If you’ve only owned one RV in your life and for whatever reason, you want to convert it into cash, you probably have no idea how to sell it. Do you use the old-school method and pop a for-sale sign on it, or are there other easier ways?
Armed with a bit of knowledge of the best ways to sell an RV, you’ll be able to get top dollar for it, or at least more than you had thought. If you’re lost on how to sell yours, fear not; we’ve got your back. This article will cover the most popular ways to sell your used RV for cash.
First Learn Your RVs Value
Ultimately, the choice will be yours on how and where you decided to sell your RV for cash. The decision will most likely be based on what your priority is. You can sell it fast for less money or you can hold out for the best price. Only you can make that decision.
Before you even attempt at selling yours, you’ll need at least a ballpark figure of what you can expect to get for it. This first step is crucial. Ask for too much and you’ll be waiting an eternity for a buyer. Ask too little and you’ll leave money on the table.
You can find several online RV value calculators to get an idea of what your’s is worth. A popular one is the National Automobile Dealers Association which also covers RVs. Use the NADA RV calculator and you’ll know what your RV is currently worth.
Best Ways To Sell an RV
Now that you’re armed with a fair selling price you’re ready to get some cash for your used RV. Again, where and how you try to sell yours will depend on if you’re looking for a quick sale or top dollar. It’s rare to sell quickly and for the best price, but it can happen. However, usually, you’ll have to sacrifice one or the other.
Sell to an RV Dealership
If your RV is only a couple of years old and doesn’t have a lot of miles on it, the quickest way to sell it is to take it to an RV dealership. Most dealerships are always looking to purchase used RVs to add to their inventory and will usually offer a fair wholesale price. They’ll be purchasing it for resale, so, unfortunately, you won’t get its retail value. This method of selling an RV is great for those who are looking to get some fast cash.
Sell to a Specialized Dealer
Older, more seasoned RVs can be incredibly difficult to sell. As the years go by and the miles add up, used rigs quickly lose a lot of their worth. Many looking to purchase a used RV are well aware of the 10-Year Rule, so if yours is near or over a decade old, selling it could turn into a frustrating and time-consuming affair.
Fortunately, selling a used RV in any condition, running or not, can be easily and quickly sold to a dealer like HeyRV. They specialize in purchasing hard-to-sell RVs and will save you the time and effort of trying to unload a less-than-desirable RV. You’ll get a fair price for it, running or not, and it’s a hassle-free experience.
Sell to a Private Buyer
Although much more time-consuming than selling to an RV dealership or a specialized RV dealer, selling to a private buyer could bring you the best price for your used RV. However, this method could take some time, and you’ll have to deal with complete strangers. If you don’t have the patience to deal with tire kickers or feel uncomfortable speaking with those you don’t know, this may not be the best option.
Although you’ll still have to deal with the general public, a great way to find perspective buyers is by joining one of the many social media RV groups. Rather than placing a generic Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace ad, engaging with RV and camping enthusiasts could provide you with a fast and easy sale.
Bottom Line
Selling a used RV can be a stressful experience. If yours is in decent shape, not too old, and has low mileage, selling it to an RV dealership or a private buyer could be your best course of action. However, if it has some battle scars that show its age, these methods of selling probably won’t help you much. Older RVs, even ones with significant cosmetic or mechanical problems, can be easily sold to a specialized dealer that buys all types, regardless of their issues.