How To Buy an RV From a Private Seller

You’ve decided to skip the dealership and buy an RV from a private seller. This is a smart way to get more RV for your money (dealerships buy low and sell high).

We’ll teach you how to buy a motorhome, fifth-wheel trailer, or other recreational vehicle through a private sale—safely, securely, and fast. We’ll also show you how to use DealNow to remove friction, risk, and expense from the purchase process. 

DealNow is a suite of transactional tools (including instant payments of any amount) that allows you to buy an RV quickly and safely. Simply find an RV for sale, invite the seller to your private dealroom via a custom link, and get the transaction done.

Let’s get to the RV purchasing process. 

Before You Shop

Prior to starting the purchasing cycle, you’ll need to define the type of RV you want. 

  • A Class A motorhome for luxury road trips
  • A Class B van for weekend warrior adventures
  • A Class C motorhome for family vacations
  • A fifth wheel travel trailer for flexibility
  • A toy hauler for…hauling your toys

These RV types represent a wide range of prices and capabilities, and you’re going to want to get the right one for your budget, lifestyle, and goals. 

If you’re on the fence, take some time to research different RV types, visit dealerships for walk-throughs, or rent some different types for test trips. 

Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to go shopping.

Step 1: Look for RVs Online

Most private sellers post their RVs on online listing sites. Search RVs for sale on the following platforms, using their built-in filtering functions to narrow vehicles by location, make, model, year, price, or other factors important to you:

Pros Cons Tips
  • Large inventory
  • User-friendly interface
  • Detailed search filters
  • Mixture of dealer and private listings
  • No integrated payment method
  • Use the "for sale by owner" filter to focus on private listings
  • Use DealNow to close the deal and send payment
Facebook Marketplace
  • Easy to use
  • Location-based searches
  • Lots of RVs for sale.
  • Moderate scam risk
  • No identity verification
  • No integrated payment method
  • Check the profile of the person you're buying from
  • Use DealNow to close the deal and send payment
  • Large selection of RVs for sale
  • Find local RVs for sale near you
  • High scam risk
  • Basic interface
  • No integrated payment method
  • Use the "owner" filter to avoid dealer listings
  • Be cautious and verify everything
  • Use DealNow to close the deal and send payment
  • Buyer protection up to $100k for specific scenarios
  • Detailed vehicle histories
  • Moderate scam risk
  • No integrated payment method
  • Read seller feedback carefully
  • Understand eBay's policies
  • Use DealNow to close the deal and send payment
  • Built-in secure payments are instant and have no limits
  • Built-in transactional workflow
  • Seller identity verification
  • Optional title check
  • Integrated third-party services
  • Fewer RV listings than some competitors
  • If you can't find the RV you're looking for on PrivateAuto, find it somewhere else and close the deal with DealNow
  • Focused solely on RVs
  • Large inventory
  • Detailed search options
  • Mixture of dealer and private listings
  • No integrated payment method
  • Use the "Private Seller" filter
  • Use DealNow to close the deal and send payment
  • Educational resources for buyers
  • Many dealer listings
  • No integrated payment method
  • Use the "For Sale By Owner" filter
  • Use DealNow to close the deal and send payment
  • Large inventory
  • Nationwide service network
  • Primarily dealer listings
  • Limited private party options
  • Look for their "Private Party RV Listings" section
  • Use DealNow to close the deal and send payment
  • Focused on RVs
  • Community forums for advice
  • Smaller inventory than some competitors. 
  • No integrated payment method
  • Use the forums to get advice on listings
  • Use DealNow to close the deal and send payment
Local RV forums and groups
  • May have local gems that aren't listed elsewhere
  • Community knowledge
  • Limited inventory
  • No transactional infrastructure
  • High scam risk
  • Verify seller identity
  • Use DealNow to close the deal and send payment

*PrivateAuto is a sister company to DealNow and is powered by DealNow’s transactional technology stack.

Pro tip: Set alerts on multiple platforms to receive notifications about new listings that match your criteria.

How To Evaluate Listings

After finding RVs that catch your interest, it’s time to evaluate them more deeply. Let’s look at some best practices for deciding which vehicle to move forward with. 

Evaluate the Seller as Much as the RV

Scammers often use fake identities, so it’s important to verify the seller.

Look for identity verification if the platform offers it (PrivateAuto does). Check for positive feedback on platforms with reviews. For social media listings, such as on Facebook Marketplace, review the seller’s social media history and look for mutual connections.

Watch for the following red flags:

  • No profile photo
  • New account
  • Multiple listings of the same RV
  • Incomplete or sketchy profile info

For maximum security, use DealNow to complete the transaction. Our identity verification and optional title check help prevent fraud.

Pay Attention to the Descriptions

The listing should include specifics about the RV’s condition, history, and features. Honest sellers disclose flaws and provide a detailed maintenance history. Watch for unclear descriptions and random capitalization or exclamation points.

Carefully Examine the Photos

A good listing should have good photos of the RV from all sides, inside living areas, kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, and the engine. Good photos usually mean the seller is serious about selling. Be careful if the listing uses generic RV photos or only has a few low-quality pictures.

Compare RV Prices

Compare the price to NADA RV guides, J.D. Power, or similar RVs for sale in your area. Be careful if an RV is priced much lower than other similar models; it might be a scam or have serious issues.

Get a Vehicle History Report

When buying from a stranger, you should always get a vehicle history report. This report tells you about past maintenance, accidents, previous owners, and more. Ask the seller for the RV’s VIN (some listings show this) and use a service such as RVChex to get a report.

If you purchase through DealNow, you can easily order a vehicle history report through your DealNow dashboard.

Talk To the Seller

Once you’ve narrowed down your search, you may want to reach out to some sellers to ask questions.

Different platforms have different ways of putting you in contact with the seller. You can use Facebook Messenger on Facebook, Craigslist email on Craigslist, or text or call for many local classifieds. Be careful giving out your contact info: many of these platforms are full of scammers.

No matter which platform you meet a seller on, you can use DealNow’s buyer verification process and in-app messaging to get to know the seller without giving away your info. Plus, you know they’re legit with our identity verification. You can ask them some basic questions to suss out whether or not the RV in question is for you:

  • Why are you selling the RV?
  • How long have you owned it?
  • Has it been in any accidents?
  • Are there any mechanical or system issues I should know about?
  • Is the RV in your name, and does it have a clean title?
  • Can I see the service records?
  • Are you the original owner?
  • What’s the current mileage on both the engine and generator?
  • Are you willing to allow a pre-purchase inspection?

Honest sellers will openly discuss the RV’s details, answer questions directly, admit to any problems, show you service records, and let you get the RV inspected.

Step 2: Inspect and Test Drive the RV

Once you’ve found a promising RV and checked its history, it’s time for an in-person inspection.

Arrange a Meeting

When meeting a stranger to buy an RV, bring a friend or family member along and meet during daylight hours. Always trust your instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to walk away. 

DealNow protects you with seller identity verification (most scammers use aliases). It also streamlines the meetup and buying process with our easy scheduler. You choose a time from the seller’s preset availability, the seller gets a notification the meeting has been scheduled, and you both show up at a spot of the seller’s choosing. 

Check the RV

Before the test drive, do a thorough visual inspection:

  • Look for mismatched paint or panels, which could indicate repairs or water damage.
  • Inspect tire tread for even wear (dry rot is common on RVs that haven’t been moved for a while.).
  • Test all lights, electronics, and RV-specific systems (generator, slide-outs, awnings).
  • Check for rust, especially underneath the RV and around windows and seams.
  • Examine the roof for leaks, cracks, or damaged seals.
  • Inspect the plumbing and water system for leaks or damage.
  • Look under the hood for disconnected wires, hoses, and other issues.

The RV should generally look like it did in photos. Note features that don’t work or cosmetic damage that wasn’t photographed or described.

Professional Inspection

Even if you’re knowledgeable about RVs, a professional inspector will notice quirks you won’t. Never let the seller choose an inspector unless you’ve vetted the company. Some scammers might collaborate with a friend to trick you into buying a bad RV.

When you bring your transaction over to DealNow, you’ll be able to schedule a professional RV inspection without multi-party coordination and hassle. With a couple of clicks in your dealroom, a Lemon Squad inspector will show up at your test drive.

Go for a Test Drive

During the test drive:

  • Test all features (A/C, radio, power windows, slide-outs, awnings, leveling systems, etc.).
  • Listen for unusual noises.
  • Pay attention to how the RV handles and brakes, noting any pulling or swaying.
  • Test drive at various speeds and on different road types.

The RV should meet your expectations for its model year and mileage. If you’re looking for something budget-friendly, you might need to be a bit forgiving, but all major systems should work as described.

Step 3. Sign the Bill of Sale

If you’re satisfied with the RV, the seller, and the purchase price, it’s time to wrap things up. Your RV purchase begins with both you and the seller signing a bill of sale. While this document is only required in 16 states, it’s wise to complete one regardless. To grasp its importance, let’s briefly discuss the trust dilemma between strangers.

The Issue of Trust Between Strangers

An RV purchase involves a lot of money, and you’re likely buying from someone you don’t know. This situation creates a catch-22. You don’t want to send the money before you have the title, and the seller doesn’t want to hand over their title before they’ve been paid.

A bill of sale solves the catch-22. It’s a legally binding document signed by both parties. If the seller is a bad actor, you have legal recourse. This creates a foundation of security that allows you to feel comfortable paying the seller.

What’s the Best Way To Use a Bill of Sale?

You could print two copies of the official bill of sale for your state, bring them to the closing, and then you and the seller sign and countersign both copies. You’d each keep one for your records.

In the unlikely event you’re dealing with a truly malicious seller, a paper bill of sale leaves you vulnerable. The seller could get your money, forcibly take both copies of the bill of sale, plus the RV. You’re left with no money, no RV, and no legal recourse. 

There’s another issue with paper bills of sale: a scammer might use a false name, possibly with a fake ID. If you don’t have the seller’s real name and signature, any legal protections become worthless.

DealNow protects you with an official digital bill of sale, signed by the seller under their verified legal identity and stored in the cloud. You’ll be able to access your bill of sale anytime in your DealNow dashboard. 

During the transaction, both parties get prompted to confirm the terms of the deal and sign the bill of sale in our mobile app. You and the seller each get a notification that the other has signed, and you’ll proceed to the payment step with full legal protection.

What Does a Bill of Sale Include?

A bill of sale memorializes the following transaction details; should either party ever dispute the deal, their counterparty has legal protection. 

  • Names and addresses of buyer and seller
  • Sale price and date
  • Vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN)
  • Odometer reading (mileage) for motorized RVs
  • Any warranties or “as-is” declarations

Step 4. Pay for the RV

There aren’t many safe and convenient methods for moving large amounts of money between strangers. Traditional payment options come with one or more of the following drawbacks:

  • Risky
  • Inconvenient
  • Slow
  • High fees


Let’s examine the different ways you can exchange funds. Then, we’ll explain why DealNow is the preferred solution for private-party RV transactions.

Pros Cons
Physical cash
  • Immediacy
  • No limits on amount
  • No transaction fees
  • Widely accepted
  • Risk of theft or loss
  • Inconvenient to withdraw large amounts from the bank
  • Slow for seller to count large amounts
  • Slow for seller to verify bills are genuine

Wire transfer

  • Secure for large amounts
  • Fast transfer once initiated
  • Both parties pay fees
  • Only possible during banking hours
  • Parties must exchange sensitive banking info

Personal check

  • Convenient
  • Sellers don’t accept personal checks because they can bounce
Cashier's check
  • More secure than personal checks
  • Widely accepted
  • No limits on amount
  • You have to go to the bank and get it
  • Smart sellers insist on meeting you at your bank for verification of legitimacy (inconvenient, time-consuming)
PayPal
  • Widely used
  • Compatible with multiple payment options (credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, etc.)
  • End-to-end encryption and fraud monitoring
  • 2.9% + $0.30 fixed fee per transaction adds up
  • Potential for holds on new or flagged accounts
  • $60k limit on transaction size
Venmo
  • Instant funds transfer
  • Convenient
  • Works anytime
  • $4,999.99 transaction limit is not viable for most RV purchases
CashApp
  • Higher transaction limit than Venmo
  • Instant funds transfer
  • Works anytime
  • $7,500 transaction limit is not viable 
  • Not widely used
Credit cards
  • Cashback rewards
  • Most private owners can’t accept credit cards directly
  • High processing fees to use a third-party provider (e.g., Stripe)
Cryptocurrency
  • Fast transfers
  • No limits on amount
  • Works anytime
  • High volatility
  • Most sellers don’t accept crypto
  • Complex, with a lot of ways to get it wrong and lose your crypto
  • Fees for converting to crypto to cash

Escrow services

  • Solves the catch-22 trust problem with a trusted 3rd party fiduciary
  • Handles any transaction size
  • Convincing fraudulent escrow companies are used in scams
  • Unwieldy to coordinate with a third party
  • Limited availability (business hours)
  • Prolongs the transaction
  • Expensive

Imagine a payment solution that offers the pros of all the payment methods discussed above, without the cons:

  • Instant funds transfer.
  • Low flat fee.
  • Works any time of day, every day of the year.
  • Unlimited funds transfer (no ceiling on transaction size).
  • No need for third parties or special locations; finalize the deal at the RV viewing site.
  • Resolves the trust issue between strangers through a built-in bill of sale and verified instant transfers.
  • Accessible through an intuitive mobile app.
  • Incorporates a step-by-step dealflow guiding both parties through the sale.
  • Includes options for RV transport, inspection, insurance, financing, and more.

DealNow removes friction from the private party RV purchase. Pay for your next RV safely and cheaply, any time, any place.

Step 5. Transfer of Ownership

After payment, it’s time for the seller to sign over the RV’s title and hand you the keys. Together, you’ll complete the following sequence:

  1. The seller presents the title.
  2. The seller fills in the sale price, odometer reading, VIN, and sale date. They add their address and contact details. Then, they sign their name as it appears on the title’s front.
  3. You complete the buyer’s section. Verify the VIN, odometer reading, sale price, and other details before signing. Enter your legal name and address, then sign and date.

Note: Title transfer notarization is required in some states.

After completing the sale, the seller removes the license plate, unless you’re in California or Minnesota. Congratulations on your new-to-you RV. You’re now the proud owner.

Step 6. Finish Up With the DMV

You own the RV, but you need to finalize with  your local DMV (or equivalent agency in your state) in order to legally operate it on the roads.

Before visiting the DMV, get RV insurance (you can compare quotes and get coverage through your DealNow dashboard).

At the DMV, you’ll complete the following formalities:

  • Register the RV in your name and pay the registration fee
  • Transfer the RV title in state records and pay the title transfer fee
  • Pay any required sales tax
  • Get new license plates unless you live in California or Minnesota (and pay the license plate fee)

Now you officially own the RV and can legally drive it. Enjoy your new home on wheels!

Simplify Buying a Private-Party RV

DealNow makes the private-party RV purchase easy and secure. Here’s the process:

  1. Create and verify your DealNow account.
  2. Connect your external bank and move the appropriate amount of money into your FDIC-insured DealNow bank account.
  3. Invite the seller to your private dealroom.
  4. Use in-app messaging and scheduling.
  5. E-sign a legally binding bill of sale along with the seller.
  6. Pay for the RV instantly and securely.
  7. Take possession of your new RV and start your adventure.

 

RV FAQ

How to determine an RV's fair market value?

Before meeting a seller, use NADAGuides or RV Trader’s pricing tool to determine a fair price range for the RV based on the following:

  • Make and model
  • Year
  • Mileage
  • Condition
  • Features (including floor plan, slide-outs, and amenities)
  • Type of RV (motorhome, travel trailer, toy hauler, Class A, B, C, etc)

If the seller’s asking price exceeds the suggested fair market value provided by these tools, you could negotiate with the seller for a lower price, using the valuation results as evidence for your offer.

Of course you can buy your friend an RV. There are two ways to do so.

  1. Purchase the RV yourself and then transfer it to them: When transferring ownership, you can list the “sale price” as “gift” on the title. In most states, this legally transfers the RV to them without incurring additional sales tax. However, you’ll need to do your own research on gifting laws and tax implications in your state. 
  2. Provide them with funds to buy the RV: You can either transfer money to your friend for the purchase, or join them during the transaction and handle the payment yourself. Your friend will sign the title. Keep in mind that they’ll need to pay sales tax when registering the RV at the DMV. If you intend to cover all costs, you should accompany them to handle this expense as well.

Both methods result in your friend becoming the legal owner of the RV.

DealNow is the safest payment method when buying an RV. Unlike cashier’s checks and physical cash, DealNow facilitates instant, verified transfers of any amount directly between buyer and seller.

DealNow’s platform secures transactions by:

  • Verifying both parties’ identities
  • Confirming your funds before the transaction
  • Providing a digital bill of sale
  • Enabling instant transfers without transaction limits


With DealNow, you get the immediacy of cash with bank-level security. Funds are held in an FDIC-insured bank account in your name, hosted on the DealNow platform.

Class A RVs are the largest and most luxurious RV types, built on a commercial truck or custom chassis. These motorhomes range from 25 to 45 feet in length and can sleep up to 8 people. They offer spacious interiors with full kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and master bedrooms. While luxurious, their size makes them challenging to maneuver and less fuel-efficient. 

Class B RVs, also known as campervans, are the smallest motorhomes. Built on a van chassis such as a Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit, they typically measure 16 to 22 feet and sleep 2 to 4 people. While compact, they offer basic amenities and are easy to drive. 

Class C RVs strike a balance between A and B, built on a truck chassis with an attached cab section. They range from 20 to 33 feet and can sleep 4 to 8 people, featuring an over-cab sleeping area along with kitchen, bathroom, and living spaces. Class C RVs are more affordable than Class A and easier to drive, but less spacious.

Motorhomes offer the convenience of driving your living space. You can access your amenities while driving, and there’s no need to unhitch when you arrive at your destination. They’re easier to set up at campgrounds. Motorhomes are also more expensive upfront and can be costly to maintain. They’re less fuel-efficient and may limit your exploration once you’ve set up camp.

Travel trailers are more affordable and offer more flexibility. You can unhitch your towing vehicle at your campsite and use it for local trips. They’re easier to store when not in use and have lower maintenance costs. The downside is that you’ll need a vehicle capable of towing, and hitching and unhitching can be a hassle. Travel trailers are more challenging to maneuver, especially when backing up.

Here’s a little questionnaire that can help you decide which is right for you.

  1. What’s your budget for an RV?
    a) Under $30,000
    b) $30,000 – $75,000
    c) Over $75,000

  2. Do you have a vehicle that can tow a travel trailer?
    a) Yes
    b) No, but I’m willing to to buy one
    c) No, and I don’t want to buy one

  3. How do you feel about driving large vehicles?
    a) It makes me nervous
    b) I’m okay with it
    c) I love it

  4. How often will you use your RV?
    a) A few times a year
    b) Monthly
    c) Weekly or more

  5. Do you need to access your living space while on the road?
    a) No, I can wait until we park
    b) It would be nice, but not essential
    c) Yes, it’s important to me

  6. How important is fuel efficiency?
    a) Very important
    b) Somewhat important
    c) Not a major concern

  7. Do you plan to use your RV for extended trips?
    a) No, just short trips
    b) Maybe a few longer trips
    c) Yes, including possible full-time living

  8. How much parking or storage space do you have for an RV?
    a) Very limited
    b) Some space
    c) Plenty of space

  9. How important is having a separate vehicle at your destination?
    a) Very important
    b) Somewhat important
    c) Not important

  10. Are you comfortable hitching and unhitching a trailer?
    a) No, I’d rather avoid it
    b) I can learn
    c) Yes, no problem

Scoring:

Give yourself 1 point for each ‘a’ answer, 2 points for each ‘b’, and 3 points for each ‘c’.

10-17 points: You’re leaning towards a travel trailer

18-23 points: You could go either way

24-30 points: You’re leaning towards a motorhome

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