Ashleigh Romero
If you're looking to sell your camper, it's important to know how much it's worth. There are several factors that go into determining the value of a camper, and it can be a confusing process. One of the first things you can do is check the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) website, which is similar to the Kelly Blue Book for cars. There, you can search by year, make, and model to find the trade-in and retail value. You can also use RV Trader's Price Checker and Good Sam's RV Valuator to get a sense of your camper's worth. It's also a good idea to look at what similar campers are selling for on marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist. If you want a professional opinion, you can hire an appraiser or get an evaluation from a local dealer, who may also be able to help you with options like consignment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First place to check the price | NADA.com |
| Other websites | RV Trader, Good Sam's RV Valuator, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, RV Trader, National Vehicle |
| Professional appraisal | Local RV mechanic or dealership |
| Time of year | Summer is typically RV season, so values tend to be higher in the spring |
| Condition | A dirty camper appears mistreated, whereas a spotless camper is likely to fetch a higher price |
| Mileage | Low mileage is preferable to high mileage |
| Make and model | Certain brand names, like Airstream, are known to hold their value better |
| Size | Larger RVs are typically valued higher than smaller ones |
What You'll Learn
Check NADA RV Value website
The National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) provides values for used RVs, including motorhomes, travel trailers, truck campers, and park models. NADA RV values are similar to Kelley Blue Book used RV values, and are determined by factors such as the make and model of the RV, its age, mileage, and the time of year you decide to buy or sell.
To find out the value of your camper on the NADA website, first navigate to the NADA RV value homepage. Here, you can choose the "type" of RV you have, including travel trailers, motorhomes, camping trailers, truck-top campers, or park models. You can also choose to value tow vehicles.
If you select the "motorhome" category, you will be directed to a page where you can choose from a list of motorhome manufacturers. You can then filter by model, year, and style, and hide or show specifications such as length, design, floor plan, and slides.
Once you have selected the model that matches your camper, you will be asked to provide your zip code, as trade-in values vary depending on your location. You will then be able to add or remove optional features, such as HVAC units, upgraded appliances, and leveling systems, which may impact the value.
Finally, NADA will display the suggested, average, and low retail prices for your camper, which you can use to inform your buying or selling decision.
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Compare with other RVs on RV Trader
When it comes to determining the value of your camper, one of the best things you can do is compare it with other RVs on RV Trader. This platform is a great resource for getting an approximate value of your RV. You can compare prices, models, trims, options and specifications between different RVs.
For example, you can compare the mileage, age, and condition of your camper with similar models on RV Trader. See what price range other sellers are listing their RVs at and use that as a starting point for your own valuation.
You can also look at the different features and specifications of RVs on RV Trader to get a sense of how your camper compares. For instance, does your camper have a unique or rare feature that others don't? This could increase its value.
Additionally, you can compare the make and model of your camper with others on the platform. Certain brands, like Airstream, are known to hold their value better. So, if you have an RV from a well-known brand that is in demand, it may be worth more.
By taking the time to compare your camper with others on RV Trader, you can get a good sense of its value and set a competitive price. This will help you sell your camper more effectively and ensure you're getting a fair price.
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Check general marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist
When it comes to finding out how much your camper is worth, it's a good idea to check general online marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist. These platforms can give you a sense of the market and help you understand the demand for campers.
Facebook Marketplace, for instance, is like a modern-day classified section. It's a platform where individuals can post items they want to sell, and buyers can interact directly with the seller. You can find a wide range of campers on Facebook Marketplace, from old campers in need of renovation to newer models with various features.
For example, a YouTuber purchased a 1994 Jayco Eagle Series Pop-Up Camper for $340 on Facebook Marketplace. While it required some repairs and renovations, it was a good deal considering its age and condition. The camper had no noticeable water damage or mould, and with some TLC, it could be transformed into a modern and comfortable space.
EBay and Craigslist are also great platforms to search for similar campers to yours. You can use various filters to narrow down your search and find campers with similar manufacturers, models, years, and conditions. This will help you understand the price range for campers like yours and give you a well-rounded perspective on the market.
By utilising these general marketplaces, you can gather valuable information and make a more informed decision about your camper's worth.
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Get a professional appraisal
If you want to find out what your camper is worth, you can get a professional appraisal. This is a great option if you're looking to buy or sell, or even just curious about your camper's value. A certified appraisal will give you a clear idea of the market value of your camper, which can be incredibly useful when it comes to pricing. It also signals to potential buyers that your asking price is fair and well-researched.
There are several companies that offer camper and RV appraisals, and the cost can vary depending on factors such as the customisation of your vehicle. For example, Camper Van Appraisals offer a certified appraisal service in all 50 states for $275, with faster turnarounds available for an additional fee. You can also get a professional RV valuation from ROA Off-Road for $100. This company has over 15 years of experience and will provide an accurate valuation based on the current market, RV condition, and unique features. Another option is RV Pricing and Appraisals, which is the nation's largest RV appraiser and has been in business for 9 years. They offer certified RV appraisals for $149, which include sold comp sales data averages, wholesale/trade-in value, and ACV (actual cash value) pricing.
When choosing an appraiser, it's important to find someone who is certified and has experience with camper and RV appraisals. This can be tricky, as specialised appraisers can be hard to find. However, it's worth it to get someone who has expertise with the type of vehicle you have. A good appraiser will take into account various factors that affect your camper's value, such as age, mileage, vehicle improvements, overall condition, maintenance history, and any mechanical or cosmetic damage. They will also consider the quality of the build and the materials used.
Keep in mind that the value of your camper can vary depending on market demand and the time of year. For example, RV values tend to be higher in the spring, when potential buyers are planning camping vacations. So, if you're looking to sell, it might be worth timing the appraisal and sale to maximise your return.
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Ask your local dealer
Your local dealer can be the best person to give you an expert opinion on your camper's worth. They will likely not charge you for their insights, and if you decide to trade in or sell your camper, they can facilitate the process. Dealers are familiar with the market and can give you a good idea of what your camper is worth. They can also advise you on your options, such as consignment, where they sell your camper for you and take a commission.
It is beneficial to ask a dealer for their opinion, especially if you are unsure about selling or trading in your camper. They can provide a professional evaluation of your camper's value based on its current market value, condition, and unique features. This service can cost around $100, and it is a good idea to get a few different evaluations to get a well-rounded estimate.
When asking a dealer for their opinion, it is important to have all the necessary information about your camper, such as the model and model number, which can be found on the trailer. This information will help the dealer give you a more accurate estimate of your camper's worth.
Additionally, dealers can provide insight into the current market demand and how it may affect the value of your camper. They can also advise on the best time of year to sell, as RV values tend to be at their highest before peak camping season in spring and early summer.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to find out the value of your camper. You can use the NADA RV Value website, consult Kelley Blue Book, or use RV Trader's Price Checker and Good Sam's RV Valuator. You can also look at what similar units are selling for on marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and RV Trader. If you're looking to sell or trade a high-end RV, you might consider getting a professional appraisal.
The value of your camper will depend on several factors, including the make, model, age, mileage, size, engine condition, interior configuration and overall condition, and any included extras. The time of year and location of the sale can also impact the price, with RV values typically highest before peak camping season in spring and early summer.
To find the book value of your camper, you can use resources such as NADA.com or Kelley Blue Book. On NADA.com, you can enter the manufacturer, model, mileage, and any additional options to get a final value estimate. Kelley Blue Book also allows you to check the price of a car, but they do not offer RV valuations.
To determine your camper's trade-in value, start by inspecting your unit and conducting proper research. Consult resources like NADA, RV Trader's Price Checker, and Good Sam's RV Valuator to get an idea of your camper's value. Consider the popularity of your camper's make and model, as dealers typically want an RV they can sell quickly. Objectively evaluate the condition of your camper, noting any surface-level issues, disclosure any leaks or malfunctioning features, and consider the mileage as higher mileage will decrease the resale value.
Campers, like other vehicles, typically depreciate in value over time. A camper may lose about 20% of its value in the first year, and the depreciation slows down subsequently. By the end of the second year, it may have lost about 23% in value, 28% by the third year, and 35% by the fourth year.
