Checklist for Selling an RV

Now that you’ve received a value quote from the Good Sam RV Valuator and set up your appointment to sell, it’s time to prepare your RV for sale. Whether you’re selling directly to a dealer or listing your RV for peer-to-peer sales, you can use this checklist for selling an RV to increase your chances of selling your RV fast. Let’s examine seven simple tasks to complete when preparing to sell your RV.

How To Prepare to Sell an RV

Selling your RV is a big change, and there’s a lot to consider. But we’ve got you covered. From unloading everything inside your RV you want to keep (or transition to your new RV) to organizing owner’s manuals and RV service records, here’s everything you should do before you trade or sell your RV.

1. Remove Personal Items & RV Accessories

Many RVs have hidden storage areas, so be thorough as you go through your compartments and storage areas to remove all belongings. You don’t want to leave anything behind when selling your RV, especially if you’re trading in. This may include removing installed aftermarket RV accessories like a bike rack, backup camera, mounting brackets for a weight distribution hitch, and others. Take this opportunity to organize your personal items as you’re unloading to make loading back into your new RV easier when the time comes. 

2. Clean Your RV Inside and Out

Photo by Camping World

Cleaning your RV before bringing it to a dealership for a pre-sale inspection is the best way to maximize your RV’s value. Work from top to bottom and front to back to be as thorough as possible. Here are a few commonly neglected areas:

  • Clean and wipe down the fridge and freezer.
  • Dust the high, harder-to-reach areas.
  • Clean the windows inside and out. 
  • Remove and vacuum under all seat cushions (dinette, sofas, and theater seats) and RV mattresses (bunks and main beds).
  • Vacuum all storage areas inside and out.

Like selling a home, you want to impress the buyer with your RV’s look, feel, and smell from the instant they walk in. Wash your RV inside and out for the best presentation.

3. Gather Manuals, Keys, and Tools

Ensure you have your owner’s manuals and any other documentation present and organized before selling your RV. RVs typically come with multiple manuals, some specific to the entire camper and others specific to your RV refrigerator, air conditioner, microwave, and other appliances. These manuals and any tools and keys that came with the camper should remain with the RV when you sell it. 

4. Note RV Upgrades

Most owners eventually upgrade or add to their RV. These changes can increase your RV’s resale value, so it’s important to note them before you sell your RV. Major performance improvements or even smaller RV upgrades give you additional bargaining power when negotiating your RV’s final sale price.  Track down any service records or paperwork related to any upgrades you’ve made. Not only is this helpful to have on hand if a buyer requests it, but doing so may help you recall an older or minor upgrade.

Think your upgrade isn’t worth mentioning? Think again. Include improvements such as the following:

  • Tire changes
  • Backup camera system
  • Included accessories (griddle, microwave, refrigerator, etc.)
  • Weight distribution hitch
  • Tankless water heater
  • Slide topper

5. Organize Service Records and Warranty Information

Photo by Camping World

All records of past RV service should accompany your RV when you sell it. This includes any paperwork on existing warranties for appliances and the entire unit. These records are valuable to any potential buyer to learn how well your RV has been maintained during your ownership. 

6. Prepare to Cancel or Transfer RV Insurance

Contact your RV insurance provider to inform them of your intention to sell or trade in your RV. Depending on your plans, they’ll instruct you on the required steps to cancel your insurance or transfer coverage to a new camper. 

7. Compile Ownership Documentation

If you own your RV outright and do not have a lien, the title should be in your possession. Bring it with you at the time of sale. If you still owe on a lien, contact your lienholder about the proper documentation required for proof of ownership when selling your RV.

Where Can I Sell My RV Online?

RVs.com is the best marketplace to list and sell your RV fast online. Listing your RV makes it viewable to millions of potential buyers, allowing you to receive competitive offers and get the best value for your RV. Listing your RV takes less than 10 minutes. Reviewing and accepting offers is as easy as it comes, and buyer authentication ensures secure, reliable transactions when it’s time to complete a sale.


Do you have any questions about selling your RV to us? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Checklist for Selling an RV appeared first on Camping World Blog.