In this article, we break down the three best options for selling your RV in the US.
Whether you’re looking for a quick sale through a dealership or want to sell it privately for the highest possible price, our team breaks down the pros and cons of each option so you can feel confident when deciding how you want to sell your RV.
Summary
- Most profitable: RV buy-and-sell marketplaces.
- Lowest cost: Non-RV marketplaces and RV forums.
- Easiest: RV dealerships, trade-ins, and consignment.
RV buy-and-sell marketplaces
Typically, the most profitable way to sell an RV is by listing it on RV buy-and-sell marketplaces such as RV Trader, RVT, Camping World, and RVezy — more info on the best websites below.
Because these websites are RV-focused, they allow sellers to add lots of relevant information that helps simplify the buying process. With searchable filters such as make, model, year, price, type, length, and weight, buyers can quickly find what they want.
Most RV marketplaces will list new and used RVs from private sellers and dealerships. While most websites charge a listing fee, the cost is relatively small compared to the average sale price of an RV. You also get to sell without commissions but have to manage the sales process with the buyer.
Pros
- Largest audience of RV buyers.
- You can sell nationwide without a commission.
- RV details such as make, model, year, and size are searchable by RV buyers.
Cons
- Most websites charge a small fee to list or promote your RV.
- You need to manage the sale of your RV.
- Prices can be very competitive when there are several similar RVs.
Best websites
RV trader
With over 150k listings, RV Trader is the largest buy-and-sell RV marketplace in the United States. With millions of monthly visitors, RV Trader is a great website to consider when selling your RV. The only downside to RV Trader is that their listing prices are higher than other marketplaces and expire after a shorter period of time.
RV Trader’s list prices will depend on two main factors: The listing price and how long you want the listing to last. RV Trader provides listing packages for two weeks, eight weeks, or one year. Prices vary from $79.95 for a two-week listing for an RV under $20,000 and $349.95 for a one-year listing for an RV over $90,000.
RVT
With roughly 100k listings, RVT is the second-largest buy-and-sell RV marketplace in the United States. While RVT might drive fewer potential buyers to your listing than RV Trader, most of their listing packages are active until the RV is sold and cost significantly less than RV Trader.
RVT listing packages cost between $39.95 and $259.95, depending on listing visibility and various features, such as photo count, video, and an optional money-back guarantee if your RV doesn’t sell.
RVezy
Launched at the end of 2023, The RVezy Marketplace is the U.S.'s newest and fastest-growing buy-and-sell marketplace. With tens of thousands of listings nationwide, it’s the only RV marketplace that doesn’t currently charge a listing fee. With new features coming out weekly and growing demand, it’s a no-risk option to consider when selling your RV.
RVezy also offers an RV rental marketplace where RV owners can make money renting out their RV when it's not in use. If you’re looking to sell your RV to buy a new one, you can also rent an RV on RVezy to try before you buy. View RV rentals near you.
Non-RV marketplaces
If you’re looking to list your RV for sale but don't want to spend much money upfront, there are a few marketplaces you’ll want to consider. Facebook Marketplace is your best option if you want to try selling your RV for free. While Craigslist and eBay are inexpensive, they have fees, as described below.
Best websites
Facebook Marketplace
Price to list
- Free.
Pros
- Free to list.
- Millions of potential buyers.
- The ability to review the buyer’s profile on Facebook.
Cons
- No RV-specific search filters (RV type, make, model, year, length, weight, etc.).
- A large number of spammers and scammers.
- Attracts less serious buyers with low-ball offers.
Craigslist
Price to list
Pros
- Low cost.
- Millions of potential buyers.
- Several RV-specific search filters.
Cons
- The website design is bland and outdated.
- A large number of spammers and scammers.
- Attracts less serious buyers with low-ball offers.
- Very little information about the seller.
eBay
Price to list
Sellers can choose from three different packages when listing an RV for sale on eBay. Some of the main differences in the packages are allowable photo count, listing length, and pricing eligibility (based on the RV’s sale price).
- Basic: $19 - 12 photos — duration of 7 days with a fixed price of $10,000 or less.
- Plus: $49 - 18 photos — duration of 30 days with a fixed price of $20,000 or less.
- Premium: $79 - 24 photos — duration of 30 days with no limit on fixed price.
Pros
- Millions of potential buyers.
- Several RV-specific search filters.
- Different buying formats (best offer, auction, buy it now, classified ads).
Cons
- Higher cost than other non-RV specific marketplaces.
- A large number of spammers and scammers.
- Attracts less serious buyers with low-ball offers.
RV dealerships, trade-ins, and consignment
Selling your RV to a business is the fastest and easiest to sell your RV. While you will likely receive a lower payout compared to selling the RV yourself, getting cash in hand quickly can be very appealing in certain situations.
- Your exchange value is pre-taxed when trading in your RV at a dealership. If you buy a $100,000 RV and get $10,000 for your trade-in, you only pay $90,000 + taxes. You save the taxes on the $10,000.
- If you’re using the money to pay off a loan with a high-interest rate, the faster you get the money, the less interest you will pay.
- If you have a low-value RV, the price difference between selling it to a dealership or privately might not be worth your time.
- When you want the easiest selling solution to sell your RV, and you don’t want to manage the sales process.
There are three ways to sell your RV with the help of a business or professional. You can get a direct cash offer, a trade-in value to apply to another RV or sell it through consignment. Consignment is having someone sell your RV on your behalf in exchange for a commission.
Pro tip: if you sell your RV through consignment, it’s important to ensure that you have the proper insurance for when your RV is not in your possession. It’s always best to talk to your RV insurance provider before consigning your RV to a third party.
Pros
- Fastest way to sell your RV.
- Easy, as you don’t need to do much.
- You don’t need to manage the sales process.
Cons
- Lower resale value.
- Some dealerships might not want to buy your RV (trade-in).
- Consignment requires some due diligence, such as consignment insurance.
Here are some of the top dealerships and consignment websites in the U.S.
Bonus: RV forums and classifieds
While they might not be as popular as they used to be, dozens of well-established RV forums can help you sell your RV at no cost. Where you should list your RV will depend on the make and type of RV you want to sell. There are general forums, like iRV2 where you can post any RV type, and other classified forums, like airstreamclassifieds.com, that cater only to the Airstream brand.
Pros
- Free to list.
- Very engaged and knowledgeable buyers.
- A variety of forums for several top RV brands.
Cons
- A lot less traffic than on other websites mentioned above.
- Fewer RVs for sale, causing buyers to leave the website faster.
Additionally, depending on the type of RV you're looking to sell, brand-specific classifieds can be quite popular, such as the Airstream Marketplace, where you'll find thousands of Airstream trailers and motorhomes for sale. While you have to pay to list, the fees are very low for the visibility you get.
Ready to sell your RV? List it for free on the RVezy Marketplace
Frequently asked questions
How can I determine the right price for my RV?
To determine an appropriate price for your RV, we’d recommend looking up the make and model of your RV in the NADA Guides. You should also research similar models on RV marketplaces and websites to understand the current market value. Consider age, make, model, mileage, condition, and any upgrades or modifications.
When is the best time to sell my RV?
Typically, the best time to sell your RV is during the spring and early summer, when demand is higher. Conversely, for buying a new RV, aim for the fall or early winter when demand is lower and negotiations are more likely. Sunshine states like Florida, California, Arizona, and Texas will have different buying and selling periods based on climate and demand.
Can I sell my RV if it still has an outstanding loan?
Yes, you can sell your RV even if it has an outstanding loan, but you'll need to pay off the remaining balance before transferring the title to the new owner. You can either pay the loan off with your funds or use the proceeds from the sale to pay it off, provided the sale price covers the outstanding amount. Communicating with your lender and the buyer is essential to ensure transparency during the process.
How do you transfer ownership of an RV?
To transfer ownership of an RV, you must complete a title transfer. This process typically involves the seller signing the title over to the buyer, completing a bill of sale, and submitting the necessary paperwork to the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or relevant state agency. Both parties must sign the documents, provide a valid ID, and pay any applicable fees. If buying an RV from a different state, it’s essential to validate what the seller and buyer states require to complete the transaction.
How can I ensure a safe and secure transaction when selling my RV?
To ensure a safe and secure transaction, consider using a reputable escrow service to handle the payment, especially when dealing with long-distance buyers or large sums of money. An escrow service helps protect both parties from potential fraud by holding the funds until all the transaction terms have been met.
What should I consider when meeting a potential buyer?
When meeting a potential buyer, arrange to meet in a public place during daylight hours for safety. Have all necessary documentation on hand and allow the buyer to inspect the RV, ask questions, and test drive the vehicle if they have a valid driver's license. Be prepared to discuss the price and negotiate if necessary.
Do I need to perform any emissions or safety inspections before selling my RV?
Requirements for emissions and safety inspections vary by state. Check your local laws to determine if you're required to have your RV inspected before selling it. Providing a recent inspection report can benefit you and the buyer and instill confidence in the purchase. Handling any required inspections beforehand can help avoid potential issues during the sale process.
Should I repair damages and outstanding mechanical issues before selling my RV?
Yes, fixing damages and addressing outstanding mechanical issues before selling your RV can be beneficial. However, repairs may not always be necessary if you plan to sell your RV to a dealership. Dealerships have access to lower repair costs and can handle these issues more cost-effectively. In such cases, investing in repairs might not result in a significant increase in the offer from the dealership. Therefore, consider evaluating your chosen selling method and potential return on investment before deciding on whether to repair your RV before selling it.
