So you’re ready to sell your RV but not quite sure where to start. Maybe you’re upgrading to a newer, larger model, or maybe your current RV has reached the end of its road, and you’re ready to move on. Either way, there are several ways to sell an RV, and some options are much simpler than others. Each approach comes with its own advantages and drawbacks.
You may also be wondering how to sell an RV safely without getting scammed, or how to sell it fast enough to actually enjoy the money you make from it.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about selling a trailer. From nearly new RVs to units that are worn out, non-running, or ready to be junked, we’ll help you understand your best options and choose the right path forward.
How to Sell an RV: 5 Methods that Work
Once you’ve decided it’s time to sell your RV or camper and you’ve settled on a realistic price, the next step is choosing the best way to sell it.
Just like selling any other vehicle, there are multiple options available, from well-known routes to less obvious ones. The right method often depends on your RV’s condition, age, and how quickly you want to sell. Some approaches work better for newer, well-maintained rigs, while others make more sense for older or damaged RVs.
Below, we’ll break down five effective ways to sell an RV, helping you decide which option fits your situation best.
1. The “For Sale” Sign Still Works for Selling Private
One of the most traditional ways to sell an RV is by placing a “For Sale” sign in the window and waiting for interested buyers to reach out. This approach costs very little and requires minimal setup, which is why many owners consider it when first figuring out how sell your RV without using online platforms or dealerships.
The main advantage is simplicity. You do not need to create listings, manage photos, or negotiate through multiple channels. However, this method also comes with clear limitations. For it to work at all, the RV must be parked in a high-visibility area with steady foot or vehicle traffic. Even then, serious inquiries can be infrequent, especially if the RV is older or not in top condition.
There are also practical concerns.
- Private, unplanned meetups with strangers require caution
- You are responsible for answering questions, showing the RV, and negotiating the price
- You must handle the paperwork on your own
This method tends to work best for sellers who are not in a hurry and who are still using the RV regularly. Parking at campgrounds, RV parks, or storage facilities where other RV owners pass through can improve visibility. While it is not the fastest way to sell, a “For Sale” sign can still be a reasonable option for owners with time and patience.
2. Sell Your RV Through Social Media
There are plenty of digital places where you can sell your older RV. It’s easy to spread the word from Facebook Marketplace to using your social media (Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, eBay, etc.). Unfortunately, unless the algorithm has determined that your post is newsworthy, using social media could waste time.
Much like using the old-fashioned “for sale” sign method of selling an RV, social media could take time and may not even produce anyone interested in what you have for sale. And if so, you’ll have to deal with someone you know nothing about.
3. Consider RV Consignment
Partnering with an RV dealership is a much safer way to sell your RV if you want to skip selling privately. Some dealerships will allow you to leave your RV with them, and they’ll sell it for you.
The upside is that your RV is in the right place, where people are looking to purchase new or used travel trailers or fifth wheels. In addition, the dealership will handle all aspects of the sale, and you’ll most likely be involved in only a few of them.
The downside is receiving much less than the RV’s resale value. In addition, the dealership will most likely take a hefty commission, and there may be other fees, like RV prep and cleaning, that’ll be your responsibility.
4. Selling or Trading Your RV Through a Dealer
Taking your used RV to a dealership can be a practical option when learning how to sell an RV, especially if your motorhome or trailer is newer and in good condition. RV dealers already have an established customer base, which means your vehicle may reach qualified buyers without the need for personal advertising or repeated showings.
That convenience comes at a cost. If you sell through consignment, the dealership keeps a portion of the final sale price. If the dealer purchases the RV outright, the offer is typically well below retail value since they plan to resell it for profit. Dealers are also selective, and many will not accept older RVs, high-mileage units, or campers with mechanical or structural problems.
The same limitations apply to trade-ins. While trading your RV toward a newer model can simplify the process, the trade-in value is usually far lower than what the RV might sell for on the private market.
For owners dealing with outdated, damaged, or non-running RVs, working with a specialized junk RV buyer is often a more effective solution. These buyers focus on function and recoverable value rather than appearance or seasonality, making it easier to sell your RV for cash without repairs, delays, or uncertainty when figuring out how to sell an RV in less-than-ideal condition.
5. Work With a Specialized Junk RV Buyer
One of the simplest ways to sell an RV is to contact a specialized buyer who focuses on motorhomes, campers, and trailers in any condition. These companies purchase RVs regardless of age, mileage, or mechanical issues, making them an ideal option if you need to sell a damaged RV without making repairs.
Most specialized buyers provide a fast evaluation and a no-obligation offer, often the same day. You avoid the delays of waiting for a private buyer, the uncertainty of negotiations, and the time spent showing the RV. Many also coordinate pickup, using towing or transport equipment when needed, which eliminates the challenge of moving a non-running unit.
For owners looking for quick cash for junk RVs, this approach removes much of the stress from the process. Instead of dealing with inconsistent interest or seasonal demand, specialized buyers assess the RV based on its real recoverable value and current market demand. The result is a straightforward sale that trades waiting and guesswork for speed, clarity, and convenience.
How to Sell Your RV for Maximum Profit
Knowing when and how to sell an RV is only part of getting the best price for your rig. One of the best tips for selling an RV is to step back and take a hard look at your rig from a buyer’s perspective. If you are not in a rush to sell, take the time to clean and repair your RV before beginning the sales process. Also, you will be more likely to get a better price if you can wait until the beginning of peak season in your area.
Now that you have decided to get rid of your rig for maximum profit, you should do a few things before placing your RV for sale.
- Give it a good wash.
- Clean and disinfect any upholstery.
- Fix anything that is broken.
- Clean the roof with an approved cleaner.
- Give it a good detailing.
- Ensure you have the proper paperwork to initiate the sale.
Giving your rig a good shine will give buyers the impression that you have kept it in good shape. Impressions are everything and can make a difference in whether a buyer is willing to pay your asking price or whether they will ask you to lower it. If you cannot fix the issues yourself, you must consider whether you should lower your price or whether the cost of repairing them is worth the return.
One thing to do before you begin selling your RV is to make sure your title is in order. In most states, you cannot sell your RV without a title in place. If you have lost your original title, you must check with the vehicle registrar in your state to find the replacement procedures.
Moreover, selling your rig might become problematic if it has a salvage or rebuilt title. In this case, a specialized junk RV buyer might be your only choice in getting rid of your trailer.
How to Sell a Motorhome Without a Title
Sometimes, you could end up with an old RV that doesn’t have a title, or its title is listed as salvage. The laws regarding selling no-title or salvage title RVs can vary greatly depending on the state.
Attempting to sell an RV that doesn’t have a title, or even one with a salvage title, could prove impossible. Likewise, private sales will be brutal and perhaps even illegal without the proper paperwork that legally shows ownership.
With few options, your best bet is to sell the trailer to a specialized RV buyer who purchases older campers, toy haulers, and motorhomes regardless of their condition. Even without a title, they can guide you through the paperwork you’ll need to sell it legally in your state.
How Hard Is It to Sell a Used RV?
The answer to this question depends on several factors.
- First, newer rigs with few miles are quickly sold, but only if you accept a fair market price or a bit below.
- There are always buyers for RVs with minimal miles, especially if you’re looking for a quick sale and money isn’t your highest priority.
- You might know how to sell your motorhome, but its make and model might work against you. Outdoor and travel enthusiasts know everything about the RV brands they need to avoid, and if yours is one of them, prepare for a long, hard road ahead.
- Finally, some popular RV models have waiting lists for purchasing new ones. Long waits for new RVs could push buyers to purchase used ones.
Even RVs celebrating a decade’s worth of birthdays aren’t entirely impossible to sell. But, despite having many miles, selling it shouldn’t be difficult as long as it’s been well-maintained and has no significant damage.
However, selling it could be troublesome if your motorhome shows significant wear and tear and has an abundance of battle scars from adventures off the beaten path.
Despite your trailer’s very old age, if it shows a lot of damage and has a ton of mileage, you may not even get the tire kickers to give it a look.
RVs and campers reaching the end of their usefulness are best sold to a specialized dealer that buys any junk, despite its age or condition.
What Is the Resale Value of an RV and How to Calculate the Asking Price?
Determining an RV’s resale value is important when putting it on the market. Of course, you’ll want to get top dollar, but your asking price has to be within the acceptable range of its true resale value. If you ask for too much, you’ll be disappointed. Asking for too little will lead to the same feeling. Knowing its actual resale value is vital to not getting ripped off, wasting your time, or simply giving it away for pennies.
If you purchased your brand-new RV seconds after driving it out of the dealership’s lot, it’s already lost approximately 20% of its resale value.
You bought it to use it, but be aware that some RVs will depreciate faster than others. You can request a free quote online to estimate its worth. Large Class A RVs tend to depreciate more quickly than a much smaller Class C, but other factors can also determine resale value.
Here is how you should go forward with establishing a sale price.
1. Consider the Motorhome’s Damages
Any damage to an RV will lower its resale price. Unfortunately, this holds especially true for cosmetic damage. Although those dings, dents, and scrapes do not affect the RV’s operation or functionality, a buyer will see them as an eyesore. The more cosmetic damage an RV has, the more difficult it could prove to sell.
Those haggard and beat-up-looking RVs are best sold to dealers specializing in junking RVs since they don’t care about their good looks. So you’ll get a fair price and won’t waste time trying to sell it on your own.
2. Keep Proper RV Maintenance Records
For older RVs, a big selling point is the ability to show the buyer that you’ve properly maintained it throughout the years. Routine maintenance and proof show the buyer you’ve given your RV plenty of TLC. In addition, well-maintained rigs are less likely to have costly future repairs, which is a good selling point.
3. Remember that Water Damage Lowers Your Trailer’s Value
As any RV owner knows, trailers are prone to water damage. Paper-thin roofs and the tendency for water to creep in through windows and other openings can cause delamination, damage appliances, cause electrical issues, and allow mold and mildew to make the interior less desirable. If your clunker was flooded and hasn’t been properly fixed, this will significantly lower its value.
4. Factor in the RV Brand Popularity
Depending on the current trend, certain RVs, no matter how old, will hold more of their value. This could, however, change within a year or even a season as the fickle RV crowd moves onto the next fad. The popularity of your RV make or model can either work in your favor or to your disadvantage, so pay attention to current trends when you consider RV depreciation and sale price.
Final Thoughts on How to Sell Your RV Quickly
With so many options for selling an RV, it’s smart to understand which method is best for you and which will give you the biggest bang for your time and effort. Newer, near-perfect RVs and campers are quickly sold to private buyers or RV dealerships. RV condition is key to getting as close to its resale value for sales like these.
Your options significantly decrease for those whose older RV is more of a basket case and is no longer showroom-pretty. Even worse, if it’s not running, your selling options become even more limited. However, selling an older, run-down RV is still possible, and you can walk away from it with some money in your pocket. Contact a specialized RV buyer who purchases less-than-desirable trailers to see what you can get for yours.
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