Preparing Your RV For Sale
Selling an RV or motorhome can be a tremendous challenge, requiring lots of hard work. Everyone seller wants top dollar for his or her "home away from home," be it a Class A Motorhome, a Fifth Wheel Trailer or a TruckCamper. By spending a little time and money before posting the "For Sale" sign, you can enhance your chances of a successful sale at a price that will make you happy. If you think of the process as selling you home, you're more likely to expend the energy that will be rewarded with a successful sale.
Looks aren't everything, but cleanliness COUNTS!
A neat, clean and tidy RV can make the difference between a quick glance and a detailed inspection of your RV or motorhome. Likewise, a neat, clean and well-maintained RV will attract more serious buyers. It will show that you've taken care of your RV while you've owned it and enjoyed it.
Here are some suggested steps to give your RV that neat, clean and well-maintained look and, thus, more sales appeal:- Clean the interior of your RV thoroughly. Professionally shampoo carpets and upholstery.
- Replace carpet or upholstery that shows excessive wear and teaar.
- Remove personal items from ALL internal and external storage areas and clean these areas thoroughly.
- Remove all window and bumper stickers.
- Eliminate any odors with an air freshener.
- Repair or replace RV latches or hinges that don't operate properly.
- Repair or replace window treatments that don't operate properly.
- Buff and paint minor scratches on the RV exterior, taking painstaking care to match colors.
- Scrub and gloss the tires, and make sure they are properly inflated.
- Wash and wax your RV's entire exterior.
- Use a degreaser to remove fluids and dirt from the Rv's engine.
Should I Invest in Repairs?
If your RV needs to be repaired prior to sale, you should, as a genreal rule, make all inexpensive repairs. However, you will probably conclude that it is best to leave more expensive repairs and services to the new owner. You should always potential buyers of your RV know of any major repairs needed. When trying to decide on whether or not to make a repair to your RV, use your best judgment. Just as in the case of home ownersehip, repairs should make sound financial sense. If you are likely to recoup the cost of the repairs through a higher sales price, it makes sense to fix the problem. Like homebuyers, RV and motorhome buyers are looking for sound value for their money, not perfection. You should be prepared to provide RV maintenance and service records and receipts to prospective buyers.
Checklist of Maintenance and Service Items
It says a lot to a prospective RV buyer that you have cared and do care enough for your RV if you take these steps. This reflects an RV owner who knows the importance of the little things, which is a big thing when it comes to making a sale that satisfies both the RV buyer and the RV seller:
- Change the oil and oil filter.
- Replace all burnt out bulbs and fuses.
- Lubricate door hinges.
- Repair windshield cracks.
- Repair headlight cracks.
- Make sure tires are properly inflated.
- Check all fluid levels and refill fluids, as needed.
- Keep the gas tank full.