Getting a good idea of your RV’s true market value is a critical first step in selling any used motorhome or travel trailer. The last thing you want is to underprice your RV to take an unnecessary loss. Yet you don’t want to overprice it to the point where no one is interested in it.
So, just how do you find out what your RV is worth? The best way to determine an RV’s worth is by using sites like the J.D. Power (previously known as NADA) that offer value estimations on a lot of popular RV make models and floor plans. There are even other sites like RVUSA and RV Trader with research tools and competitor online ads that you can use to get a valuation of your camper before selling it.
To help you determine the third-party value of your RV and how to determine a camper’s worth into a real-world asking price we’re going to have to take a multi-prong approach.
This starts with a solid value gleaned from the J.D. Power website and then applies other external factors along with additional information from other reliable third-party RV sites.
Thus, if you want to answer this question “how much is my camper worth” continue to read below.
Why You Need to Know Your RV’s Worth?
If you ask yourself how much is my rv worth. Here are several good reasons why you need to know your RV’s worth. This includes some of the following scenarios.
Determining a Fair Asking Price
Though at the top of the list, is making sure that you have the best possible asking price for selling it to a private party.
Too high, and prospective buyers will simply ignore you. Too low and you risk taking an overall loss on the sale.
Assessing the Trade-in Value
Knowing your RVs worth is also an important factor should you later decide to trade your RV in at a dealership.
A lot of people who overprice their RV or try to simply sell their RV at the wrong time of year, often fall back on simply trading their RV into a dealership when they want to upgrade or downsize to a different model.
A lot of these people will put in the time to find a more accurate third-party value, only to realize that they’d been shooting themselves in the foot.
So, while there’s nothing wrong with trading your used RV in at a dealership, you do yourself the most justice by taking the time to find out what the third-party value is for your RV right from the start.
Preparing to Sell Your RV on Consignment
If your time is precious, or you simply recognize that you aren’t a savvy negotiator, then selling your RV on consignment might be a great idea.
This is where you essentially leave your used RV with a dealership or an RV broker, and they sell it for you.
Since they get additional fees and a portion of the proceeds, knowing your RVs third-party value in advance is extremely important.
You want to make sure that they are asking a fair price, but you also want to make sure you aren’t losing too many back-end profits by asking too little for your used RV.
At the same time, most consignment dealerships and brokers will charge some type of weekly or monthly lot fee.
The longer your RV sits in their custody, taking up space in their facility, the more of these little fees they tack on.
If you have too high of an asking price, and you stand firm on it, your RV might sit for a very long time, while lot fees chew into your potential profit margin.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Sell an RV?
The whole point in finding your RVs value is to be able to sell it for the best possible dollar, without chasing away interested potential buyers.
This means you want your RV to be hitting the market when people are most interested in buying, which is the spring to summer seasons.
Of course, this means you want to figure out your RV’s value before this time to make sure your ad or listing is hitting people’s eyes when prices are best and they are ready to buy.
It can also be a factor in avoiding prolonged lot fees if you’re planning to sell your RV on consignment through an RV dealership or RV sales broker.
Fall and winter tend to be the worst time to get the most value out of your RV.
Not only is this the time of year when there is the least number of buyers on the market, but it’s also when discounted inventory from RV dealerships is being posted.
People see that nice new model at a ridiculously slashed price, and they swipe left on your ad.
The fall and winter also tend to be the time of year when the people who overpriced their used RV during the summer are finally breaking their will and slashing their asking price. Often to a point where they just want to sell it at a loss.
This means that the fall and winter are the time when online ads aren’t the best comparison for figuring out your RV’s worth.
Even if you do ask a fair price, chances are good a competitor with a lower asking price will simply garner more attention.
How Do I Find the Most Accurate Private Party Value for My RV?
Accurately determining the value of your used RV requires tapping into multiple sources. This starts with RV resources like J.D. Power’s website.
Then you should branch out to look for similar, if not identical, competitor ads online.
Gathering all this information in advance of listing your RV will give you the most accurate metric for knowing what your used RV is worth to a third-party potential buyer.
Here 5 most trustworthy websites you can use for finding your RV’s private party value.
1: J.D. Power Values
The J.D. Power’s website previously know as National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has a section with a wide range of RV prices based on key criteria like make, model, type, age, and condition. It’s definitely the first place to start when trying to dial in the third-party value of your RV.
Though the J.D. Power isn’t the only source of valuable RV information and considering the number of zeros involved in just about any private party RV sale, you certainly want to get research from multiple sources. It also doesn’t have every make, model, and year of RV listed in its ever-growing database.
Other sites to check for RV valuation information include:
You might want to also consider hiring a third-party RV Appraisal Service to give you a hard figure that you might even be able to use as a possible counteroffer in negotiations with a prospective buyer.
Clearly, with so many options and the need to put in your due diligence, we’re going to have to examine each of these RV valuation resources in greater detail. If for no better reason, then to make sure you are fully informed when it comes time to haggle on price with a potential buyer.
How To Use The J.D. Power Website To Value Your RV
The NADA (National Automobile Dealer’s Association), now acquired by J.D. Power has been proactive about creating a great online resource for valuing an RV for third-party sale.
They use a variety of resources to draw their initial information from, which makes it the best first place to start valuing your RV before offering it for sale to a third party.
This includes a variety of key criteria including:
The J.D. Power also does a very good job of taking into account the mileage of motorhomes, just like how it would apply to any other type of vehicle with its own engine.
Though there isn’t a specific criterion for how towable RVs like travel trailers are valued by distance traveled.
Where The J.D. Power Struggles
There are some criteria that the J.D. Power’s website struggles to take into account, or plainly doesn’t consider when determining the possible third-party value of an RV.
This includes things like:
The J.D. Power also doesn’t have a good metric for vintage RVs, or RV models that happen to be in high demand at the current time. They are several nuts and bolts online valuation resources, that essentially cover a lot of common RVs, but not all.
If you think the model you are about to put up for third-party sale is in high demand, then you will definitely want to check other online resources to get a more accurate metric.
2. RV USA Helps Compare RV Sale Prices
RV USA is a great tool for helping you not only compare what similar RVs are being sold for, but it can also help you research the original MSRP of your make, model, and floorplan, as well as optional extras.
It’s also a great resource for doubling checking the specs of your RV to make sure that you have the most accurate listing possible.
RV USA also gives you the ability to post your RV for sale on one of their many national advertising outlets.
You can look through similar ads to compare the asking price and condition of other models being sold by other people just about anywhere in North America.
A lot of RV dealerships also advertise their models through RVUSA, which means you’ll get a chance to look at the same sort of sticker prices that any prospective buyers will be looking at before they reach out to negotiate purchasing your RV.
3. RV Trader Helps You Compare RV Valuations
RV Trader has a lot of the same comparison options that RV USA does. Though they tend to have fewer specs, yet more third-party RV sale ads.
One of the things to be cautious about is that many of the ads on RV Trader that are put up by a third-party seller are entered by the person themselves, without a lot of cross-checking by RV Trader.
This can lead to inaccurate specifications, which can affect the perceived third-party value of a model.
So, it’s always a good idea to cross-check any third-party RV sale ad on RV Trader with another site like RV USA or the manufacturer’s specs to ensure that all the information is correct.
A lot of popular national RV dealers also advertise many of their high-demand models on RV Trader. They tend to put up very high retail prices on newer models, which can skew your price analysis, as well as the expectations of your potential third-party buyers.
So, if you see a price listed for your exact type of RV, but it links to a dealer’s website, you should always be wary. Make sure to check that price against similar makes and models.
4. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is an increasingly popular vehicle to sell just about anything to a private third party including a used RV. This is a great place to consider posting your ad to get it seen by locals or at least people living within a hundred miles or so of your hometown.
One of the problems with Facebook Marketplace as a tool for valuing your RV is that you have no way of vetting the research that the other person put in. For all, you know Joe-Six pack just did some fuzzy math and slapped a $6,000 sticker on an old RV that he just wanted gone.
The other problem you have is that using your local Facebook Marketplace to value an exact model, means that they will be competing with your ad if you ever choose to place it.
Ideally, you want to check the Facebook Marketplace ads for similar RV makes and models to your own in the cities that surround yours.
Collecting three of four of these ads and averaging them will give you a more regional comparison without necessarily valuing yourself against a local competitor.
5. Using eBay To Assess The Third-Party Value of Your RV
When it comes to competitive market pricing eBay can be both a boon and a bane. Some people are willing to pay top dollar for the used RV of their dreams bidding against people who are trying to slip in a lowball winning bid that just meets the reserve of a model they want for their next vacation.
Not to mention the people who are trying to buy a used RV, fix it up a little, and sell it for an inflated profit a few months later.
Ultimately, eBay isn’t a very accurate tool for valuing a typical RV with only modest demand. Though it can be a great metric for seeing if your make and model of RV is in high demand and just how high people are willing to go.
This can also be very helpful for vintage RVs that J.D. Power has a hard time valuing and are too rare to be found on other sites like RV USA and RV Trader.
how much is my travel trailer worth
There are several factors that can affect the value of your trailer, such as its age, condition, features, and market demand. Here are some steps you can take to estimate the value of your travel trailer:
- Check online sources for similar models and compare their prices. You can use websites like RV Trader, NADA Guides, or Kelley Blue Book to find listings of travel trailers that match your model, year, and specifications. These websites can also provide you with average values based on the condition and mileage of your trailer.
- Visit local dealerships and see what they are offering for your trailer. You can also ask them for a trade-in value if you are interested in buying a new or used trailer from them. Dealerships may offer you more or less than online sources, depending on their inventory and demand.
- Consider the season and location of your sale. Travel trailers tend to sell better in the spring and summer months when people are more likely to go camping or traveling. They also tend to sell better in areas where there is a high demand for RVs, such as near national parks or popular destinations. You may be able to ask for a higher price if you sell your trailer during peak season or in a desirable location.
- Be realistic and flexible with your price. Remember that the value of your trailer is ultimately determined by what someone is willing to pay for it. You may have to adjust your price based on the feedback and offers you receive from potential buyers. You may also have to negotiate with buyers to reach a fair deal that both parties are happy with.
how much is my trailer worth
The value of your trailer depends on several factors, such as its age, condition, size, features, and market demand. To get an accurate estimate, you can use online tools that compare similar trailers for sale in your area, or consult a professional appraiser who can inspect your trailer and give you a written report.
how much is my motorhome worth
A good way to estimate the value of your motorhome is to compare it with similar models that are listed for sale online or in magazines. You can also use online tools that provide valuation estimates based on your motorhome’s specifications and location.
The best way to determine the true value of your motorhome is to have it appraised by a professional who can inspect it and give you an honest opinion.
how much is my rv worth to sell
One way to estimate the value of your RV is to use online tools that compare similar models and prices. Another way is to consult with a professional appraiser who can inspect your RV and give you an accurate assessment. The final price will depend on how well you negotiate with potential buyers and how quickly you want to sell your RV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Consult a Dealership To Find the Value of My RV?
On the one hand RV dealers know the market value of RVs better than just about anyone else. They know what models are in high demand, what they can be sold for, and what sort of regional bias might affect the price.
Some might offer up this information fairly and accurately. Though most will try to talk you into a price that is better for their bottom line. Especially if they are offering a consignment service with the commission.
Ultimately, it’s worth calling a dealership and maybe even bringing your RV in for an appointment. Then take the information they give you, and the price suggestions home with you to compare with the rest of your research.
If they make you a trade-in offer or offer to sell it for you on consignment, you’ll have a hard number to compare to what the J.D. Power and other resources say your used RV is worth.
Is It A Good Idea to Sell My RV on Consignment?
Selling an RV on consignment might make sense if you are short on time, or you simply know yourself well enough to accept that you’re not the savviest salesperson. Though, you shouldn’t think of this as a research shortcut.
You should still do your research checking the J.D. Power and competitor ads to dial in what your RV is worth to a third party.
This way you know you are asking the best price to mind your bottom line, while also ensuring that you don’t throw away a lot of potential profits by accidentally asking too much.
Most RV dealerships and brokers charge lot fees based on the amount of time your RV sits on consignment with them. Many people who set too high of an asking price hoping for a big profit, end up coming away dead even after consignment lots fees are taken off.
What is the value of my RV?
The value of your RV depends on several factors, such as the make, model, year, condition, and mileage. You can use online tools or guides to get an estimate of your RV’s worth or consult a professional appraiser for a more accurate valuation.
What is the value of my camper?
The value of your camper depends on several factors, such as its age, condition, features, and location. To estimate the value of your camper, you can use online tools such as NADA Guides or RV Trader, or consult with a local dealer or appraiser.
What is the value of my travel trailer?
The value of your travel trailer depends on some factors that can affect its price. These include the age, condition, features, and demand of your trailer.
You can also compare your trailer with similar models on online platforms or consult a professional appraiser for an accurate estimate.
What is the value of my trailer?
The value of a trailer depends on various factors, such as its age, condition, size, features, and location. To estimate the value of your trailer, you can use online tools, consult experts, or compare similar listings in your area.
What is the value of my motorhome?
The value of your motorhome depends on several factors, such as the make, model, year, condition, mileage, and location. You can use online tools or guides to get an estimate of your motorhome’s value, but the best way to determine its actual worth is to compare it with similar vehicles for sale in your area. A professional appraisal can also help you get an accurate valuation of your motorhome.
Conclusion
While Kelley Blue Book seems to have dropped the ball on the RV marketplace. J.D. Power has stepped in to become a highly trusted resource for finding the best third-party value for your outgoing RV.
However, J.D. Power’s online resources, aren’t the be-all-end-all for accurately determining the third-party value of your RV. Instead, think of them as a great starting off point to get you in the ballpark of what your used RV is worth.
You can then compare that information with RV Trader, RV USA, and even Facebook Marketplace ads in the surrounding regions. If you have a vintage RV or you suspect that your RV might be in high demand, it might be worth the time to check what similar makes and models are going for.
Especially if your RV is rare enough that it’s not listed by J.D. Power, or the value the J.D. Power provides is grossly out of balance with current market demand.
