Selling Your Camper: How To Price It Right

Selling your camper can be a stressful and daunting process, especially if you want to get the highest value for your asset. There are several factors to consider when determining the price of your camper, such as its make, model, year, condition, and any additional features or upgrades. It is also important to research the current market demand and set a realistic price to ensure a quick sale.

There are different options for selling your camper, including online marketplaces, dealerships, and consignment. Each option has its pros and cons in terms of selling price, time, and effort required.

To get the highest payout, selling your camper privately on online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or RV-specific websites is a good option. This allows you to set the price, control the marketing, and decide on the buyer. However, it requires more time and effort, and your pool of buyers may be smaller as they would typically need to pay in cash.

Alternatively, selling to a dealer or through consignment can be quicker and more convenient, but you may receive a lower price. Dealerships will handle the paperwork, get the camper ready for sale, and manage the final transaction. With consignment, a third party handles the sale, but you remain the owner, and a commission fee is involved.

Regardless of the selling option you choose, it is important to clean and stage your camper, fix any minor issues, gather all relevant paperwork, and be honest about the camper's condition to ensure a smooth and successful sale.

Where to sell your camper

When it comes to selling your camper, there are several options to consider. Each has its own pros and cons, so it's important to weigh your priorities, such as the desired sale price and time frame, before deciding on a selling method. Here are some common ways to sell your camper:

Online Private Sale

Selling your camper through an online private sale gives you control over the selling process. You can advertise the camper, manage showings, and set the price. Popular websites for private RV sales include Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and RV-specific platforms such as RVTrader.com and RVT.com. While some sites offer free listings, others charge a fee but provide access to a targeted audience of potential buyers. To attract buyers, ensure your listing includes bright, staged, and detailed photographs, as well as an engaging description that highlights unique features.

Dealership Sale or Trade-In

Selling your camper through a dealership can be a convenient and quick option. Dealerships will handle the paperwork and get the camper ready for sale. If you're planning to buy a new camper, trading in your old one can streamline the process. However, dealerships will typically offer a lower price compared to a private sale. They may also be able to send your camper to another location within their network if they don't plan to sell it on their lot.

Consignment

Consignment offers a middle ground between private and dealership sales. You remain the owner of the camper, but a third party, often a dealership, handles the sale process, including marketing, showings, and paperwork. This option usually comes with a commission fee, which can range from a percentage of the sale price or a flat rate. Consignment also typically involves a time window for the sale, after which you may need to sign a new contract or explore other selling methods.

Display in High-Traffic Areas

If you have the space, displaying your camper in your yard or on the street with a "For Sale" sign can attract potential buyers. Be mindful of any regulations regarding parking an RV in these areas for an extended period. You can also try displaying a "For Sale" sign on your camper while camping, but keep in mind that a quick sale may require you to make arrangements with the buyer if you're on the road.

Social Media and Online Classifieds

In addition to dedicated RV websites, you can utilise social media platforms like Facebook and their Marketplace feature. Online classifieds like Craigslist are also an option, but be aware that buyers on these sites may be looking for a bargain, so you may need to be flexible with your asking price.

How to price your camper

Selling a camper can be a stressful and daunting process. To get the best price, you need to do some research and preparation. Here are some tips on how to price your camper to maximise your profit and make a quick sale.

Find the Actual Worth

Firstly, you need to find the true worth of your camper. This means looking at its market value and condition, and being realistic. Check out sites like RVT.com, RVTrader.com and NADA to see what similar campers are selling for. Consider the make, model, year, mileage and any additional features. Be sure to price it correctly for a quick sale. An asking price that is too high will take longer to sell, while a price that is too low will mean you lose out financially.

Browse New Camper Prices

To ensure your asking price is not too high, browse new camper prices. If a buyer can get a new camper for a similar price to your used one, they will likely opt for the newer model.

Check How Long Similar Campers Have Been on the Market

If you see similar campers that have been on the market for several months or more, this could indicate that the asking price is too high.

Consider the Time of Year

The time of year can have an impact on how quickly you sell your camper and the price you can ask for. Generally, camper sales peak in January, February and early spring. Selling in the winter or during the holiday season is less desirable.

Prepare Your Camper for Sale

Make sure your camper is clean, well-maintained and in good working order. Fix any minor issues, such as peeling wallpaper or scuffed cabinets. Give it a deep clean, including all storage spaces, cabinets and appliances. Consider getting your camper professionally cleaned and detailed, which could cost around $300. You could also add some personal touches, such as new towels or throw pillows, to make it more appealing to buyers.

Advertise Your Camper

Create detailed listings with clear, bright and staged photos. Consider hiring a professional photographer to get the best images. Write a description that includes any unique features and highlights, and be honest about what needs work. Advertise your camper on online marketplaces, such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay and RV-specific sites. You could also try local bulletin boards, RV parks and grocery store noticeboards.

Preparing your camper for sale

Clean and fix

First impressions count, so make sure your camper is clean and tidy. Give it a deep clean, inside and out, and consider paying for a professional clean and detail, which could help secure a quick sale at the asking price. It's also worth fixing any minor issues, such as peeling wallpaper or scuffed cabinets, and making sure everything works, from the refrigerator to the water pump.

Stage your camper

Add some personal touches, such as new bathroom towels or throw pillows in the seating area, to help potential buyers imagine themselves using the space.

Get organised

Make sure you have all the relevant paperwork, including maintenance records, manuals, and, if applicable, loan payoff information.

Know when to sell

The best time of year to sell your camper is in the spring, specifically the months of March, April, and May, when demand is high as shoppers are keen to get back on the road in the warm weather. It's best to avoid selling around the holidays and, if you can, sell at the beginning of the RV season rather than at the end of summer.

Advertise

There are several options for advertising your camper for sale. You could display it in your yard with a "For Sale" sign, although be mindful of any regulations about parking an RV on your property or the street for an extended period. You could also advertise online through sites such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or RV-specific sites such as RVT.com and RV Trader. When creating your ad, include bright, staged, and detailed photos, and a description that is detailed and honest.

The best time to sell your camper

Selling a camper can be a stressful event, but knowing the best time to sell can help you get the highest value for your asset. Here are some tips on determining the best time to sell your camper:

Sell at the beginning of RV season

Avoid selling during the holidays

It is generally advised to avoid selling your camper during the holiday season, as this is typically the least desirable time to sell. People are usually busy with holiday plans and spending, and are less likely to be in the market for a camper.

Take advantage of RV shows

If there is an RV show in your area, this could be a good time to put your camper on the market. Your camper will be priced more affordably than the newer models on display, and you can take advantage of the buzz around RVing that such an event will generate.

Sell online during peak months

If you're planning to sell your camper online, it's worth noting that online RV sales typically peak in January, February, and early spring. This is the time when buyers start thinking about their summer plans, so listing your camper during these months can increase your chances of a quick sale.

Be mindful of the economic climate

It's important to consider the economic climate when deciding to sell. For example, during the pandemic, there was a boom in RV sales as people sought safer travel options. However, this was followed by a downturn, with an increase in supply and a decrease in demand. Keeping an eye on economic trends can help you time your sale to maximise profits.

Prepare your camper for sale

Regardless of the time of year, it's essential to ensure your camper is in the best possible condition before putting it on the market. This includes fixing any minor issues, deep cleaning, and staging the camper to make it more appealing to potential buyers.

How to advertise your camper

There are several ways to advertise your camper to ensure that it sells quickly and for a good price. Firstly, it is important to consider the timing of your sale. Spring, especially March, April, and May, is the best time to take advantage of demand. You should also avoid selling around the holidays, as this is the least desirable time.

You could display your camper in your yard or on the street, ensuring it is in a high-traffic area. However, be mindful of any regulations about parking an RV on your lawn or street for an extended period. Another option is to place a "For Sale" sign in the window when camping, although this may not be the most convenient option.

Online listings are a popular method of advertising your camper. You can use sites such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and RV Trader, which is one of the main go-to sites for campers of all kinds. To create an effective online listing, include bright, staged, and detailed images, as well as a description that is detailed and honest. You can also include upgrades you've made to the camper in the description and factor them into the asking price.

You could also advertise your camper on RV forums or online auctions like eBay. Additionally, consider using a third-party website, such as Camper Van Life, to reach thousands of potential customers every month. These websites often offer different advertising packages with various features and prices.

Finally, you can sell your camper through a dealership, which is a quick and easy option, although you will likely get a lower price than if you sold it privately.

Frequently asked questions