If you’re looking to upgrade to a newer or bigger RV, it makes sense to sell or trade your existing model for a nice downpayment.
Here are some tips to get the biggest bang for your buck.
Selling or Trading by Owner
Don’t be intimidated to try and trade or sell your old RV model yourself.
By eliminating dealership mark-ups, the extra money from the sale goes into your pocket. Many buyers feel more comfortable with buying from a private party for the very same reason…getting a better deal.
Serious Deep Cleaning
When potential buyers come to check out your RV, you need to present them with as fresh, clean, and homey an RV as possible. You want them to feel comfortable and see themselves enjoying a recreational lifestyle in your RV.
Odds are, creating that feeling will require some serious deep cleaning. Pay attention to these details:
- Scrub, clean, and consider power washing the exterior.
- Check that the awnings are in good condition and working properly.
- Clean and degrease the engine.
- Check that all parts/mechanics, windows, lights, batteries, and appliances are working.
- Make repairs as needed.
- Detail and thoroughly clean the interior.
- Wash any dirty linens or pillows; toss anything worn, ripped, or stained.
- Open blinds to let the sunshine in.
- Depersonalize the interior and decorate with neutral items like plants.
- Have all pertinent RV records and paperwork available.
- Connect utilities.
Research Fair Value
Before listing, do your research on the fair market value of your RV. Things to consider include year, make, model, mileage, and overall condition. Using tools like the Kelly Blue Book can help make this easier.
Also searching RV-specific websites to find comparable models can help you to set a fair value. Keep things at an apples-to-apples level. If your RV is older, in worse condition or has high mileage, you’ll know that to be competitive, your price needs to reflect some wear and tear.
Ready for Sale or Trade
After you’ve done all the hard work, post your ad, with a simple but thorough description, on sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, your local community newspaper, or an RV-specific site.
Including pictures or inside videos saves potential buyers time and weeds out the tire kickers.
The best times to sell are in the first quarter of the year, when gas prices are reasonably low and never on or around a major holiday.
Offering to sell or trade your RV for a great price right after buyers experience a bit of sticker shock from an RV show helps your case, too.
Even parking your RV with a “for sale or trade” sign can be very effective if displayed in a busy area with a good amount of traffic.
Be sure to have the title ready to go and a standard Bill of Sale form available to legally complete the transaction. Also check with the DMV for any requirements they may have for your trade or sale.
Keep copies of all signed documents and receipts.
Conclusion
When you’re ready to sell or trade up your old RV, transform the exterior into showroom ready condition with body work and new paint.
With equipment and a spray booth large enough to accommodate your RV, reach out to Downtown Autobody in Rohnert Park for help with the restoration that will increase the value of your RV.