Planning to trade in your RV? There are some things you can do ahead of time to show an RV dealer what a great motorhome they’re getting, and to ensure that you get the best trade-in offer on your motorhome.
What Should You Do Before Trading in Your RV?
Before you trade in your motorhome, make sure you take care of these trade-in prep items.
Make Minor Repairs
Go through your RV with an eagle eye and make a list of every single little thing that shows wear and tear. Some things will probably be too difficult or too expensive for you to tackle on your own. Leave that for the dealer. Take care of the affordable repairs you can do yourself.
- Clean the carpet (and consider laying plastic down afterwards)
- Fix any leaky plumbing
- Replace low batteries and burned-out bulbs
- Give a fresh coat of paint to scratched-up walls
- Make sure vents and fans are working properly
- Repair any leaks from the exterior
- Get rid of any mold or mildew
- Make sure everything in the cockpit works properly
- Replace the floor mats
- Replace caulking as needed
You get the picture. The devil really is in the details, and your efforts will pay off for a better trade-in deal.
Know What You’re Keeping
You might want to transfer certain accessories over from your current RV, such as your solar panels or the antenna. Do another careful walkthrough of your motorhome and make a list of everything you want to keep. Communicate very clearly with the dealer, in writing, precisely what you want to keep—otherwise, they’ll expect it’s included in the trade-in.
Know Your RV’s Value
Do your research before you go to the dealer, and know the value of your RV. The NADA is a source that’ll provide a helpful starting point. Keep in mind, though, that this is just a guide. Your RV’s value depends on several factors, including its condition, market demand, your region, and the dealer’s capacity. Also, remember that retail and wholesale value are two different things, and the RV dealer will need to make a profit. So if NADA says your RV is worth $65,000, that doesn’t mean you’ll get that much for the vehicle.
Pro tip: Do some extra research and find out what other RVs that are your model and year are going for in your area.
Clean Your RV Thoroughly
The final thing you should do before trading in your RV is to give your motorhome a thorough cleaning, inside and out. Don’t leave any surface untouched—if the dealer or a future buyer will look at it, you should clean it. Don’t forget these items:
- Batteries. Clean contacts, neat wiring, no oxidation.
- Engine compartment. Make sure it’s clean and orderly—no duct tape or paper clip clamping.
- Fan blades, vent covers, and grates
- Wheels. Clean and shiny, no scuffs on the hubcaps.
- Service compartment. Hoses stowed away and organized.
- Interior ceiling, floors, and walls
- Cabinets and appliances
- Exterior sides and roof
Also be sure to remove exterior customizations like stickers.
If you put in the time and effort to present the RV dealer with a spotless motorhome that’s in good repair, and do your homework ahead of time, you’ll get a terrific trade-in deal that goes a long way towards the purchase of your next RV.
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