Whether you’re buying or selling an RV, you’ll want to know the NADA RV values and RV 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.
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. 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.
Platforms like RV Trader, which help people buy and sell RVs, are also a great resource for getting an approximate value of your rig. Log onto the main website and type your RV’s make and model into the search bar to see how other owners are pricing their rigs. You can also search other buying and selling websites like Craigslist.
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.
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.
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.
If you want to make the most of your RV’s value, keep the following in mind:
1. RV Values Change With the Seasons
Unlike cars, RV values are often dependent on what time of year you’re looking to buy or sell. Summer is typically RV season, so values tend to be higher in the spring when potential buyers have camping vacations on their minds. If you go to sell your RV in the fall when the camping season has slowed, you may find that your RV resale value takes a dip.
The exception to this, however, is snowbirds. These retirees are looking to buy an RV to drive south to live in it for the winter. You may find that late summer or early fall is an ideal time to sell your RV to these buyers. You’ll want to target your for-sale ads to the specific audience you want to reach, depending on what time of year you decide to sell.
2. Clean Up Trouble Spots
To keep your RV value high, you’ll want to eliminate signs of major damage or disrepair before selling. Try to look at it from the perspective of a potential buyer. Aesthetics are important, especially since certain things can signal bigger problems. Water stains don’t look good, but more importantly, they can indicate a leak orhidden mold.
3. Good Condition Goes a Long Way
An RV is meant to be lived in, but if yours looks worn it will take a hit in value. Beat up and outdated upholstery, noticeable cosmetic issues, old appliances that show their age, and obvious wear and tear can lower your RV resale value. Dents and dings on the exterior will also bring down RV value. You’ll want to fix up any interior or exterior damage and make sure appliances are in good working order. Otherwise, you can expect potential buyers to use these issues as bargaining chips to get you to come down on price.
4. Stage Well to Improve Perceived Value
Think of selling your RV as comparable to selling your home. You don’t just want to make it look presentable — you want to make it look great! Clear out the clutter, clean up everything, and make it look ready to live in immediately. If a buyer thinks he or she doesn’t have to do anything to use the RV except hand over money, you’ll probably improve your RV value, and you might be able to ask for more money.
How much does a good used RV cost?
Many factors go into the NADA RV values and possible resale cost of an RV. If you’re looking to purchase a used RV, you may be wondering how to tell whether you’re getting a good deal.
Using the information in this article to help you determine an RV’s value, independent of what the dealer has it listed for, is a great first step. But remember that extras add up, for both buyers and sellers alike.
Any premiums and improvements an owner has installed in their RV will increase how much it’s worth. Items like newer high-end appliances, air conditioning, a tankless water heater, satellite TV capability, solar panels, flat panel TV screens, and other perks will add to your RV value.
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