15 Practical Tips for Selling an RV (and Getting Top Dollar)

Why a Plan Beats a “For Sale” Sign

The used RV market rewards clean rigs, complete records, and sharp ads. With the right prep, your buyer pool grows, time-to-sale shrinks, and offers improve. These tips for selling an RV balance presentation, pricing, safety, and negotiation—so you don’t leave money on the table.

1) Get the Paper Right (Before You List)

• Title status, lien release, current registration, maintenance logs, and any warranties.
  
• Create a simple folder (digital + printed) so buyers feel confident from the first message.
  

2) Price with Reality, Not Emotion

• Check comps by year, floorplan, mileage, condition, and options.
  
• Price slightly above your walk-away number to leave room for negotiation.
  
• If you’ve added solar, lithium, or suspension upgrades, document them with receipts.
  

3) Fix the Small Stuff First

• Burned-out bulbs, torn cabinet latches, leaky faucets, sticky locks, squeaky steps.
  
• A $30 parts run can net hundreds extra. (Locals: Highway 93 RV can help with parts and sealants.)
  

4) Eliminate Odors Completely

• Air out, deep-clean soft surfaces, replace cheap air fresheners with enzyme treatments.
  
• Empty/flush tanks; sanitize the freshwater system. No “perfume cover-ups”—buyers notice.
  

5) Stage It Like a Tiny Home

• Neutral bedding, clutter-free counters, open blinds, warm lighting.
  
• Remove 80% of personal items. Clear storage bays to showcase space.
  
• A staged RV communicates “well-cared-for” and accelerates “sell my RV fast” outcomes.
  

6) Shine the Exterior

• Wash, de-bug, and wax. Clean windows, polish wheels, dress tires (lightly).
  
• Re-seal obvious roof/crack issues with the correct products; note the date in your ad.
  

7) Make Systems “Demo-Ready”

• 120V on shore power: show outlets, microwave, A/C.
  
• 12V: lights, slides, fans.
  
• LP: stove/oven/furnace (with CO/LP detectors tested).
  
• Water: pump, faucets, water heater (electric/LP), no visible leaks.
  
• Bring a hose, adapter, and extension cord to show everything live.
  

8) Take Magazine-Quality Photos

• Shoot horizontal in bright, natural light. Avoid mixed color temperatures.
  
• Sequence: curb appeal front ¾, rear ¾, entry, salon wide, galley, bath, bedroom, bunks, slides, storage, roof, VIN sticker, odometer/gen hours.
  
• 20–30 clean, sharp images → stronger clicks and better inquiries.
  

9) Write an Ad that Answers Questions Up Front

• Year, make, model, exact trim, length, weight, engine/chassis (if motorized), sleeping capacity, key upgrades, recent maintenance.
  
• Transparent blemishes build trust.
  
• End with a clear CTA: location, showing times, and your preferred contact method.
  

10) Choose the Right Marketplaces

• Major classifieds + RV-specific platforms for reach; social media groups for local traction.
  
• Consider consignment if time is tight (expect a fee).
  
• If you ask “what’s the best place to sell an RV?”—it’s usually a combo: one national + one local.
  

11) Screen Buyers (and Stay Safe)

• Use a dedicated phone/email.
  
• Meet in public or at your storage/lot with cameras.
  
• For test drives: verify license and insurance; always ride along.
  
• No overnight solo showings; cashier’s check or verified bank transfer only.
  

12) Prepare a Test-Drive Route

• Short city loop + short highway section + a safe pull-off for slide demonstration.
  
• Have the rig warmed up, tires aired, and fluids checked.
  
• A confident, smooth demo supports your asking price.
  

13) Be Ready to Negotiate Without Apologizing for Your Price

• Know your “floor” number and your value points (new tires, batteries, roof reseal, service records).
  
• Offer sweeteners that don’t cost much: fresh hoses/filters, a full propane tank, or a quick walkthrough.
  

14) Offer a Mini “New-Owner Orientation”

• 30–45 minutes: hookups, fuses, bypass valves, winterizing basics, manuals.
  
• Record a quick phone video walking through key systems. It reduces buyer fear and post-sale callbacks.
  

15) Close Cleanly

• Bill of sale, title transfer, lien release, date/time of possession, keys, remotes, manuals, receipts.
  
• Cancel insurance and plates per your state rules.
  
• Send the buyer a thank-you note with your orientation video link—referrals happen.
  

Pre-Sale Checklist (Copy/Paste)

• Title, lien release, registration, service folder
  
• Tanks flushed/sanitized, no odors
  
• Bulbs, latches, faucets, steps fixed
  
• Roof seams inspected/resealed where needed
  
• Fresh interior staging + exterior wash/wax
  
• Full photo set (20–30 images)
  
• Systems demo kit: hose, adapters, 30/15A plug, extension cord
  
• Test-drive route planned
  
• Safe payment plan decided
  

Conclusion for The Smart RVer
Selling well is about confidence and clarity. Get the paper right, stage it smart, prove the systems, and protect yourself during showings. With these tips for selling an RV, you’ll attract serious buyers, negotiate from strength, and hand off your rig with a smile—and a fair price.