Selling your used RV doesn’t need to be a stressful experience. With a little knowledge and savviness, you’ll be able to sell yours for cash. Understanding who it’s best to sell your rig to and what’s the best way to sell it is key. In this article, we’ll provide you with all you’ll need to know if selling your used RV for cash is the best choice for you.
The Pros of Selling an RV for Cash
If you’re thinking about getting cash for your RV, depending on your situation and priorities, there are several different methods. Which one you use will depend on the condition of your RV and how quickly you want to sell it. Either way, a luxurious Class A motorhome or a broken and worn-out 5th wheel can get you cash when you sell them. We’ll highly three ways to sell an RV for cash, each with its pros and cons.
The Benefits of Selling an RV to a Dealership
One of the main benefits of selling an RV directly to a dealership is convenience. You won’t need to place online ads and wait for inquiries if you even get any. They have the knowledge of what your particular make and model is worth and have the cash on hand to pay immediately once you’ve agreed to a selling price. They’ll handle all of the necessary paperwork for you and the entire process is relatively stress-free.
The downside is that you may not get as much as you hoped. RV dealerships are purchasing your used RV to resell and make a sizeable profit. If you’re not worried about losing a little and a quick sale is your priority, selling to a dealership is a good way to go. Unfortunately, they usually won’t purchase older RVs, especially those over a decade because of the 10-Year Rule.
The Benefits of Selling an RV to a Specialized Dealer
This method of selling a used RV is best utilized when other methods haven’t generated a sale or much interest. If your RV is a decade old, has over 100,000 miles, or is severely in need of repairs and TLC, selling to a specialized dealer is a good choice. You’ll get a fair price for your beat-up RV and won’t waste any time waiting for a buyer who might not even exist. Most will even purchase RVs that run or need costly repairs.
There truly isn’t a downside to selling your RV to dealers that purchase any type regardless of their condition. It goes without saying that you wouldn’t sell your recently purchased rig to a dealer like this. However, if you’ve run out of options and no one is interested in yours, this is your best bet.
The Benefits of Selling an RV to a Private Buyer
A very popular method for selling a used RV is to sell it to a private individual. This works well for those who have an RV that still has plenty of life left in it but works for somewhat less desirable ones too. A benefit is that you’ll have full say over what your selling price is and it’s solely your decision to lower it, if necessary. Ultimately, you have full control over what the selling terms are and who you sell it to.
The biggest con to selling to a private buyer is that it could take time to weed through the tire kickers and time-wasters. You’ll also be responsible for finding buyers by placing ads and taking the time to meet with each prospective buyer. If you’re uncomfortable with strangers, this may not be the best way to sell your used RV.
Another downside to selling to a private individual is the risk of scams or simply dealing with an unsavory character. If you decide to sell to a private party, be wary of the payment method they want to use. Personal checks can be easily forged, or they may not have the funds available.
Selling Your RV for Cash: The Bottom Line
Selling your used RV doesn’t need to be a major hassle. Depending on your wants and needs, you can easily sell it for cash. While newer RVs without the wear and tear of endless miles can typically be sold to private buyers or RV dealerships, those with older ones tend to be much more difficult to unload.
If your RV is on its last legs or needs costly repairs that far outweigh its value, sell it to a specialized dealer. Most will take any RV regardless of its condition. Many offer free towing and you’ll be paid much more for it than you’d think.