You’ve found the perfect RV online, but it’s hundreds of miles away. Long-distance RV purchases used to be filled with friction and potential failure points, but now there’s a solution. Don’t let distance stop you from getting a great deal on your dream recreational vehicle.
You could fly out and do the deal in person, but then you’d have to drive the RV home. DealNow facilitates long-distance private-party RV purchases by giving you the tools you need to buy a recreational vehicle quickly and securely no matter where it is.
Before we tell you how DealNow simplifies RV buying, let’s look at the problems that usually kill long-distance purchases.
Before DealNow, long-distance RV transactions were so time-consuming, risky, and awkward that most people avoided them. Those who went through the process endured these problems:
Any one of these problems can run your deal off the road. Stack them together, and long-distance RV purchases become frustrating to nearly impossible—until now.
We created DealNow to solve the friction points that kill long-distance RV transactions. Now, you can purchase the RV of your dreams quickly and safely, no matter where it is.
You and the seller undergo ID verification during account creation. From the start, you know that you’re dealing with a verified seller. Then, our in-app title verification and vehicle history report confirm the RV’s ownership, title status, and condition.
Before DealNow, RV transactions took hours or days to finish; remote deals took even longer. Now, instant payments and a real-time self-serve dealflow let your inspector/agent finish the deal for you in minutes.
Because deals close instantly, your on-site inspector can represent you, from inspection to transport. They inspect the RV and talk to you over the phone. If you like what you hear, you can close the deal immediately, and they will transfer the title and coordinate shipping.
Both parties sign a legally binding bill of sale in the DealNow app. You know you’ll get the RV, and the seller knows they’ll get paid instantly. No more catch-22. You’ll receive a notification when the seller has signed so you can pay for the RV with confidence.
Book inspections and shipping from your DealNow dashboard. Your inspector can coordinate directly with the transport company, and you can track everything in real time. Once the deal is done, your inspector can hand the RV over to the shipping company or coordinate pick-up.
In the same way long-distance transaction friction points worked together to kill deals, DealNow’s solutions work together to make them happen.
Here’s what DealNow looks like in action: A buyer in Florida purchased a $175,000 Class A motorhome in Colorado—sight unseen. The seller handled the entire transaction while attending his daughter’s soccer game. The inspector verified everything, the transport driver arrived, and payment was transferred instantly. The whole deal finished in minutes, at 7:45 PM on a Saturday.
That’s the DealNow difference: We’ve turned what used to be frustratingly complex into something you can do from your phone, anytime, anywhere.
Let’s walk through exactly how DealNow works for long-distance RV transactions.
Find an RV you like, and invite the seller to your DealNow dealroom via a custom link. If they need convincing, remind them that DealNow facilitates:
Once the seller is onboarded, you have the option to order the following services through your DealNow dashboard:
All communication is saved in your dealroom, and all relevant documentation is accessible from your dashboard.
If you like what you see, you’re ready for an inspection. Pick a time from the seller’s pre-arranged availability to schedule the inspection and test drive.
Our streamlined communication features put you in the action so you can fully assess the RV.
If the inspection goes well, you’re ready to finish the deal. This is where our platform shines for long-distance purchases.
What used to take days or weeks now happens in minutes. Your inspector can verify the RV, coordinate with the transport company, and oversee the whole closing process while everyone’s on site.
You’re not just using a payment app or an RV listing site—you’re leveraging a complete transaction platform that makes long-distance RV purchases as seamless as local ones.
Class A RVs are the most luxurious type of RVs. They are constructed on a commercial truck or custom chassis. Ranging from 25 to 45 feet long, they accommodate up to 8 passengers. Their expansive interiors contain full kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and master bedrooms. However, their substantial size makes them challenging to navigate and results in lower fuel efficiency.
Class B RVs (or campervans) are the most compact motorhomes available. Built on a van chassis, such as a Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit, they generally measure 16 to 22 feet and can sleep 2 to 4 people. Despite their smaller footprint, they offer essential amenities and breezy driving.
Class C RVs are the middle ground between Class A and Band built on a truck chassis with a recognizable cab section. Ranging from 20 to 33 feet, they sleep 4 to 8 people and often feature an over-cab sleeping area alongside kitchen, bathroom, and living provisions. While Class C RVs are generally more budget-friendly and easier to handle than Class As, they offer less internal space.
RV stands for recreational vehicle. These vehicles combine transportation and living quarters, allowing people to travel and camp comfortably. RVs range from small campervans to travel trailers to large motorhomes.
A typical RV vehicle history report includes:
DealNow lets you order a vehicle history report with a couple of taps directly through our mobile App.
Before meeting a seller, utilize resources such as NADAGuides or RV Trader’s pricing tool to determine a fair price range for the RV based on the following:
If the seller’s asking price is above the recommended fair market value according to these platforms, you can try to negotiate a lower sale price by leveraging the appraisal results as supporting documentation.
Sales tax on RV purchases varies by state and is usually between 4–7% of the purchase price. You’ll pay this tax to your state, not the seller’s state. Some states offer exemptions for RVs purchased from immediate family members or when registering with qualified non-profit organizations. Check with your local DMV for specific rates and exemptions.
The best places to find private party RVs are online marketplaces like RV Trader, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist. Local RV forums and owner groups often have listings too. Once you find an RV you like, use DealNow to handle the transaction.
Private-party vehicle sales happen between two individuals, while dealer sales involve licensed RV dealerships. Private sales typically offer better value because there are no dealer markup or documentation fees.
You’ll also benefit from direct communication with the previous owner, getting first-hand information about the RV’s history and quirks. Plus, private sellers are usually more flexible on price than dealerships.
Smart buyers use DealNow to order a vehicle history report and arrange a professional inspection. A third-party inspector serves as your eyes and ears on the ground, thoroughly checking all systems and documenting the RV’s condition. They’ll communicate with you in real time during the inspection, showing you exactly what you’re buying before you commit.
Yes, but the process varies by state. You’ll typically need temporary license plates to transport the RV home, and most states give you 30 days to register and get permanent plates. Your local DMV can issue temporary permits for transport. Some states have special RV plate requirements, so check your local regulations before finalizing the purchase.
Verify ownership and condition. The seller should have a clean title in their name with no liens. The VINs should match on both the title and RV. You’ll also want to verify the RV’s systems are working properly and review its service history.
DealNow features an in-app title check and vehicle history report. You can quickly verify an RV’s ownership and service history with a couple of clicks. Plus, our platform keeps all your documentation organized and accessible.
The safest way to buy an RV is through DealNow. Our platform verifies the seller’s identity, allows you to run title checks, and facilitates secure payment. We provide a digital bill of sale and keep records of the transaction. By handling everything through DealNow, you’re protected from common private sales problems, such as fraudulent titles or payment scams.
Start by checking NADA guides for baseline values, but remember that actual market prices can vary significantly. Consider the RV’s age, mileage, condition, and any recent upgrades or repairs. Seasonal factors matter too—prices often drop in fall and winter when fewer people are shopping for RVs.
You’ll need the basics:
Some states require additional paperwork such as odometer disclosure or safety inspections. DealNow simplifies this process by generating a state-compliant digital bill of sale and organizing all documentation in one place.
Traditional RV sales could drag on for days or weeks, but not with DealNow. We verify identities instantly, run title checks in real time, and facilitate immediate payment transfers. Our digital bill of sale is signed right in the app. Most DealNow RV sales processes wrap up in minutes, not days. We’ve had buyers close deals while at dinner.
DealNow is the easiest way to close your own vehicle deal, anytime. It’s the safe and simple way to avoid fraud, sign documents, and instantly transact, all in one app.
