Now that you’ve received a value quote from the Good Sam RV Valuator and set up your appointment to sell, it’s time to prepare so everything goes smoothly on your appointment date. Follow these seven steps to get your RV ready:
1. Remove Personal Items
Many RVs have hidden storage areas, so be thorough as you go through your compartments and storage areas to remove all belongings. You don’t want to leave anything behind when selling your RV, especially if you’re trading in. This may include removing installed aftermarket RV accessories like a bike rack, backup camera, mounting brackets for a weight distribution hitch, and others. Take this opportunity to organize your personal items as you’re unloading to make loading back into your new RV easier when the time comes.
2. Tidy Up
Cleaning your RV before bringing it to a dealership for a pre-sale inspection is the best way to maximize your RV’s value. Work from top to bottom and front to back to be as thorough as possible. Here are a few commonly neglected areas:
- Clean and wipe down the fridge and freezer.
- Dust the high, harder-to-reach areas.
- Clean the windows inside and out.
- Remove and vacuum under all seat cushions (dinette, sofas, and theater seats) and mattresses (bunks and main beds).
- Vacuum all storage areas inside and out.
Like selling a home, you want to impress the buyer with your RV’s look, feel, and smell from the instant they walk in. Wash your RV inside and out for the best presentation.
3. Gather Manuals, Keys, and Tools
Ensure you have your owner’s manuals and any other documentation present and organized before selling your RV. RVs typically come with multiple manuals, some specific to the entire unit and others specific to your refrigerator, air conditioner, microwave, and other appliances. These manuals and any tools and keys that came with the unit should stay with the unit when selling.
4. Note Any Upgrades
Most owners eventually upgrade or add to their RV. These changes can increase your RV’s resale value, so it’s important to note them before you sell your RV. Major performance improvements or upgrades give you additional bargaining power when negotiating your RV’s final sale price.
5. Organize Service Records and Warranty Information
All records of past RV service should accompany your RV when you sell it. This includes any paperwork on existing warranties for appliances and the entire unit. These records are valuable to any potential buyer to learn how well your RV has been maintained during your ownership.
6. Prepare to Cancel or Transfer RV Insurance
Contact your RV insurance provider to inform them of your intention to sell or trade in your RV. Depending on your plans, they’ll instruct you on the required steps to cancel your insurance or transfer coverage to a new unit.
7. Compile Ownership Documentation
If you own your RV outright and do not have a lien, the title should be in your possession. Bring it with you at the time of sale. If you still owe on a lien, contact your lienholder about the proper documentation required for proof of ownership when selling your RV.
Do you have any questions about selling your RV to us? Let us know in the comments below.
