Thinking it may be time to sell your RV? Well, for everything in life, there is a season — especially if you’re picking up on these clues. Maybe your travel habits have changedm you’re upgrading to a newer model, or it’s just time to downsize. But once you’ve made the call to sell, the next big question is: What’s the best way to sell your RV?
Let’s say upfront that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. However, odds are that regardless of which one of these is the best way for you personally, you’ll probably sell your RV with one of the four following methods. So, let’s look at the pros, cons, and what to expect. That way, you can make the best decision for your situation.
1. Sell it yourself in a private sale.
Selling your RV directly to another buyer has a lot going for it. It certainly puts you in the driver’s seat. You control the price, the negotiation, and the final sale. You’ll likely get more value this way, since there’s no dealership taking a cut. However, it also requires more work and responsibility.
Pros
- Opportunity for high return
- Control of the price and terms
- Flexibility to suit your timeline
Cons:
- Handling everything: pricing, listing, showings, paperwork
- Needing to vet buyers and avoid scams
- Time-consuming, especially if your listing isn’t in front of the right audience
2. List it on an online marketplace
This is where things get interesting. Online marketplaces have transformed how people buy and sell RVs, giving you access to a much larger pool of potential buyers—not just in your zip code, but across the country. But there are different kinds of marketplaces to consider.
First, there are general marketplaces, like Craigslist and Facebook. Alternatively, there are RV-specific platforms like RV Trader or RVT. But let’s take a closer look at both.
General Marketplaces
These platforms are so broad that you’ll find a lot of traffic. The problem at times is that it’s not always the right kind of traffic. Facebook connects people and Craigslist is an OG for selling stuff, but neither were built for RV transactions. So listings can get buried, and buyers aren’t always serious. The internet is a place of enormous (and sometimes weird) possibilities. So, you could end up with an unexpected and possibly lucky exchange, but the odds are simply not as good.
Challenges
- High number of lowball offers
- Limited tools for RV-specific listings
- Higher chance of scams or unserious inquiries
- No built-in support for paperwork or pricing guidance
RV-Specific Marketplaces
Platforms like RV Trader and RVT are designed specifically for RV owners and shoppers. Quite simply, you’re not just posting a listing — you’re joining a community of people who are actively buying, selling, and researching RVs.
Advantages
- Reaches millions of qualified RV shoppers monthly
- RV-specific listing tools (VIN lookup, category filters, price guides)
- In-depth seller resources (photos, pricing tips, valuation tools)
- Option to upgrade your listing for even more visibility
For many sellers, online marketplaces — especially RV-specific ones — strike a perfect balance between visibility and control. You handle the sale, but you’re not doing it alone.
3. Trade it in at an RV dealership.
Trading in your RV is definitely the easiest route. Convenience is a huge attraction here. You roll in, sign the paperwork, and let the dealer handle the rest. And naturally, it’s especially convenient if you’re buying a new rig from the same dealer.
Pros
- Fast and hassle-free
No buyer communication or listings required - Lower risk of scams or paperwork mistakes
Cons
- Typically lower offer than private sale or online listing
- Less room for negotiation
- Dealers may be selective about what they’ll take
If speed is your top priority, this is a good route. But if you’re aiming for top dollar, it’s probably not your best bet.
4. Sell to a dealer or consignment lot.
Some dealers will offer to buy your RV outright, even if you’re not trading it in. Others will list it on consignment, where they sell it on your behalf for a cut of the profit. Again, convenience can be a factor here, but what may not be as convenient is not getting the best value for your RV.
Pros
- Less hassle than selling it yourself
- Dealer handles showings, buyer vetting, and paperwork
- Good option if you’re not comfortable negotiating directly
Cons
- Less control over pricing and timing
- Dealers take a percentage of the sale
- May take longer than a trade-in or direct sale
However, consignment can be a smart middle ground if you want help but aren’t in a huge rush.
Choosing the Best Way to Sell Your RV
When it comes to the best way to sell your RV, it’s all about finding the right blend of convenience, control, and value.
- Want the highest price, maximum visibility and be in full control? List your RV on an RV-specific online marketplace like RV Trader.
- Need to sell fast with minimal effort? A trade-in or dealership buy might be your best bet.
- Prefer something in-between? Explore consignment or dealer-assisted sales.
Just remember: Where you sell matters. Private sales are great if you know someone interested in your RV. But if you don’t know a buyer, you have to find them. Naturally, we’re partial to the tools and serious buyer base that RV Trader brings to the table — all of which makes it a great place to start. That way, right the gate, you can sell your rig with confidence, support, and access to millions of motivated RV buyers.
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