on it. If you’re trying to sell it online, post your ad on as many free social media platforms as possible. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are popular platforms, but you can also look for local RV enthusiasts’ clubs. These groups almost always have folks looking to buy used RVs.
What To Do if You Can’t Sell Your RV
If you’ve followed the dos and don’ts of selling and you’re having difficulty selling yours, you probably have a difficult-to-sell RV. Consider selling it to a specialized dealer who purchases all RVs regardless of mileage, age, or condition. Most will haul it away free of charge and will buy it for a fair price.
