Finding Your Camper's True Value: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're looking to sell or trade in your RV, you're probably wondering how much it's worth. There are several ways to find out the value of your camper. You can consult the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) RV price book, which dealers often use when looking to purchase an RV. You can also use RV Trader's Price Checker and Good Sam's RV Valuator to get a sense of your RV's value. It's also a good idea to look at pricing for other RVs similar to yours on resale sites like RV Trader and eBay, taking into account factors like make, model, year, and condition.

NADA RV Value website

The NADA RV Value website is a great resource for finding the value of your RV. NADA, or the National Automobile Dealers Association, provides values for used RVs, including motorhomes, travel trailers, truck campers, and park models. The website is easy to use and allows you to choose the "type" of RV you have, such as travel trailers, motorhomes, camping trailers, truck-top campers, or park models.

Once you've selected the type of RV, you can choose from a list of manufacturers and models, which you can filter by year and style. You can also choose to display or hide specifications such as length, design, floor plan, and slides. After selecting the RV model that matches yours, you'll be asked to provide your zip code, as trade-in values can vary depending on your location.

The NADA website also allows you to add or remove optional features, such as HVAC units, upgraded appliances, and levelling systems, which can impact the value of your RV. After making your selections, NADA will provide you with the suggested, average, and low retail prices for your RV. This information can be extremely useful when setting a price or evaluating potential purchases.

In addition to the NADA website, there are other resources available to help determine the value of your RV. RV Trader, a leading resale site, offers a price checker tool that can give you valuable insights. You can also consult other buying and selling websites, such as Craigslist, National Vehicle, or local RV dealerships. Additionally, professional appraisal companies can provide an unbiased assessment of your RV's value, taking into account its condition and any special features or retrofits.

When determining the value of your RV, it's important to consider factors such as the manufacturer, model, age, mileage, and overall condition. The time of year and location can also impact the value, with RV values typically being higher during the spring and early summer, which is the peak camping season.

RV Trader's Price Checker

If you're looking to sell or trade in your RV, you're probably wondering how much it's worth. There are a few ways to determine the value of your RV, and one of the most popular methods is by using RV Trader's Price Checker.

RV Trader is a leading resale website that allows you to check the price of your RV based on other sellers' prices in the market. This tool can provide valuable insights into the current market value of your RV. To use the Price Checker, simply log in to your account and search for your RV's make, model, and year. The tool will then display a range of listed prices, including the average, lowest, and highest prices found in the results. This will give you a quick idea of the value of your RV in the current market.

In addition to the Price Checker, RV Trader also offers a dealer search feature, where you can find and contact dealers in your area. This can be useful if you're looking to trade in your RV or sell it to a dealer. The website also provides resources for advertising your RV and connecting with potential buyers.

When determining the value of your RV, it's important to consider various factors such as the popularity of its make and model, its condition, and the mileage. It's also a good idea to research the competition by looking at similar RVs for sale, both at dealerships and through private sellers. This will help you understand the market and price your RV competitively.

Another option for determining your RV's value is to consult a professional appraiser or your local dealer. They can provide an expert opinion on the worth of your RV and guide you through the selling or trading process. Remember, the value of your RV can vary depending on several factors, so it's essential to do your research and consider all your options before making a decision.

Marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace

When determining the value of your camper, it's a good idea to consult online marketplaces to get a sense of the market. Websites like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are great resources for this. These sites allow you to browse through various camper listings and compare prices based on factors such as age, mileage, make, and model.

• EBay: eBay has a dedicated section for campervans and motorhomes, making it easy to find relevant listings. Utilize the search filters to narrow down your search and find campers similar to yours. Take note of the starting bid prices and the final selling prices to get a sense of the market value.
• Craigslist: Craigslist is another popular platform for buying and selling campers. You can search for your camper's make, model, and year to find similar listings. Additionally, Craigslist allows you to set up alerts for specific searches, so you can stay up-to-date with new listings that match your criteria.
• Facebook Marketplace: Facebook Marketplace is a convenient option, as it allows you to search for listings within your local area. You can use the filters to refine your search and compare prices for campers with similar features and conditions.

While using these platforms, keep in mind that prices may vary due to factors such as location, time of year, and the condition of the camper. It's always a good idea to do thorough research and compare prices across multiple platforms to get an accurate sense of your camper's value.

Professional appraisal companies

If you're looking for a professional appraisal company to value your camper, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, professional appraisers can give an unbiased and accurate valuation of your camper by taking a close look at its condition and features. This option is particularly useful for higher-end campers or those with special features that might not have many online comparisons.

When performing an appraisal, a professional company will consider the camper's condition, options, customisation, book value, and its selling price in the current market. They may also provide a report outlining the reasons for the valuation, including comparable campers and their sale prices. This type of detailed report can be useful if you need to provide evidence of your camper's value for insurance purposes or when buying or selling.

Some companies specialise in appraising certain types of campers, such as self-built campervans or luxury campers, so it's worth checking that the company you choose has experience with your type of camper. It's also a good idea to shop around and compare prices, as appraisal fees can vary. While some companies offer fixed-price appraisals, others may charge a couple of hundred dollars.

When choosing a professional appraisal company, look for one with experience and certifications. For example, RV Pricing and Appraisals LLC claims to be the "nation's largest RV Appraiser" with nine years of experience. They provide certified RV appraisals that include recent sales data and are carried out by professionals with years of experience. Benchmark Auto Appraisers is another company that offers certified appraisals and has over 42 years of motor vehicle experience.

Using a professional appraisal company can give you peace of mind that your camper is valued accurately and fairly, and it may be well worth the investment, especially if you have a high-value or unique camper.

Local dealer

When it comes to finding out how much your camper is worth, your local dealer might be the best person to ask. They can give you an expert opinion on its value and, unlike a professional appraiser, they won't charge you for their insights. If you decide to sell or trade in your camper, your local dealer is the easiest route to take.

Your local dealer will be able to tell you about your various options. Some dealers offer consignment, where they sell your camper for you and take a commission, as well as trade-ins and direct sales.

Before you speak to a dealer, it's a good idea to do some research to get a sense of the market. You can do this by checking out pricing for other campers similar to yours on resale sites like RV Trader, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist. When doing this, be sure to take into account the make, model, manufacturer, and year of the campers you're looking at to ensure they're comparable.

When assessing the value of your camper, it's important to be realistic about its condition. While you might not mind a few scratches and dings, consider how a prospective buyer might view these issues. Well-maintained campers in good condition will generally be worth more than those that have taken a beating.

It's also worth noting that the time of year can impact the value of your camper. Demand for campers is typically higher in the spring and summer when people are thinking about camping and vacationing, so you may be able to get a higher price during these seasons.

Frequently asked questions