Fall is a popular time for selling campers, since many people don’t want to pay storage costs or go through the trouble of winterizing their RVs for the cold months. Whether you’re planning to upgrade your model next spring or want to get rid of your rig for good, here’s what you need to know before selling your RV:

Find out how much your RV is worth

Use a trusted source such as NADA Guides to figure out how much your rig is worth, and then take into account wear and tear so you’re setting a fair price.

Fix it up

Before trying to sell your RV, give it a thorough cleaning, inside and out, and make any necessary repairs. Kampgrounds of America also recommends putting together a file of all receipts, repairs and maintenance logs for your RV and any included appliances, as well as any warranties that would transfer to the new owner.

According to Camping World, first impressions are crucial to selling your camper, so make sure it’s in the best possible condition.

Put together an attractive ad

If you’re going to advertise your rig online, you should write up a short description of the vehicle and include at least 10 high-quality photos of both the inside and outside. Videos are also smart to include, according to KOA, and RVTrader.com is a good place to advertise.  

Or, you can sell your RV on consignment

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of answering phone calls and meeting with potential buyers, you can sell your RV on consignment. A consignment dealer will handle all the advertising, paperwork, inquiries, and will show your vehicle to potential buyers so you don’t have to.

According to Family Motor Coach Association, consignment dealers will also establish a market price for your RV, accept trade-ins or paying immediate cash for your rig and arrange RV financing for buyers.

Consignment periods are usually one month or 90 days, according to FMCA, and the dealer will either charge a set commission (such as 10 percent) or base the commission on the value of the motorhome and the final selling price. You may also have to pay a one-time set-up fee.

Insurance

If you’re going to sell your RV on consignment, it’s important to be aware of what your insurance will and will not cover. Your rig could be damaged by fire, vandalism, weather or a number of other things while it’s on the dealer’s lot, so FMCA recommends checking with your insurance agent before signing a consignment agreement. There’s a good chance your policy contains a consignment coverage exclusion, meaning your insurance will not apply while your RV is on the dealer’s lot.