What Is My Rv Worth?Here Are 5 Ways To Find Out
Whether you’re buying or selling an RV,you’ll want to know the NADA RV values and RV Kelly Blue Book value for similar models to help you make a decision.
Whether you’re buying or selling an RV,you’ll want to know the NADA RV values and RV Kelly Blue Book value for similar models to help you make a decision.
NADA RV values are similar to Kelley Blue Book used RV values,and are determined by a number of factors.These include the make and model of the RV,the age,the mileage,and even the time of year you decide to buy or sell.This post will take a look at how NADA RV values are determined and how you can use that information to sell,trade,or buy an RV.
RVshare pro tip:Try renting out your RV before selling it.You can test out how you feel about not having your RV anymore while earning income at the same time.
A Kelley Blue Book For RVs And Trailers
If you have experience finding the value of vehicles,you’re probably used to getting Kelley Blue Book values.However,Kelley Blue Book does not offer RV valuations.
National Automobile Dealers’Association(NADA)
NADA,or the National Automobile Dealers’Association,provides values for used RVs.They list prices and values for motorhomes,travel trailers,and even truck campers and park models.
RV Trader
Platforms like RV Trader,which help people buy and sell RVs,are also a great resource for getting an approximate value of your rig.Check out their price checker tool as a great starting point.
DIY RV Value
You can also search other buying and selling websites like Craigslist,National Vehicle,or local RV dealerships.
What Your RV Is Worth
When it comes to determining an RV’s value,there are a lot of variables that go into the baseline figure.Here are a few factors to keep in mind:
- The make,model,and year of the vehicle.Certain brand names,like Airstream,are known to hold their value better.
- Newer,higher-rated models will generally command a higher price than older,lower-rated ones.
- Vehicle size–larger RVs are typically valued higher than smaller ones.
- The mileage–low mileage is preferable to high mileage.
- The condition of the engine,transmission,and other parts crucial to driving an RV.
- The configuration and overall condition of the RV’s interior.
- The number and types of extras that are included with the vehicle.
But the real answer to the question,“How much is my RV worth?”is…whatever somebody’s willing to pay for it.Even if you find a baseline figure for the estimated value,it might be difficult(or easy)to sell based on factors like supply and demand for RVs when you’re trying to sell.
Consider investing in a certified RV appraisal for enhanced leverage when selling.These appraisals include exclusive NADA and RVDA data not accessible to the public,providing a suggested price range that strengthens your negotiation position.Appraisal costs typically start around$100 in most states.
What Determines What My RV Will Sell For?
This chart highlights the key factors that buyers and sellers consider when determining the value of a used RV.
How To Find NADA Used RV Values
If you do want to find out your RV’s“blue book”value,you can use the NADA website.Fortunately,it’s pretty straightforward and user-friendly.
Navigate to NADA’s RV value homepage,and choose the“type”of RV you have(or are looking at buying).You can choose from travel trailers,motorhomes,camping trailers like smaller pop-up trailers,truck-top campers,or park models.NADA also provides valuations for tow vehicles.
If you click on the“motorhome”category,you’ll be directed to a page that will allow you to choose from NADA’s listed motorhome manufacturers.Save time by looking through the most popular RVs,or you can choose from the more extended and comprehensive list in the drop-down menu.
You’ll then see a list with various models from that make,which you can filter by year and style.You’ll also have the option to hide or show specs such as length,design,floor plan,and slides.
Once you click on the RV model that matches yours,you’ll be asked to provide your zip code.As with Kelley Blue Book,RV trade-in values vary based on where in the country you are.
From here,you’ll see a list of optional features that you can add or take away from your rig.These include HVAC units,upgraded appliances,leveling systems,and other options that could raise the value.You can also opt to skip this step and just see the baseline value.
Once you’ve narrowed it down,NADA will display your RV with the suggested,average,and low retail prices.You can use this information to help better prepare yourself for setting a price or for vetting potential RVs you’re interested in.
How Much Does An RV Depreciate?
Like other vehicles,RVs don’t appreciate in value.
New RV values take a pretty big hit the moment they’re driven off the lot.The depreciation continues for the life of the RV.If you’re buying a used RV,this means that you can expect to pay less than you would for a new one.But if you’re selling,it’s important to realize that you won’t get anything close to what you paid for your RV when it was new.RV resale values are typically on the low side.Sprucing up the interior and making sure the mechanics are in good working order will improve the value.But ultimately,you need to be realistic about the value of used RVs.
The extent to which travel trailer and RV values depreciate varies based on how many miles the RV has been driven,the condition of its systems and interior,and the type of rig.Certain RVs like Prevosts and Airstreams tend to maintain their value well over time.However,an entry-level Coachman may depreciate more quickly.
While there’s not a go-to RV depreciation calculator available,some experts suggest that an RV loses about 20%of its value after the first year,a figure that slows significantly after that.By the end of the second year,it may only have lost about 23%total,28%by Year Three,and 35%by Year Four.
There’s no one easy way to figure out how much your RV will depreciate in a given amount of time.The best course of action is to use the steps above to find an approximation of your RV’s value.
What Does RV Depreciation Look Like Over Time?
This chart demonstrates how the depreciation of an RV slows down over time, with the highest percentage lost typically occurring in the first year and gradually decreasing in subsequent years.
How Do I Sell My Used RV?
Once you see your RV’s retail or trade-in value, you may still be wondering how to sell it. Just as with selling a vehicle, you have a couple of different options: you can sell your RV on the private market, trade it in at a dealership, or sell it on consignment.
There are pluses and minuses to all of these approaches. A dealership might not net you as much money as a private sale, but it’s usually an easier and quicker process. Keep in mind that you’ll have to find a dealer who’s willing to sell your make and model; some are interested only in their home brand.
A private sale could take longer, especially if there aren’t many buyers in your area, or buyers aren’t looking for your make and model.
If you’re making a private sale, always make sure you ask the buyer for cash, cashier’s check, or money order. Accepting checks is dangerous when that much money is at stake.
You’ll also want to go through all the required paperwork to ensure the state knows the RV is no longer yours and you’re no longer liable for it. Generally, you need to file a bill of sale and title transfer with the DMV.