A private RV sale doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right approach and tools, you can make more money than you would by selling to a dealer, because dealers need to buy low and sell high to make a profit.
We’ll walk you through the steps of privately selling your RV and show you the tools and tricks that make the process smooth and safe.
The first step in selling your RV is to collect the paperwork. The most important document is your RV’s title, which proves you’re the legal owner. If you’re unsure where your title is, now would be a good time to dig it up. You won’t be able to sell your RV without it. At the time of sale, you and the buyer will fill out the title and sign it.
If you can’t find your title, don’t panic. You can request a replacement from your state’s DMV. Start this process early, as it can take a few weeks.
Pro tip: Get a vehicle history report. It builds trust with buyers by providing transparency about your RV’s past. It can also speed things up a bit since the buyer doesn’t need to worry about it.
If you’ve misplaced your RV’s title over the years, don’t worry. It’s a common issue, and every state has a process for requesting a replacement. Here’s what you need to do:
The replacement process can take several weeks, so start early to avoid delays in your sale.
In addition to your title, you’ll want to round up some additional paperwork:
When you sell your RV with DealNow, you can include a vehicle history report to inspire buyer confidence and help you get the deal done. Our AutoCheck integration makes it easy.
Naturally, you want to get the most money possible from your RV. This is where knowledge is power. By understanding what the market will allow, you’ll price your vehicle realistically without leaving money on the table.
The RV market is seasonal, so try to time your sale for spring and early summer when more people plan RV purchases and trips.
Imagine two identical RVs—same make, model, year, and mileage. The difference? One sparkles inside and out, while the other shows signs of neglect. The pristine RV will sell quicker and fetch a better price.
Here’s how to get your RV in top shape:
Include photographs of imperfections and damage. It’s better to be upfront with buyers than to waste time explaining undisclosed problems and haggling about your price later.
Unless you have a friend or family member eager to buy your RV, you’ll need to find a buyer. Most sellers list their RV online due to the wide reach and exposure.
Think of your listing as a “dating profile” for your RV. Here’s how to make it irresistible:
Save your photographs, descriptions, and listing titles to easily copy and paste them to different listing sites.
You have a lot of online options for listing your RV. Some sites are free, while others charge a fee but provide better services. Your RV might sell faster if you list it on more sites, but you’ll be spending more time (and potentially more money) on listings..
Let’s explore some options for selling your RV online:
With the exception of PrivateAuto, online listing sites lack transactional features to get the deal done quickly and securely. Most of them force you to expose sensitive info, introduce a lot of friction and inconvenience, and lack a way for the buyer to pay you easily.
That’s why we’ve built a transactional solution that allows you to sell your RV anywhere online, and then finish the transaction with a high degree of speed, security, and convenience.
DealNow gives you a safe, fast, convenient dealflow for selling your motorhome, fifth wheel, or other recreational vehicle—no matter where you’ve chosen to list it. Here are the issues you’ll encounter with online car listing websites, and how DealNow solves them:
| Issue | Online RV listing sites | DealNow solution |
|---|---|---|
|
Fraudulent listings |
Fake RV listings are common, with scammers using stock photos or stolen images to lure in buyers. |
Seller verification ensures you're dealing with legitimate RV owners, reducing the risk of fraudulent listings. |
|
Price negotiation |
Endless back-and-forth negotiations over RV price can be frustrating and time-consuming. |
In-app offer system streamlines negotiations, allowing buyers to submit serious offers and sellers to respond efficiently. |
|
RV condition concerns |
Buyers worry about undisclosed issues with the RV's systems (electrical, plumbing, etc.). |
Pre-sale inspection scheduling feature connects buyers with certified RV inspectors, building trust and transparency. |
|
Meet-up safety |
Meeting strangers to show your RV can be risky, especially if it's parked at your home. |
Secure meet-up locations can be suggested and scheduled through the app, prioritizing safety for both parties. |
|
Deposit handling |
Collecting and managing deposits for high-value RVs can be complicated and risky. |
Secure, escrow-like deposit system protects both buyers and sellers during the sale process. |
|
Paperwork complexity |
RV sales involve more paperwork than car sales (titles, registration, warranty transfers). |
Digital document management system guides both parties through required paperwork, ensuring nothing is overlooked. |
|
Financing challenges |
Many buyers need financing for RV purchases, which can complicate private sales. |
Integration with RV loan providers streamlines the financing process for qualified buyers. |
Whether you found your buyer on Camping World RV or RVs.com, finish strong with DealNow.
When inquiries start coming in, you’ll need to separate serious buyers from time-wasters or potential scammers. Your screening goals should be to:
DealNow weeds out scammers and tire-kickers with identity verification, funds verification, and a secure transactional dealflow. Our secure in-app messaging allows you to communicate with would-be buyers without revealing your contact info to strangers.
Once you’ve found a prospective buyer, it’s time to arrange an RV viewing and test drive. Here’s how to do it safely and efficiently:
With DealNow, you set your preferred location and available times. The buyer schedules the viewing through our app, and you receive a notification. No back-and-forth needed. Just show up and focus on showcasing your RV.
After the buyer has thoroughly inspected your RV and you’ve agreed on a price, it’s time to close the deal. The RV sale culminates with you and the buyer signing an official bill of sale.
While not all states require a bill of sale for RV transactions, it’s a smart practice regardless of your location. This document formalizes the terms of your deal, protecting both parties in case of future disputes.
Here’s what a comprehensive RV bill of sale typically includes:
You can print two copies of your state’s bill of sale. This will suffice in most situations. But printed bills of sale don’t protect you from loss, theft, or destruction. If you do end up dealing with a bad actor, you’ll want the assurance of a digital bill of sale, stored in the cloud.
DealNow simplifies this step by providing an official, state-specific bill of sale for your RV transaction. Both parties can sign this document electronically in the DealNow mobile app. This digital process gives the buyer confidence to proceed, knowing they have a legally binding agreement. Similarly, it assures you that you’re protected before transferring ownership.
Once both parties have signed, you’ll each receive an instant notification confirming the counterparty’s signature. This electronic process not only saves time but also provides a clear digital trail of the transaction.
With the bill of sale signed, you’re legally protected and ready to move forward with the final steps of the sale.
It’s time to get paid for your RV. Unfortunately, most payment methods are pretty bad for private-party RV transactions.
Some RV sellers use escrow services, but these add expense, time, and complexity to the sales process.
DealNow removes the friction associated with other methods of funds transfer. It gets you paid for your RV instantly and securely, with no limits on the amount a buyer can send. Funds are held in an FDIC-insured bank account with easy off-ramping to your regular bank account.
After you’ve been paid, it’s time to transfer the ownership documentation and hand over the keys. The exact process depends on whether your RV has a title or a manufacturer’s statement of origin (MSO).
If your RV has a title, follow these steps:
RVs that have never been registered probably have an MSO instead of a title.
If this is the case:
Note: Some states require notarization of the title transfer or MSO process. Check your state’s requirements in advance.
Regardless of whether you’re transferring a title or an MSO, remember to:
After you’ve transferred ownership, the RV is no longer yours. But, your work isn’t quite finished—there’s one final step you need to take.
A release of liability form protects you from the repercussions of any actions the buyer takes with the RV after the sale.
If the buyer forgets or intentionally avoids registering the RV in their name, you won’t be held responsible for financial and legal damages. If they get in an accident or receive parking violations while your name is still associated with the RV in DMV records, the release of liability will absolve you.
Check your state’s DMV website to find out how to file a release of liability form for an RV. You can usually submit this form online, but make sure you understand the submission deadline; most states require filing within 5–30 days of the sale.
Pro tip: Submit your release of liability form before canceling your RV insurance. This guarantees you’re covered until the very last moment of ownership.
DealNow streamlines the RV sales process with cutting-edge technology and by cutting out the middleman.
Here’s how easy it is to sell your RV with DealNow:
Our user-friendly technology empowers you to close deals on your terms, on the spot. Are you ready to revolutionize your next RV sale?
Protect yourself by using DealNow to verify the buyer’s identity and funds. Meet in public places for viewings. Use DealNow’s digital bill of sale and secure system to avoid payment risks.
After the sale, complete a release of liability form and cancel RV-specific insurance and memberships. DealNow’s platform lets you enjoy secure transactions from start to finish.
Reselling an RV can be challenging due to the specialized market, but it’s manageable. Price competitively, create detailed listings, and be prepared for a longer sales process.
Factor in seasonal timing—spring and early summer often see more interest. DealNow simplifies the process by streamlining communication, scheduling, and payment, making it easier to close the deal.
RV resale value is based on type, brand, age, condition, and market demand. While they depreciate faster than houses, RVs often hold value better than cars.
Well-maintained RVs with low mileage retain more value. To maximize resale value, keep your RV in good condition and use DealNow to connect with serious buyers for an efficient sale.
DealNow is the safest payment method for the buyer as well as for the seller. It allows buyers to verify your identity and confirm the title is clean.
It protects buyers with a legally binding bill of sale, countersigned by the seller, so they are safe to release payment. Because the seller receives funds instantly, they sign over the title on the spot, making drawn-out deals a thing of the past.
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.
