TIPS & TRICKS
FIND USEFUL INFORMATION ON FINDING AND SELLING YOUR RV
Sections: Search and Browsing | Selling your RV
Searching and Browsing
General
If you have not decided on the specific RV you are interested in, try our Browse feature and scroll through photo ads by RV type. Narrow your search to target the perfect RV. Once the search results are displayed, you can sort them by price, date placed, or model year.
If you know the model name, enter it in the keyword search field. If you are advertising in the RV Trader magazine, search for your ad using the Keyword field.
We encourage you to join My Trader and start using our premium services. Create and save searches that you perform regularly and save ads that interest you. Joining is free and takes just minutes to complete!
RV Type
Selecting this field will yield only those RV types that are categorized as that type. For example, if you select Class A, then your search will only return RVs that are categorized as Class A.
RV Manufacturer
If you enter a manufacturer name in this field, your search will yield ads with that manufacturer name in their text. If you search for a specific manufacturer yields no results, try entering the manufacturer name in the Keyword field instead.
Keyword
The Keyword field finds certain words within the vehicle description text of an ad. Using only this field will give you your broadest search results.
If you know the model name, enter it in the Keyword search field.
Checking the "Search for exact phrase" box will yield you results that have ads that contain the EXACT words that you type in the keyword field. For example, if you type in: "blue exterior" you will only receive ads that have the phrase "blue exterior" exactly how you entered it in.
Leaving the "Search for exact phrase" box UN-checked will yield you results that contain ALL of the words you entered in the keyword field. For example, if you type in: "blue exterior" you will receive ads that contain both the words "blue" and "exterior."
Price Range
Some ads may not have a price listed. To see these ads leave the left side of the price range blank.
To avoid "call for price" ads, enter both a minimum and maximum in the price range. Set your minimum to at least $100.
Year Range
If you are looking for a single model year, such as a 1974, enter that year both in the beginning and end of the year range.
Location
You may select one or more of the following fields to use in your search criteria. If you select more than one of the fields, you will receive search results in each of those areas. For more accurate results choose less fields.
Selling Your RV
Prepping The RV
It is important to make the first impression a lasting one. Use the tips below to help prep your RV for the sale:
- Clean your RV thoroughly inside and out
- Limit personal use to maintain your RV's cleanliness
- Make simple and inexpensive repairs now
- Remove all equipment, supplies and other items that you do not intend to sell with your RV
- Make sure the items you are planning to sell with your RV are on board and are in good working order
- Create a file of receipts, repairs, maintenance logs, and improvements for your prospective buyers
- Include warranties that transfer and owner's manuals for equipment and appliances
- Type a summary of your RV file for easy browsing and buyer's appeal
Setting The Right Price
Consult pricing guides, such as NADA. Set the price reasonably close to the amount you are willing to accept. Overpricing can turn potential buyers off the vehicle and lengthen the sales period.
Escrow Services
Buying online may also be an option to be negotiated with the seller. Escrow services can bring peace of mind to both sides of the talks in these situations. For more information on escrow services, visit the Resources page.
Advertising
Make a list of special features to your RV. These are key selling points and should be used in your classified advertising efforts. The RV Trader Place an Ad feature is a quick and easy way to sell your RV in print and online. It will walk you through the process and has an extensive Help section to guide you further. To increase your ad's visibility, consider photos and bold type enhancements. Enhancements increase your exposure and differentiate your ad from the others. Make sure you will be available at phone numbers and e-mail addresses you include in your ad. Answer calls and e-mail quickly and professionally as serious buyers will look elsewhere if their inquiries are not returned.
Working With Customers
It is always best to set meeting times with prospective buyers during daylight hours. This not only makes viewing of your RV easier, but it also makes it safe. Give buyers a brief tour, but allow them to ask all the questions they may have. If you cannot answer their questions, let them know that you will find out the answers and get back to them as soon as possible. It is important that you keep prospective buyers educated about your RV so they feel confident in making the purchase. Make sure that the fuel tank is full and the batteries charged. During this meeting you should be able to demonstrate that the RV and all its features are in full working order. Inform prospective buyers in advance that you will take only cashier's check or money orders – the safest way to complete the sale for you and the buyer.