​Preparing Your RV For Sale: What You Need To Know

In an economy where people are flying less, driving more, and taking more budget-friendly vacations, you might think your used recreational vehicle would practically sell itself; however, that's far from the case. Buyers are more discerning than ever when it comes to motorhomes. If you're planning to offer your used motorhome for sale​, what can you do to ensure a speedy sale that matches your price expectations? 

Fortunately, there are quite a few easy things you can do before you offer up your used motorhome for sale that will have buyers lining up around the block. 

1. Clean your RV thoroughly. 

Cleaning your RV might sound obvious, but you'd be surprised at what some RV owners try to get away with when it comes to cleanliness. Put yourself in a buyer's shoes. It's really hard to imagine your family cruising together down the open road when you're confronted with a reality of peanut butter stains and cigarette smell. 

Before offering your RV for sale, scrub the interior and exterior thoroughly. Open the windows and doors and let any smells dissipate. Focus on small details - shine the chrome on fenders and hubcaps, and have any upholstery steam cleaned. 

2. Bring your motorhome in for routine maintenance. 

While it's customary and understandable that you'll leave major engine repairs to the next owner - with proper documentation, of course - it's a good idea from a sales perspective to have the oil changed, fluids topped off, tires rotated, windshield wiper blades replaced, and any other basic maintenance taken care of. 

RV buyers are a discerning bunch, and many have been known to pop the hood and have a look at the oil level. These kinds of small, good-faith upgrades on your part can pay big dividends when it comes time to close. 

3. Make any small repairs to the interior. 

Just as with the engine, you'll need to weigh the cost of any interior repairs against what you're likely to recoup at closing; however, low-cost repairs are usually a safe bet. Have a hinge door hinge that always squeaks? Oil it. Cabinet door missing? Replace it yourself. 

Anything within reason you can do to make the RV more "move-in ready" is likely to increase the amount of interest in the vehicle. 

4. Time the sale. 

Just like many other outdoor and leisure activities, the RV market has distinct peaks and valleys which correspond to the seasons. The very best time to sell your RV is spring or very early summer, when kids are preparing for summer vacation, and adults are likely planning time away from work. 

Selling during this peak season helps ensure you'll get top dollar for your motorhome. If for some reason you've missed the early-year window, it's often better to wait until early fall, when sales show a brief spike. If all else fails and you must sell during the winter months, be prepared to lower your asking price if necessary. 

5. Advertise

 

Selling an RV is work. You can't just put an "RV For Sale" sign in the front yard and expect buyers to come knocking. 

First, have high quality pictures taken of your vehicle - preferably during nice weather. Write an accurate, high-quality description of the RV, and have a flier printed that you can post around your area. Also remember that word of mouth is one of the strongest advertisers around - so don't forget to tell friends and family members that your motorhome is up for sale.

6. Go through an RV dealership

Dealerships can save you the time and hassle of major prepping, cleaning, and fixing your motorhome before a sale and then dealing with prospective buyers if you’d rather go that route. 

Whether you’re selling your RV yourself or going through a dealer, use these tips to get the most for your vehicle

​Common Mistakes among RV Rentals in Syracuse NY

Those who take advantage of RV rentals in Syracuse, NY tend to be people who are new to recreational vehicles. They may be renting as a learning process prior to buying, or they may just want a cheap RV rental as a way to facilitate an interesting vacation or weekend adventure. Because these people are new to RVing, they tend to make the same newbie mistakes. To avoid the same mistakes, here’s a list of the most common ones:

• Embarrassed to Be the Newbie 

Many people are understandably prideful and embarrassed to reveal their ignorance by asking questions. This can be a big problem when they’re already on their adventure. It’s important to know, however, that RVers are a tight-knit community; bonds form quickly at RV sites. All RVers were newbies once, and most are happy to help. 

• Avoiding Pre-Rental Orientation 

Most RV rentals in Syracuse, NY include a pre-rental/delivery orientation. This too may seem embarrassing or even somewhat of a hassle. Make the time, however, and take advantage of it. Don’t make assumptions about RVs because they all have idiosyncrasies, and it can be very helpful to review the checklists in a relaxed environment before having to use them for real. 



• Failure to Use Checklists 

The dealerships and rental agencies create and refine these checklists for a reason: They know that the people in the market for a cheap RV rental usually aren’t experienced and can easily overlook small but important items. Many of the items on the checklist may seem obvious, but they’re a great way to ensure you don’t make a small mistake that can cause a big issue. For instance, one of the most common newbie mistakes is driving with the water pump or water heater on. It’s an easy mistake to make but can lead to big damages that you’re responsible for. 

• Underestimating Living Space 

In order to save money on the rental, many first-timers will opt for the smallest or most-cramped RV that they feel they can get away it. The problem is that your assessment of comfort will change considerably once you have to sit, sleep, bathe and so forth in a confined space. 

• Overambitious Trip Planning 

Most first-timers don’t appreciate how hard an RV can trip can be. It’s particularly taxing on the driver, and it can take its toll on the passengers as well. That’s why experienced RVers tend to plan for a lot of relaxation and enough time that they can drive leisurely rather than having to press. 

• Driving Too Fast and Too Long 

RVs aren’t built for the speeds that many passenger cars are, and driving too fast is dangerous and can lead to serious accidents. In addition, most new RV drivers aren’t prepared for the stress of driving such a vehicle for long periods and should take many breaks to keep themselves in peak physical and mental shape. 

• Appreciating the RV’s Width, Length, Height and Weight 

Most new drivers aren’t able to judge the vehicle’s dimensions accurately. Take it slow, and be willing to use a spotter to help you navigate tight courses. There are plenty of parking lots and similar areas that are easy enough to enter but not so easy to turn around in or back out from. Before you enter any tight area, make sure you know how you’re getting the RV out. 

For those who are new to RVing, a rental is a great way to experience before you buy; just use these tips as a ‘leg up’ when getting started, and enjoy the adventure.