Category: Selling

Have you considered selling the used RV that’s been sitting in your driveway for some time? You may think it’s lost too much value over time, but that may not be the case. In fact, there’s never been a better time than now to sell your RV for maximum return value. In the past couple of years, there’s been an increase in demand for RVs, however pandemic-related disruptions have caused a shortage of new inventory. With low supply and high demand, the value of used RVs is at a record high. As a seller, how do you make the most out of this unique opportunity? To help you take advantage of this moment, RV Trader is breaking down the current market conditions and sharing four tips for selling used RVs during an inventory shortage.

RV Market Conditions

High Demand for RVs

RVs were growing in popularity even prior to the pandemic, with many outdoor enthusiasts, families, retirees, and millennials looking to purchase a vehicle. The onset of the COVID pandemic only accelerated these trends. Last year on the RV Trader marketplace, there were 53% more visits, 65% more search results page impressions, and 63% more vehicle detail page views compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019. According to Yahoo, the RV market is predicted to continue to grow 6% annually through 2025 in North America. Clearly, people are more interested in RVs than ever before.

Low Supply of New RVs

The limited availability of new recreation vehicles is part of a chain reaction from pandemic disruptions. In-market RV inventory is up only 2% since 2019 and is down 5% from 2020 (1). The shortages playing into these inventory numbers include shortages of microchips and various parts, shipping delays, and high competition among dealers and other buyers who are purchasing new units as soon as they’re manufactured.

Used RV Price Increases

To sum up what we are seeing in the market, there is a large influx of people who are looking to buy RVs, there aren’t a lot of new models on the market, and, as a result, used RVs have increased in value. This now gives sellers the best opportunity to get the maximum return for their used vehicle. Considering all of these market conditions, make sure to follow the tips listed below when you decide to sell your RV.

Tips for Selling During an Inventory Shortage

1. Focus On Online Marketing

Have a plan in place to work against the disruptions and sell your RV fast by listing your vehicle on an online marketplace. You will reach millions of shoppers all over the United States and receive more interest from consumers looking to buy. When listing online, provide as much information as possible in the listing, including the price, year, type of RV, sleeping capacity, vehicle weight, make, model, mileage, and condition, in addition to photos and videos of the vehicle. Detailed listings are more likely to gain buyers’ attention and sell faster.

2. Sell to a Dealer

To overcome the shortage of new RV models, dealers have been reaching out to private sellers, seeking to buy their used RVs in order to expand their own pre-owned inventory. This benefits private sellers too, as selling to a dealer is a fast and guaranteed transaction. Visit our marketplace to find a local dealer who will buy your vehicle.

3. Fix Up the RV

Get the most out of a used RV sale by fixing it up to improve its market value and sell it faster. Repair any damage to your used RV and ensure it’s in ready, working condition. Fix up any worn-down parts, and handle any repairs the unit needs. Make sure the RV is clean, and get it detailed. You’ll find that the extra effort you put in will help you when selling your RV.

4. Do Market Research for Competitive Pricing

Remain competitive on the marketplace with the right pricing for your RVs. The value is higher than ever, but you should do your research and compare prices for similar RV makes and models. Look at details such as mileage and hours used, and check the condition of RVs to see what they’re selling for. Once you know how other RVs in the market are priced, you’ll know how to price your own unit.

The RV market is facing a unique dilemma, with inventory shortages and greater demand than ever before. By taking advantage of elevated used RV value, marketing to shoppers online, and staying competitive with pricing, you can make the most of this opportunity. If you’re ready to sell your used RV, be sure to list on the nation’s leading marketplace, RVTrader.com.

1 RV Trader, 2022

You always look forward to hopping in your RV and taking a break from the day-to-day hustle and bustle. After a while, you may decide it’s time for a new camper to take on adventures. The selling process can seem overwhelming but, if you’re equipped with the right strategies, you can quickly turn your used fifth wheel, travel trailer, or motorhome into profit. To help you get started, RV Trader has put together five ways to sell your RV fast.

1. Use a For Sale Sign

To quickly catch the attention of potential local buyers, using a for sale sign is a tried-and-true method. For the best results, park your RV in a heavily trafficked area with a sign in the windshield or on a window. In large, clear writing, include some information about your camper, such as the make, model, and year, as well as your contact information. If you park in the lot of a private business, make sure you ask permission from the business owner beforehand so your RV doesn’t get towed. If you still want to make memories in your RV as you’re trying to sell it, keep the for sale sign in a spot that won’t obstruct the driver’s view.

You can also print for sale flyers and hang them on community boards at local businesses, at nearby campgrounds and RV parks, and other places around town. These flyers should provide prospective customers the same helpful information as a for sale sign.

2. Sell on an Online Marketplace

Online marketplaces allow you to reach a larger network of shoppers than a for sale sign. To begin, find a consumer-trusted online marketplace to ensure a safe and reliable selling experience. Then, create a detailed listing, which can be done in just minutes. Be sure to include as much information as possible in the description, including the type of RV, sleeping capacity, and vehicle weight. With this information, as well as additional specifics like the make, model, mileage, and more, shoppers can search for the right camper for their needs. The more detailed your listing, the faster you can connect with the best potential customer.

While some buyers are comfortable with purchasing a unit sight unseen, it’s always helpful to give them a glimpse at what could be theirs. Take high-quality photos at different angles and add them to your virtual listing. You can even record a video of you giving a virtual tour of the RV, which can save you time with a prospective buyer compared to meeting in person.

3. Utilize Social Media

Leverage the power and reach of social media platforms to draw more attention to your for-sale RV. You can engage even more shoppers by posting photos and a description of your unit on your personal accounts, as well as community pages and groups for camping and RV enthusiasts. If you’re hoping to reduce or remove shipping and delivery costs, Facebook Marketplace is a great way to connect with local shoppers through your personal account. 

Take it up a notch by sharing videos of your camper on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to get likes and attract potential customers. What better way to sell your Class A motorhome than showcasing how an owner can cruise across the country in style?

4. Sell to an RV Dealer

For a quick and easy experience, consider selling your used RV to a dealership. Instead of waiting to find the right buyer, call or email your local dealerships to see which can get you the best deal. If there’s a high demand for campers, you could get an instant cash offer since dealerships are going to resell your unit.

Along with a faster close and convenient business hours, you’ll also save time compared to listing the unit yourself by not needing to verify a buyer’s credentials and haggling over price. Dealers will even take care of all the transfer paperwork for you.

5. Trade In for a New RV

If you’d like to get more for your sale to a dealer, you could trade in your old RV for a new one. Instead of pocketing the profit you make from selling your camper to a dealership, you can put that money towards a down payment for your next one. This is a great option for sellers who are already thinking about their next rig. Make sure you shop your used RV around to see which dealership can offer you the best deal and has the best new (or new-to-you) inventory to choose from. As an added benefit, you could even pay less on sales tax since many states charge the difference between your trade-in value and the price of your new RV.

Bonus Tip: Rent Out Your RV

Maybe you’ve decided it’s not the right time to sell, but you don’t want your RV to sit idle. Give someone else the gift of a mobile adventure, and make some extra money, by renting out your camper. Peer-to-peer (P2P) renting allows you to loan out your rig to other couples and families ready to hit the road. If this option interests you, read our previous article for tips on renting out your RV.

Your RV has brought you joy for a long time, but selling can be less fun. Expedite the process by using a for sale sign, social media, online marketplace, dealership, or trading in your unit to sell your RV fast. Before you list your camper, make sure it’s spotless by giving it a deep clean inside and out.

If you decide to sell your RV online, list your unit on the trusted, nationwide marketplace at RVTrader.com. And if you need additional resources to help you through the process, check out our RV Seller’s Guide and read our top tips for selling your used RV.

Once you’ve decided to sell your RV, we hope you head to RVTrader.com to list it. We’re an online marketplace that attracts millions of active buyers every month who are searching for their next unit. Listing with RV Trader is quick, easy, and secure, guaranteeing a smooth and reliable experience. Here’s everything you need to know about selling an RV on RVTrader.com.

Get Started

Click the “Sell” button at the top of the RV Trader webpage, or the “Menu” button in the top-right corner, then click “Sell My RV.” Both options will direct you to the page where you can view the listing packages. Simply scroll down or click “Get Started” to browse the package options and make your selection.

Choose a Package

RV Trader provides three package options for sellers.

• Basic: The basic package ensures that your ad will be listed on the website for two weeks. Your listing will allow up to four photos.
• Enhanced: The enhanced package offers eight weeks on RV Trader’s website, as well as up to 20 photos and a YouTube or Vimeo video.
• Best: The best package features a one-year-long listing, up to 50 photos, a video, premium placement on the website with a highlight in search results, and a featured spot in carousels on the homepage and search results.

Log In or Create Your Account

Once you select your package, a window will pop up and prompt you to log in to your My Trader account. If you don’t have an account yet, it won’t take long to make one. Enter your email and a password, then verify your password and click “Sign Up For My Trader.” Having an account allows you to create, edit, and share listings, save your progress when creating listings, and see leads and activity on your listings.

Generate Your Listing

After choosing your package and logging in to your account, you can create your unit listing. Remember, this is the first impression you make with a consumer, so you want the information to be understandable and accurate. You can build your listing in just three simple steps.

• Enter Your Vehicle Information: Beginning at the first drop down, select the class of your RV. Enter the year, make, model, and trim. Add your price and choose a tagline; this is your opportunity to tell potential buyers if the price is cash, open to trade, negotiable, or firm. In the listing description, you have a maximum of 2,500 characters to tell buyers all about your RV. Below you can provide additional details, including fuel type, measurements, mileage, engine information, and unit color. The more information you give a consumer about your unit, the faster they can make their decision.
• Add Photos: Upload up to four, 20, or 50 photos, depending on which package you chose. Listings on RV Trader with pictures generate 2.4X higher search result impressions and 15.8X higher vehicle detail page-views than listings without photos. Make sure your photos are clear and offer different angles of your RV so potential buyers can see as much as possible. For more tips, read our eight tips for taking great listing photos. If you selected an Enhanced or Best package, you’ll also add the link for a video on YouTube or Vimeo here.
• Enter Your Contact Information: If you’re logged into your My Trader account, some of the contact information may auto-populate. You’ll also need to add your first and last name, address, and phone number. To protect your privacy, only your city, state, and zip code will appear on your listing—not your street address. If you prefer for buyers to only contact you via email, you can also choose to hide your phone number.

Get an Inspection

Sellers on RVTrader.comhave the option to get a pre-purchase inspection through RV Trader Assurance powered by Lemon Squad. If you choose this service, an Automatic Service Excellence (ASE)-certified Lemon Squad inspector comes directly to you for an on-site inspection of your for-sale RV. This thorough inspection covers a computer diagnosis of the engine, along with a comprehensive examination of the vehicle condition, mechanical, underbody, tires, wheels, structural integrity, and more. Following the inspection, your listing will receive a certified RV Trader Inspection Badge, which showcases your ability to provide an inspection report to prospective buyers and makes your listing stand out on the marketplace.

Preview, Review, and Check Out

At the bottom left of the page, you’ll have the option to preview your listing with the photos. Put yourself in the shoes of a buyer to make sure you’re seeing everything someone would need to know about the RV you’re selling.

Once you decide it looks good, you can view a receipt for your listing. 

When you sell your RV on RVTrader.com, you can take advantage of our digital marketing solutions to help advertise and reach more buyers. In just a few quick and easy steps, your listing will be available to consumers nationwide. For more top tips for selling your RV, visit our blog. And for more helpful resources, check out our RV Seller’s Guide!

Another option for private sellers is to connect with dealers who are buying inventory directly. Skip the listing all together and look for the “We Buy RVs” button on a dealer’s gallery page to sell your unit right to a dealership.

On the fence about selling your used RV? You’ve come to the right place! Before you put up a listing on RV Trader, where it’ll be available to millions of shoppers, you’ll want to feel confident knowing that the time is right to sell. Read through our top tips to sell your used RV, and check out the signs below that indicate it’s time to list your RV on the market. 

Here are a few signs that it might be time to sell your RV.

You’re Ready for an Upgrade

Do you love your RV, but notice it’s getting a little rough around the edges? It might be time to upgrade the unit you currently own. New and improved models are coming out yearly, so you can still have the same type of RV you know and love but with modern upgrades and advanced features. 

It’s Time to Change RV Type

Changing RV type is more common than you might think. For example, you might start off your RV journey with a pop-up camper and want to upgrade to a full travel trailer in the future. There are a variety of reasons to change RV types: your family grows, you need more or less space, you want more amenities, etc. Take a good look at the RV you currently have to see if it’s meeting all of your needs or if it’s time to make a switch.

Old Age & Costly Repairs

We become emotionally attached to our RVs. It makes sense – we create lasting memories in them, and it’s difficult to let our trusty unit go. But the reality is, if your RV has many broken components and outdated features, or if it’s costing significant money to repair pretty frequently, selling could be a good option. 

High Mileage 

Have you put serious miles on your RV thanks to many adventures? Great! That’s the whole point of owning an RV. But, if you’re looking to use your current unit to help pay for an upgrade, you’ll need to consider mileage. RVs that have a higher mileage are worth less than units with comparable features. If your RV has a lot of miles, you may want to sell it before repairs are required or the value depreciates.

Not Using Your RV

If your RV is collecting dust and you haven’t made plans to travel with it in a while, it might be a good idea to consider selling your unit. You could be sitting on a pretty penny and another family could get great use out of your RV if it’s in good condition. In addition to what you’ll earn in the sale, you’ll also save money with the end of insurance, storage fees, and maintenance costs.  

High Market Demand

RVing has never been more popular, and some dealerships are struggling with low inventory. When your used RV is in high demand, you can sell it at a premium price. Keep an eye on consumer trends and sell when the market is hot (hint: it’s HOT right now!). It’s also a great idea to consider the seasonality of RVing. Many RVers travel in the spring and summer months, so it’s a good plan to put up your listing before these peak times. Selling on a nationwide marketplace like RV Trader makes it easy to reach these eager RV shoppers thanks to millions of monthly site visitors.

Pro Tip: If you do list your RV on RVTrader.com, consider getting a pre-purchase inspection with RV Trader Assurance powered by Lemon Squad. This service allows private sellers to order quick and convenient inspections on their for-sale RVs, which include a comprehensive internal and external examination, complete mechanical and appliance inspection, road test, and more than 40 high-quality photos. A pre-purchase inspection can validate your RV’s listing price, build buyer confidence, and save time in the selling process.

If it’s the right time for you to sell your used RV, we hope you list your unit for sale on RV Trader’s nationwide online marketplace. Browse our RV Seller’s Guide for additional resources!

Online research is crucial to many buyers today, and if selling your RV is a top priority for you, posting it on RV Trader is a great place to start to reach those buyers. We have millions of visitors actively looking for their next RV on our site each month – so you’re sure to get plenty of eager eyes on your unit. Check out our top tips for making sure your RV Trader listing stands out from the rest.

1. Take High-Quality Photos

Photos have the power to draw buyers in – so make sure yours are the best they can be. Buyers want to see authentic photos when they are searching for listings, so do your best to avoid stock photography. We suggest including a wide variety of photos on your listing of both the inside and outside of the RV. Take your listing photos in natural daylight so they are not washed out and make sure to use a camera that takes top-notch photos buyers want to click on.

2. Clean Your Unit Thoroughly

Make sure the RV you’re selling is spotless, both inside and out. Buyers want to see their potential RV in tip-top condition, so you should give the unit a detailed wash and declutter the interior before you take photos or invite potential buyers over to tour/test drive the unit.

3. Be Honest About Your Unit

You’ll want to photograph and describe any and all damage your toy hauler or other RV has right off the bat. It’s important to be open and honest with buyers so you don’t lose credibility and, potentially, the sale. Buyers appreciate honesty – so keep that in mind when creating your listing.

4. Include a Price

Including a price in your listing is crucial. Buyers want to know this information upfront to determine if your unit fits into their budget – and we can all relate to that! It’s been proven that units listed with a price get 8X more clicks and 3X more connections on RV Trader than listings that don’t. This simple addition can make a big difference.

5. Put Yourself in the Buyer’s Shoes

When crafting a listing, or even giving a tour of your Class A RV or other RV, it’s important to put yourself in the buyer’s shoes – which should be easy since you were once a buyer. Ask yourself, “What did I want to know before purchasing my RV?” or “What advice/knowledge can I share since I’ve been through the process before?” Providing this type of information is extremely helpful for potential buyers – especially if they are new or just getting into the RV lifestyle.

6. Write a Detailed Listing Description

While descriptions can be tedious to write – they are so important, particularly for the first-time buyer. Buyers need your help deciphering how this particular RV is going to fit into their lifestyle, and you have the opportunity to be the expert. We recommend highlighting all the key features of your unit, how many it sleeps, its length, and how you’ve used the unit previously. The more details, the better!

7. Consider Getting an Inspection

Another way to get your listing to stand out in a competitive marketplace is to get a pre-purchase inspection on your RV before listing it. When selling on RVTrader.com, you can choose to have a certified inspector do an on-site inspection of your RV with RV Trader Assurance powered by Lemon Squad. This quick and easy inspection delivers a report typically the following business day. An RV Trader Inspection Badge will be displayed on your listing, catching a prospective buyer’s attention and letting them know that you can provide a detailed inspection report of your for-sale RV.

8. Respond to Potential Buyers in a Timely Fashion

We live in a world where instant gratification is the norm, so you’ll want to keep that in mind when RV inquiries come rolling in. We encourage you to check your messages regularly so you can respond to an interested buyer quickly after being contacted. Buyers can move fast so they will likely move along to another listing if you don’t respond in a timely fashion.

9. Include Relevant Keywords

Make sure to include keywords that are relevant to your specific unit – that way as people are searching online, your unit pops up easily. For example, the word “towable” is a top search word.

We hope that these nine tips have helped you realize that selling your RV doesn’t have to be difficult. If you follow these tips, you’ll have an even higher chance of getting more eyes on your listing! Check out our RV Seller’s Guide for additional resources to help you through the selling process. And if you’re still undecided about listing your RV on the market or not, read through these benefits of selling your used RV.