One may decide to sell one’s RV for many reasons, such as a changing lifestyle, a growing family, or new travel goals. Many RV owners today prefer to sell their vehicles privately to avoid the lower trade-in values typically offered by dealerships and the commissions charged by consignment lots. This helps them enjoy significant savings. But selling an RV privately can be a complex process that requires careful planning and preparation.

Platforms to sell an RV

RV buy-and-sell marketplaces
Usually, buy-and-sell marketplaces are considered the most profitable platforms to sell one’s RV privately. These platforms offer sellers a large audience and more control over the sale process. Also, there is no sales commission involved. But one may be required to pay a small listing fee.

Some top sites for selling RVs are RVT, RVezy, and RV Trader. RVT is known for its lower service costs and listings that remain on the site until the sale is finalized. While RV Trader is known for charging higher fees, it boasts one of the largest audiences in the industry. RVezy doesn’t charge listing fees and offers a growing buyer base.

Non-RV marketplaces and RV forums
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist offer alternative options for RV sales. These platforms charge little to no listing fees and have more search filters, pricing packages, and purchasing formats. RV-specific forums and online communities can also be effective for reaching RV lovers. These sites typically have loyal members and dedicated categories for private sales, connecting sellers with people who truly appreciate RV ownership.

Tips to remember when selling an RV

Ensure proper maintenance
An RV in good condition makes a great first impression and motivates potential buyers to commit. On the other hand, an RV that requires extensive repairs may not have many takers. To ensure the sale goes smoothly, one should address any outstanding issues with their RV, including appliances, plumbing, or exterior damage. Investing in RV maintenance generally pays off by generating more interest and better offers from customers.

In addition, it is important to make copies of the RV’s maintenance, warranty, recall, and repair records. Doing this helps build trust and ensures positive interactions with potential buyers. Furthermore, if there are any underlying issues that can’t be fixed, one should always disclose the same and adjust the selling price accordingly.

Set a competitive price
The valuation process for an RV is similar to that of an automobile. The only difference is that the RV industry uses NADA Guides as its primary valuation tool rather than the Kelly Blue Book. It is important to set a fair price for one’s RV using NADA Guides. Competitive pricing based on current market value makes one’s listings stand out and helps attract offers easily.

Mistakes to avoid when selling an RV

Avoid accepting personal checks
When it’s time to finalize the sale, it is important not to accept personal checks or share banking information with the potential buyer. Instead, it is better to manage payments through safe, professional platforms that deposit funds directly, thereby eliminating the risk of fraud.

Don’t post old pictures of the RV
On the selling platform, one should post high-quality images that showcase the current condition of one’s RV. Posting old or outdated images can lead to potential conflicts and even legal issues.