This post describes how we went about selling our RV. It was shockingly easy because we had a popular RV in very good condition with low mileage. We were also in the right place at the right time and connected with a buyer that was specifically looking for our RV, the same year, model and price.
Appraisal
About two months ago we got an appraisal on our RV from an independent professional who only does RV appraisals. He gathers actual sales data and doesn’t rely on “blue book” values and gave us the most likely value. Thus, we accurately identified the probable sales price. We also scanned similar RVs across the country for price familiarity. Both our assessment of asking prices and the professional appraisal value were similar. So we priced it a little higher than our expected sales price with quick results. Knowing the value was very important when selling our RV.
Pricing
The number one reason that RV sales take so long is that most owners overprice the RV dramatically when trying to sell. Overpricing goes double for RV dealers. The one advantage RV dealers have over owners is that they are not emotionally invested in the RV. We, however, would prefer to buy from an owner and not a dealer even though we might be able to get a slightly lower price from a dealer. I just can’t see myself buying from an RV dealer.
We would have loved to get a higher price on our sale but we had a few disadvantages to try this approach. The number one reason that this wouldn’t work for us is that we live in the RV and travel from place to place. We are not going to stop and wait for a sale.
Timing
I have believed for a long time that timing events are very important and our timing was right for selling and it was just at the very end of the time frame where buying would be right. Timing would have been way early had we had been in colder locations. Another consideration was the market size. When you are trying to sell an RV in a low population area, then it is less likely that you will find a motivated buyer. On the other side of the equation is that with a bigger market, then there will be more available RVs for sale. We went to Phoenix knowing that we would be selling our RV.
Features
On Tami’s prompting our Craigslist advertisement highlighted the new stuff. We had new tires, front seats, and a large solar panel system with top-grade components. Each and every item was on the buyer’s desire list. You can read a little about our RV a Tiffin Allegro 34TGA at this link.
Here is the Craigslist Ad we placed for selling our RV
The pictures used in the ad are at the end.
2013 Tiffin Allegro Open Road 34TGA
Only 41k miles — Private Party, Very Good condition, All Brochures, Manuals, receipts, maintenance records (synthetic oil changes) and window stickers
- New Michelin Tires, (7-year warranty) Oct 2019, alignment, balance
- Full solar install, 4 panels, 700 watts, Victron 100/50 smart MPPT controller and Victron 712 smart battery monitor both with Bluetooth data exchange, real-time and historic data logging. (expansion ready 1400-2100 watts)
- Upgraded Lifeline AGM (no-maintenance), sealed house batteries, 300 amp
- New – ultra-leather, 6-way electric, captain’s chairs
- LED lights, ready for extended stays without hookups
Triton V10 6.8L engine 362 hp 457torque Torque shift 5-speed automatic transmission with tow-haul & cruise control
ALL FACTORY OPTIONS & UPGRADES INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING items
- Larger 24,000 lb chassis F53-2013, with Roadmaster steering stabilizer, upgraded Hellwig anti-sway bar stabilizer and roll limiters
- Cummins Onan Quiet Generator 7kw, 50 amp power w/built-in Progressive Industries Hardwired Electrical Management Systems/surge protector w/digital readout
- HWH automatic hydraulic leveling system, hydraulic main slide, (three slides)
- Automatic Satellite dish, Direct TV or Dish Network ready
- Panasonic DVD w/surround sound & subwoofer, 3 Panasonic HD, TVs with HDMI &USB – internet ready, with exterior electric antenna and exterior coax cable connections
- In-dash 3 camera monitor with lane shift rear and side cameras with rear exterior sound
- In-dash JVC – GPS with AM/FM/XM Satellite/CD/Bluetooth/USB/Pandora/aux input, full coach surround sound stereo
- Drivers door with the electric driver’s window
- Ducted air conditioners with front heat pump, two propane furnaces w/separate zones
- Central vacuum
- Shade Pro window awnings, all slides with toppers and main retractable electric awning
- Interior Roller window shades both day shades and night privacy shades (no drapes)
- Sofa-sleeper with pull out coil air/memory foam mattress
- Large Dinette w/storage drawers — convertible to sleeping
- Solid surface countertops with covers, propane 3 burner cooktop with oven
- Sharp Microwave with convection oven
- Faucets changed to top of the line residential — matching fixtures
- Propane / electric refrigerator matching raised wood doors, with icemaker
- Separate water closet with his/hers bathroom sinks
Here is a post outlining what kind of RV we are looking for, what we found and what we might get. Overwhelmed by Choices, Looking at RVs.
WOW, that sold really fast.