Assessing The Market Value Of Your Camper: A Comprehensive Guide

how to find market value of camper

There are several factors that determine the market value of a camper. These include the make and model, age, engine and tire condition, interior configuration, and upgrades. The market value of a camper is also impacted by the location and time of year it is being sold. For instance, selling a camper before peak camping season in spring and early summer can increase its value. To determine the market value of a camper, one can refer to RV price guides, online sales information, or seek a professional appraisal. Online marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and RV Trader can provide valuable insights into market prices. Additionally, local dealers and professional appraisal companies can offer expert opinions on a camper's worth.

Characteristics Values
Manufacturer Some brands hold their value better than others
Model and age The older the camper, the lower the value
Condition A well-maintained camper will have more value
Time of year RV values are highest before peak camping season
Location Where you sell your camper can affect the price
Mileage The more miles on the camper, the lower the value
Size Bigger is better
Features Upgrades such as a tankless water heater or solar panels increase value
Interior configuration The interior layout and design can impact value
Exterior paint finish A well-maintained exterior will have more value
Undercarriage, engine, and tire condition A well-maintained engine, undercarriage, and tires will have more value

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Online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, and RV Trader

When using these sites, it's important to consider factors such as mileage, wear and tear, and any upgrades or customizations that have been made to the camper. By comparing similar models and taking into account the condition, size, and features of your camper, you can get a good idea of its market value.

For example, if you're looking at pop-up campers, you might expect to pay more for a hard-sided model or one with premium amenities like a shower, toilet, or air conditioning. On the other hand, if you're considering a more traditional RV, factors like the manufacturer, model, and year of the vehicle will play a significant role in determining its value.

In addition to eBay, Craigslist, and RV Trader, Facebook Marketplace is another popular option that is often mentioned. It's worth noting that Facebook Marketplace is free to use, while Craigslist typically charges a low fee of around $5. RV Trader also charges a fee, which can be quite steep, but some users have reported success in finding serious buyers and completing sales through their platform.

While these online marketplaces are convenient, it's always a good idea to cross-reference the information you find with other sources, such as local dealerships or auction websites, to ensure you're getting an accurate sense of your camper's market value.

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RV price guides like NADA

The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) provides values for used RVs, including motorhomes, travel trailers, truck campers, and park models. NADA RV values are now J.D. Power values, which are the primary price evaluation tools for recreational vehicles.

The J.D. Power NADA Guides use nationwide data to determine a base value for both consumers and dealers to reference. This includes comparable listings, depreciation, optional equipment and features, market demand and trends, condition and maintenance records, and industry source pricing estimates.

To find the value of your RV, you will need the specifications of your RV, such as the current mileage and the specific RV model. This information can be found in your owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website.

Once you have the necessary information, go to the J.D. Power NADA Guides website and choose the type of RV you want to research or click the “Start Here” button to search by RV manufacturer. Enter the RV's year, make, and model, as well as your zip code. You can also choose from two different types of searches: searching by base price or manually entering specifications such as mileage and add-ons.

After completing your search, you will receive a base price value, as well as the suggested list, low retail, and average retail prices. These values can help you set a price or vet potential RVs you are interested in buying.

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Local dealers

When visiting a local dealer, it is recommended to browse their inventory and get a sense of the asking prices for different models. This will help you understand how they value camper vans and allow you to compare your vehicle with others on the market. Take your time during this initial visit and gather as much information as possible. It is beneficial to have current market values for your camper van and any trade-ins you plan to include in the deal. This information will empower you during price negotiations.

Dealers may employ tricky sales tactics, so it is important to be cautious. They might overvalue your trade-in to distract you from the actual price of the new camper van. Therefore, it is essential to get the bottom line on the price before discussing trade-in options. Additionally, be wary of salespeople who highlight low monthly payments without disclosing the extended financing period, which could be longer than standard loan terms.

One advantage of dealing with local dealers is the convenience of trade-ins. They may accept your old camper van as a trade-in, saving you the time and effort of selling it privately. Dealers can also offer consignment options, where they sell your camper van for a commission. This can be a hassle-free way to sell your vehicle without the stress of private advertising.

Another benefit of working with local dealers is the warranty and after-sales service they can provide. If issues arise with your purchase, you have the backing of a company that will stand behind the product. However, keep in mind that their service departments may be busy, resulting in longer wait times for repairs.

Overall, local dealers offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the camper van market. They can provide valuable insights into pricing and demand while offering convenient options for trade-ins or consignment sales. While navigating potential sales tactics and considering the busyness of their service departments, local dealers can be a reliable source for determining the market value of your camper van.

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Professional appraisal companies

If you want to get a professional appraisal for your camper, there are several companies that can help. These companies can provide an unbiased, up-close look at the condition and features of your camper. This option is especially useful for higher-end campers or those with special features that might not have many comparable options online.

One such company is Camper Van Appraisals, which is certified by the Bureau of Certified Auto Appraisers (BOCAA) and provides appraisals that meet all standards required by the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). They offer certified appraisal services in all 50 US states, with a turnaround time of one week for $275. You can also get an expedited report in 3 days for an extra $50 or within 24 hours for an additional $100. Their appraisals are geared towards campervans and adventure conversions with supplemental value beyond just the vehicle.

Another option is ROA Off-Road, which offers professional RV valuations for $100 by one of their expert sales team members. With over 15 years of experience, they provide accurate valuations for any RV, taking into account the current market, RV condition, and unique features.

When getting a professional appraisal, you will likely need to provide specific information about your camper, such as the make, model, year, mileage, and any factory-installed options or features. Additionally, maintenance and service history records can help appraisers understand how well the camper has been cared for and its overall condition. Visual documentation, such as photographs and videos of the camper's exterior and interior, can also assist appraisers in assessing the vehicle's condition accurately.

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Online sales information

When searching online, consider the location of the camper as this can play a part in the price. An area with high demand and few RVs available will most likely get a higher selling price.

Websites like RV Trader, a leading resale site, can give you valuable insight. Make sure you keep in mind the model, manufacturer, year, and condition of the RVs you're looking at to ensure they're comparable to yours.

In addition to RV-specific marketplaces, you can also check general marketplaces that feature RV categories, such as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. These sites, paired with your research from RV-specific marketplaces, should give you a well-rounded view of the market.

You can also look at what people are listing their campers for by checking places like Facebook Marketplace. This gives you a rough idea of what your RV is worth, but remember that the asking price may be different from the final sales price.

When searching online, consider the following factors that can impact the value of your camper:

  • Make and model: The popularity and demand for certain makes and models can affect the price.
  • Condition: Objectively consider the condition of your RV, including any surface-level issues, functionality issues, and mileage.
  • Time of year: Demand is typically higher during peak camping seasons in spring and summer, which can result in higher prices.
  • Maintenance records: Providing detailed maintenance records can show that you've taken care of your camper and increase its worth.

Frequently asked questions

There are several ways to determine the market value of your camper. You can use an RV price guide like the NADA guide book, search online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, or RV Trader for similar campers, or get a professional appraisal.

The value of your camper is affected by its make, model, age, condition, and any additional features or upgrades. The time of year and location can also impact the value, with RV values typically highest before peak camping season in spring and early summer.

A professional appraisal can cost anywhere from \$100 to a few hundred dollars, depending on the service provider.

Yes, you can use the NADA RV Value website or Kelley Blue Book Value as a starting point to check the value of your camper. These websites will consider factors such as manufacturer, model, model year, and additional features.

The book value of a camper is typically based on a depreciation estimate from the original MSRP. On the other hand, the market value takes into account actual sales prices and market demand, which can vary based on location and time of year.

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