If you have had your RV for five years or more, you might be thinking that it is time to sell it and upgrade. You have several options when selling your old RV. You can sell it privately or to a dealership as a trade-in. Both options have advantages and disadvantages that you need to consider when deciding how to sell your RV.
Selling Your RV Privately
One option is to sell your RV through a private sale or on consignment through a site like Camping World. If you decide to sell your RV through this route, you need to be careful about the transaction. It is a good option for rigs that are too old to interest a dealership but that still have some life left in them.
Pros
One of the pros of selling privately is that you have more control over the price you ask. You can screen interested parties and save the expense of a listing service or consignment fees. Many times, you can find a seller who is willing to meet your price, as long as it is reasonable.
Cons
The key disadvantages of selling privately are that you have to do all the work by taking pictures and creating the listing. You also have to field the inquiries and make time to show the RV. You should be cautious when selling privately and only accept cashier’s checks or certified bank checks.
Selling Your RV to A Dealer
Selling your RV to a dealer is a good way to avoid the hassle of having to list your rig and accept the risks of a private sale. The process is quick and easy, and you can roll the cash into a down payment on your new rig on the spot. Selling your rig to a dealer does have advantages and disadvantages that you might not have considered.
Pros
One of the biggest pros of selling your RV to a dealer is that the transaction can be completed in as little as a few hours. The dealership takes care of the paperwork and makes the process easy. All you have to do is drive your rig to the dealership, and they will usually take care of the rest.
Cons
One of the cons of trading your vehicle in for a new one is that many people do not realize how much value their rig loses over a short time. Many dealers will try to offer you a low price to keep as much as possible in their pocket. If you still owe money on your rig, you will have to refinance the amount and include it in the new deal, which could raise your payments significantly. There also is not as much room for negotiation when selling to a dealership.
How to Decide Which One is Right
Regardless of which method you choose for selling your RV, you need to do a few things first. Preparing your RV for sale can help you get the most from it. The first rule of thumb is to make sure it is clean and in the best condition possible. It includes everything on the inside, outside, appliances, and mechanical systems.
Which method is best for selling your RV depends on several factors:
- Age and condition of your RV,
- How much time you have,
- Importance of speed of sale,
- Price you expect.
You Have Another Option
Selling your RV privately or using it as a trade-in at a dealership have pros and cons. For those who have newer rigs, these might be the best option, but if your RV is over five years old, then these options will probably not work for you. If you have a junk RV that is beyond the age a dealership will take or that makes it unattractive to buyers, you have another option.
Bottom Line
You could sell it to a junk RV dealer who specializes in older RVs with salvage titles or in poor condition. In many cases, this option will allow you to have cash on the same day. Also, some dealers will pick the RV up where it is stored.
Also read: A 9-Step Guide on How to Wash A Car by Hand Like A Pro
