RV Trading Tips… Thinking of trading in or selling your RV?
In addition to being a full time traveler (with a NEW 5th wheel soon!!), I spend my summers consulting and selling RV’s. I often approach folks with the following – “How can I help you lighten your wallet, put you in debt for years to come, and sell you something that will do nothing but depreciate from the moment it leaves the lot?”
Truth? You bet! RV’s – virtually ALL of ’em are NOT a financial investment – instead they are an investment in lifestyle, quality time with the family, quality experiences, etc. Agreed? Oh, and most folks laugh, but then contemplate it and say “you’re right!”
So, knowing you’re buying something that IS going to depreciate (but you WILL have lots of fun as it does), is there a better (or worse) time to trade it in?
Fact: The average rv’er keeps their rig for 3-5 years. Does it matter whether you trade closer to 3 or 5 years? TIMING is everything. Consider my thoughts in the following brief video…
There are better – and worse times to trade your RV
Join me in this brief video as I set the stage – then below I clarify the example I discuss in my video
Lets consider the example I offered in the video: (take your time with this!!)
Original purchase price: $35,000, then you decide to trade your RV in after about 2 years…
NADA Avg. Retail value after 2 years on your trailer: $23,000 (real value to the dealer: $14,000*)
You want to trade your 2 year old trailer for a new one – lets say the new one is $60,000. (retail price.) You know the NADA avg. retail on yours is 23,000 and you’re not happy that its already 12,000 less than what you paid just 2 years earlier (and you REALLY don’t want to hear its actually worth 14,000 to the dealer!!) AND since you’ve paid mostly just interest, you still owe the lender $33,000.
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So here is what happens when you try to work a trade on your current 2 year old RV…
You visit a dealer, see a shiny, new, featured laden RV that “stickers” (MSRP) for $60,000. Without a trade, the dealer may offer you that 60,000. trailer for 51,000. as a purchase price (perhaps even better.)
BUT… with your trade, he “shows you” 23,000. for the trade – but he does it against the $60,000. price, and asks you for a difference of 60,000 – 23,000 = 37,000. to get the new trailer.
BUT remember, you still owe 33,000. on your original loan (remember – you did a $0. down loan!), so now, your new loan will be for the 37,000 difference noted above and the 33,000 you currently owe, or in other words, you’ll be carrying a loan for $70,000. which can’t work because the new trailer retails for… $60,000. so thats the most you will get a loan for. To get the trailer for a 60,000. loan, you’ll have to come up with 10,000 cash! THIS is why when you trade with a high balance due (and a low NADA book value), you HAVE to step up to a MUCH more expensive trailer! And… you end up carrying a BIG “note” on that new trailer.
You’d better be happy with that new trailer for SEVERAL years to come as you pay down your new loan!!
*Note: If you take 23,000 (retail for your trade) and subtract 14,000 (real or wholesale value for your trailer), this yields $9,000. If you think that is the profit the dealer will make on your trade, think again! The dealer has costs – in addition to basic overhead and salaries/commissions, your trade (by law) must be (at a minimum) “safety checked” and many dealers will execute additional repairs before selling it to the next buyer. Further, the longer your tradein sits on the dealers lot (sometimes YEARS), it is continually depreciating. So, while some trades result in good profit for a dealer, others see the profit fade away as potential buyers (for whatever reason) fail to purchase it. This is the risk the dealer takes and a good part of the reason he won’t offer you anywhere near the 23,000. that NADA shows as the “average retail” value for your 2 year old trailer.
Don’t miss my latest update on the RV market posted mid-march 2022 with IMPORTANT UPDATES HERE.
Ok, when it comes to trading in your older RV, three quick thoughts…
- If you do want to get rid of a “recent purchase” (lets say up to 3 years old), you’re likely to be better off selling it yourself than trading it – you’ll get closer to the NADA average retail value. To advertise your trailer, you will find several free resources to advertise it including Facebook classified groups for your area and classified groups for those who like a particular type of RV (5th wheels, Class B Motorhomes…) Additionally, Craigslist offers free advertising (be careful of scams – read their advice on their own site.) Lastly, RV Trader (.com) and “RVT” are both worth considering, RVT is free, but RV Trader will charge you about $60 for 12 weeks.
- If you are can live with your RV longer, by years 4 or 5, you’ll be in better shape with your loan as you’ll have paid down more of the principle AND the depreciation rate slows after year 3. As such you will be in a far better negotiating position with the dealer that has the new RV of your dreams! If you bought it then… its probably safe to trade your RV in now – except for the fact that the dealer wants to obtain your trade at the BOTTOM dollar he will pay for it.
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Want a “guide by your side?” I am now offering a Concierge Buying and Selling Service. Simply put… you’ll save time, money AND aggravation.
Simpy put, I will help you get the most you can for your current trailer and then I will LISTEN to you to learn your wants and needs in a replacement (new/used) trailer. I will then recommend the BEST camper for your needs and then find it at the RIGHT price (again – new or used, WITHOUT the bias that a store salesman has to consider his on-site inventory.) My search for this camper for you can be anywhere in the USA and is not limited to any brand or manufacturer. Contact me HERE to learn more.
Does all of the above make sense? If not, ASK ME BELOW – or – post in my Facebook group and if you can identify where I lost you.
Hey, while you’re here, my earlier two posts on these lines can be found HERE: Summer 2017 Reflections and The REAL cost of a RV loan (and how to reduce it).
Lastly, as I write this, I’m about to “hit the road” to begin my journey west to Oregon and Idaho. I’m CERTAIN to have some stories for you – stay tuned. While you’re here, have a look at some of my other articles. RV Across America is broken down into 9 broad categories and from the home page, you can find these along with recent and popular articles. Enjoy – and please DO keep in touch. You can join our mailing list (look above or below) for a place to enter your first name & email address.
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I’ve been trying to sell my 2016 Jayco Greyhawk 31fs for a out 6 months and only getting offered in the high 40’s to mid 50’s. NADA shows it retailing for around $80k. I paid $90k out the door. I’m trying to sell for $69,500. Do you think that is a fair price? Reason we are selling is we bought a small farm and just don’t have the time to to use it as much as we’d like to. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I would even consider trading to bring my debt down if deal is fair. Link to rvtrader https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2016-Jayco-GREYHAWK+31FS-5003611513
see my comments above
We have a 2005 HR 34ft Presidential in pretty fair shape. Solid, not many out there. But, we need a good toy hauler: Fuzion or “Suggestion”. We need at least 13ft or more garage area to haul our Polaris Slingshot.
Of course we still owe $11K on the Presidential. I want to take it to the dealer and use it as a trade in on a new one. My husband thinks we should pay it off first, which we do have the money to do so. BUT, I think we should us what would be the pay off money on the Presidential as our Down payment on the new one, plus we will be able to add so additional money with it. Please help decide who is right on this.
If you trade in your HR to a dealer, you’re going to be throwing away about $10,000. According to NADA, (assuming you have a 34SBD – Ford), your retail value is 27,300. – that could go up/down depending upon a few other factors. I’d bet I could get it sold for you at about $23,000. (perhaps more) – depending upon condition. A dealer (assuming all is ok) will give you about $13,000. They may not STATE this to you directly, as they’ll simply discount the new trailer less to “show” you more for yours (thus tricking you into thinking its worth more than they’re really giving you.) So… your best action is to sell the camper privately (I have a selling (and buying) service that is detailed here – http://rvAcrossAmerica.net/buysell) – get the $$ for it, then pay it off (no need to pay it off in advance – and if you brought it to a dealer, it would not matter at all whether its paid off or not). Once its sold, you can go to a dealer and negotiate your best price (or I can do it for you as I also recommend toy haulers for you.) As to the toy hauler, its going to come down to what you are pulling it with and your budget – with that info, I can be of more assistance. If you wish to contact me about my concierge services, feel free to text me at 561 676 1205 (i’m in mountain time) and I’ll get back with you. Text me the truck you’re using and your budget to purchase assuming you get around $20,000 or a bit better for your current camper in a private sale. Al
Hi Ron,
I have a 2017 FR Forester 2501TS class C with 6k miles outright no loan. Everything is in great condition, and we installed a 360 watt solar system, 2000 w inverter and 2 deep cycle 12v AGM batteries last spring. We recently bought some land, and our camping plans have changed so that we will park our unit on our land for summer/fall, and our Forester isn’t going to cut it. I’ve found a 2018 Montana 3700LK for $58k. I would need to add the same solar system/inverter because we don’t have power on the property. Low retail on the 2501 with all add-ons/solar is $72k ($58k base). Do you think it is realistic to do an even trade? I know I could sell my 2501 myself and come out ahead, but that’s a hassle. We are in a small town in Idaho so buyers would have to travel. Do you provide a 3rd part selling service?
2014 Raptor
25900 is dealer asking price.
Hi
We are thinking of trading but we’re not sure if the price is a good deal for the rv we’re looking at after all final numbers.
Buying: $25900
2016 Dutchmen Denali Fifth Wheel 307RLS—auto leveling 2 A/C’s very clean
Trading:
Raptor 300MP 5th wheel toy hauler
New unit 25900
Owe 42000
Offered 21000
Down payment 16000
Final loan 30900
What year is your Raptor? AND… when you say “buying 25900” – is that the DIFFERENCE between the Denali and yours? If so, why is the loan for 30,900?
Ren,
As I look at this deal – your Raptor has a NADA retail value of 29450, and you say you owe 42000? If so, thats a pretty upside down position to be in. Most dealers will likely “acv” (actual cash value) your trailer for about 17,000, which means you’re giving up about 12,000 by trading it in instead of selling it yourself (I can assist with this process if you like). Now… as to the denali – first, there are FAR better 5th wheels to consider spending your hard earned money on (and I’d be glad to confer with you on this.) The NADA book value on the Denali is about 29,000. (including factoring in the auto level & 2nd a/c). The dealer appears to be charging you (effectively) 30,900. – which is about the MOST they can get a lender to give you – and you’re paying 16,000. to “unbury” yourself. Is it a good deal? Not really. You’re effectively spending 46,900. for a 5th wheel that is (at best) worth 29,000.
I would do this: sell the Raptor privately – you might even get over book as its a toy hauler. Lets say (for kicks) you get $32,000. for it. Upon selling it, you’re going to have to take $10,000. out of your savings to pay off the loan. At that point your hands are “clean” and you can negotiate a deal (or I can negotiate for you) on a good 5th wheel (I have some ideas) that you will pay no more than NADA average retail for and ideally less. Feel free to contact me if you’d like me to work with you on this “project.” Al
Hi,
I have been trying to sell my 1993 Winnebago Brave for 5500. Everything works, except waterheater needs a new overflow valve. Was used for long distance last year without any issues. Runs like a charm but needs about 3hours worth of light work and maybe 80bucks in parts. New tires, brake work all set, no dry rot, sleeps 3 cause I modified it. no leaks, rubber roof etc. Had it on FB, had a bunch of people msg me about it but highest offers I got was 3200. I am like Dudes, this is not a junkyardworthy 4door sedan, it’s a fully functioning motorhome with a few light repairs ( i can’t do them, cause i don’t have the strength anymore). My question is: how low of a price is acceptable in a private sale? Engine is chevy 454. Thanks in Advance..
The book value on your camper is probably closer to 10,000. – I’d keep posting it on FB in the classifieds groups & go on craigslist. I have had a lot of success in both. Be patient, you should get at least 4900. for that thing – and the buyer will be happy to have it. Al
We bought a 2018 JaycoJayFlight pull behind in November 2017. We owe $20K. I don’t like it because and we have had so many issues. My husband has done all the work instead of taking it to the dealer as we are full time RVers. Is it worth it to trade it in when it’s less than a year old? I know we would have to buy more expensive. I don’t know if we could sell it for the $20K we owe. I would like me an Airstream.
Judith, what model Jay Flight? What issues have you had with it? And… why are you looking to switch to Airstream?
i traded in my 5th wheel the dealer didn’t inspect the unit. after it was traded in hidden damage was found in back wall and floor due to the the top not being maintained. the dealer wants me to pay for the damage. I didn’t know it was there so am i responsible or does it fall on the dealer?
Lisa,
Thats a legal question. As a non-attorney, it would seem to me that if you didn’t know about the damage, and all the paperwork is signed, you acted in good faith and you owe them nothing (after all, they are the experts and they are expected to identify issues on your trade before they commit to a final price. (i’m assuming you have the new trailer and all paperwork is signed and done.) That said – you need to read the contract you signed with them, they may have a clause requiring you to disclose all damage and that may entitle them to go after you for the damage. You may wish to consult some local legal services to see how this situation is handled in your state. Let me know how it turns out. Al
Sorry. The Keystone Passport Ultra Light Grand Touring is a 2650BH. And the Grand Design is a 320MKS. I have only bought one other RV and that was the passport so I’m not familiar with why they are offering me the $22,000 which would be way top end. You know the saying too good to be true…
They’re offering you 22000 on the trade to make you feel all warm and fuzzy. What they are not doing is discounting the trailer one penny. Ok, so what matters here is the difference of 39587. How they derive it, whether its by assigning a bloated figure on your trade or a deep discount on the grand design – you’re paying 39587 for that trailer with your trade (plus what you owe currently on your loan for the passport.) I believe you can probably get a dealer (maybe this one, maybe another) to do the same deal for a difference closer to 35000. – and THAT would be a fair deal.
What part of the nation are you in? I could help with the negotiating and see what offer I can get you. I also have 2 concerns (of significance) about the Grand Design as I personally was considering their trailers but rejected them after a conversation with their engineers. First – they use Westlake tires – these are chinese and in my view not as reliable as GoodYear Endurance. Second, above the tires, there is NO metal plate to separate the tires (in the event of a blowout) from the interior of your coach. When this happened to me in 2012 with junk chinese tires, I suffered over $3000. in damage and weeks in the repair shop to undo the damage caused by poor construction (I had a Crossroads Seville that retailed for over $80,000!)
As an example I have a Jayco Eagle HT 30.5CKTS here on my lot (https://www.jayco.com/products/fifth-wheels/2018-eagle-ht-fifth-wheel/305ckts/) that is about the same price as the Grand Design, if I worked a deal for you, it would come closer to 35000 than what they’re offering (you also need to ask them about any other “hidden” fees to get an “out the door” price.)
I know I’m throwing a lot at you, but its a lot of money and I’d want to see you in something quality for what you’re spending. Feel free to call me at 307 269 2546 to discuss further. Alan
I am wanting to buy a 2019 Grand Design. List is $61,587. My trade is a 2012 Keystone Passport Ultra Light Grand Touring. They figured $22,000 for my trade bringing the cost of the Grand design down to $39,587. I owe $15,000 so that puts the price of the Grand Design back at $54,000 and change. Is this deal on the up and up? Is it a good deal. Never seen one done like this.
Ken,
I need model numbers to figure out whether they’re giving you a good deal or not. And… what do you mean by “never seen one done like this”?
Thank you Alan for the feedback. Let me do some deeper research. How does your extended repair plan work . CW in Denver verbally said $51K on our trade in so that sounds pretty good; You agree? They have a 2018 Jayco 317 RLOK for $53,669. I think an even trade might fly, then we will just pay for them to add the WD, Gen. Jolley Roger in Cheyenne is asking $49,900 for same Jayco; my husband likes the Jayco 336 FBOK 1.5 BA for $56K at CW in Denver, assuming we could get them to even swap on trade in. Are there photos and more detail on the Jayco on your lot? I do like that it’s prepped for WD and Gen. Would love to find something in our trade in price range that already has WD and Gen. as I worry whoever installs them will drag it out for more than a week and they’ll screw up something based on our experience ( CW comes to mind. Lol) Liked your post about RV length and agree 34.5 ft sounds perfect! Your writing is very professional—when is your book coming out?
Dawn,
Lets start with this: It MATTERS where you get the trailer, especially if you are looking to add a w/d and generator – that kind of work, if done poorly, will cost you for years to come.
Next thought – when it comes to trade-in value, CW can say “51,000”, but that means nothing. What DOES mean something is the DIFFERENCE that you will have to pay to get what you want. At the moment, CW is showing a difference of 2669. between the 51000 and 53669. Perhaps they’ll negotiate further, perhaps they won’t, BUT, what you need to know about CW, beyond what you stated yourself about their (well known) reputation for their service department, is their hidden fees. Ask them if you have to pay 2669. as a difference, what additional fees will you have to pay. (I had a client who was quoted 35000 for a trailer and when all the added fees were tacked on, it was 41600!!)
In contrast, I have offered you a difference of 5000. and there are NO additional fees on that deal. AND… I can assure you the generator work & washer/dryer (and anything else) will get done right as I have faith in my techs. I should also point out that the price of a trailer is dependent upon how it is equipped. The 317 on our lot in Casper has two a/c units, dry camping package with gen prep, 2″ receiver in the back, auto-level, 23 cu ft residential fridge, and more. You can see photos here – https://stalkupsrv.com/inventory/fifth+wheels/2019-eagle-317rlok-casper-wy-5b53406c680b816df7359a72/ (This likely explains why Jolly Roger in Cheyenne is asking less for theirs.)
I’d like to invite you to come to Casper, perhaps today or even tomorrow (Sunday) to see the 317RLOK and I want you to know that if you purchase it, I can get the w/d and gen installed within just a few days (along with prepping the trailer, etc.) Every trailer we sell gets a full dealer prep, a comprehensive walk-through and orientation, 2 batteries, filled propane, and a 60 day temporary plate AT NO EXTRA CHARGE.
Regarding the 336FBOK, it has 2 bathrooms, I’d only recommend it if you TRULY need 2 bathrooms (within about 10 feet of each other!), otherwise its a poor use of the space you have within the trailer.
Lastly – our extended service contract gives you 7 years of coverage on all components (a/c, refrig, landing gear, slide motors, furnace, etc…) where the service is $0 per incident if handled here in Casper, and $100 per incident anywhere else in the US or Canada. You choose your repair facility. There is also money built in for mobile service calls, hotel stays when traveling if you can’t stay in your trailer, and more. You can also terminate the contract and receive the unused portion back or you can transfer it to a new owner if you sell your trailer.
Lastly, in your price range to get the w/d and gen included, if you go for a new trailer, you’re going to be sacrificing quality as I noted in an earlier message. Feel free to call me at 307 269 2546 to arrange a time to meet if you wish to visit Casper. (If its late in the day, we can break bread or get coffee and talk.) Alan
Thank you Al for your response! Here are items I believe fall into the options category for our 42’ Regal 2003 Monaco Dynasty: aqua hot system, washer/dryer combo, inverter, 12 cu ft two way four door Norcold fridge w/ ice maker, Carefree automatic patio awning, new microwave/convection combo, two of our three roof 3.5 M BTUs w/ heat pumps are new, Onan generator w/ slide out upgraded to 10.0 KW, power cord reel, booth dinette, storage bay slide out tray pass through, dual air/hydraulic leveling,exhaust brake, furnace, inmotion satellite, blue ox tow bar stays w/ motorhome, plus tire covers. Of the eight tires, three are new and five are four years old. We are in Colorado for the next month, Plan on putting a shine on the Dynasty this week and take it the following week to the big dealers along the Front Range,but with your input to make sure we do it right, you are a prophet crying in the RV World wilderness,…only humble, honest people will benefit from your insight. The rest have egos that won’t allow them to listen to sage advice from an expert; what a valuable service you provide to RVers,👍
Dawn,
Thanks again for your kind words. With respect to the options list you provided, most of it is standard on a Regal Monaco Dynasty as they do come loaded. The 10kw generator is a legitimate upgrade (but it only adds 170. to the value) and the aqua hot system may be as well. According to NADA, the retail value is 76,500., I believe we can up the value to 77000 but thats about it. What is working against you is age (over 15 years now that the 2019 models are showing up) and mileage (about 100,000 miles) – mileage does not factor in directly, but it is in the back of the dealers mind as he knows he will get “push back” from potential buyers when they see those miles on it. Now to “wholesale” and “acv” values – your wholesale is about 56000 and the acv (as you assessed initially) is 48000 – this is the REAL value to any dealer.
Ok, lets look at your plan: Get 60k on trade and buy a 60k 5th wheel. Mathematically, while that can work, if you want a new 5th wheel of any real quality, you’re looking at more than 60k. On my lot in Casper, Wy (about 4 hours North of the front range in Co.), my 5th wheels that retail for 60k are not built for true full time use and I would not recommend them.
I do have a 2018 Jayco Eagle 317RLOK I would recommend for several reasons – first, its 37 ft. long which is “not too short, not too long”, it has dual opposing slides in the living area with a LARGE fridge (happens to be a residential fridge), center island (makes for more food prep and storage space), 2 a/c units, 4pt auto-level, and a nice rear living type layout. The bedroom has a slide and the bed is east-west which means the complete front cap is a closet (and has w/d hookups) and it is gen-prepped. The retail on the Eagle 317RLOK 5th wheel is 77223. If I were to do a deal on this with yours as a trade, I’d take yours on trade plus $5000. and that would get you the Eagle 317RLOK (and frankly, that would be an excellent deal as our profit on that deal would be similar to what I make when I sell a $20,000. trailer!)
Seeing these numbers as they are, any extras (w/d, generator, solar, etc.) would be tacked on as additional costs. If you were to find a trailer (even a used one) for $60,000., the dealer would be making you an offer where you can go “straight across” and perhaps get a w/d added in, but not much more. Again – my concern is new 5th wheels that retail for $60k are NOT what you want to live in.
You’re certainly welcome to come up to Casper to see the 317 Jayco up here; if you opt to shop the Front Range, I’d be glad to consult with you if you see something you believe has potential and I do offer a buying service where I can even negotiate the final price for you to secure the best deal. Oh, and regardless, don’t buy an extended service contract as I can get you a great deal on that, and yes, I highly recommend them!
Alan