Last Updated on March 7, 2024
Key Takeaways:
- Determining Resale Value:
- Utilize NADA guide for RVs.
- Check dealership and RVTrader.com pricing for similar models.
- Factors Influencing Value:
- Maintenance and length of ownership.
- Brand reputation and overall condition.
- Brands with High Resale Value:
- Jayco:
- Strong warranty package.
- Custom-built frames and top construction.
- Airstream:
- Quality aluminum construction.
- Excellent space utilization.
- Grand Design:
- Diverse floor plans.
- Quality warranty and customization options.
- Winnebago:
- Solid construction and reputable brand.
- Customizable design options.
- Oliver:
- Durable construction and rigorous inspections.
- High-quality tires and solid build.
- Jayco:
- Prepping for Resale:
- Conduct a thorough inspection for damage and repairs.
- Check water system, insulation, and power features.
Even with love and care, every RV eventually needs to be traded or cashed in. As you look to upgrade to a new RV, it is important to get the most resale value for your old rig. It’s been a good year for you if you are about to sell a used RV, resale value in 2021 went up significantly. The RV I bought in January for 65K, now it’s 72+ online everywhere. Good for me if I want to sell it today.
If you want to find out how much you can get for your used RV, the first step is to calculate the value of your RV. Even though a dealer will know the industry, they may try to give you a low price so they can make the biggest profit. This is something you have to calculate yourself before you go RV shopping. Dealers need to make money too.
To find out how much your RV really worth:
- Use the NADA guide for RVs
- Check dealership pricing of similar models that are selling
- Go to RVtrader.com and see the price for the same RV
- The value of the RV will depend on how long you have had it and how well you maintained it. The average RV will last between 15 and 20 years. How well it was manufactured, how often you used it, and how you took care of it will all influence how long it lasts. The less wear and tear there is and the better the overall condition, the higher the resale value will be. However, an RV that was sitting in one place for many years won’t be good either. Pipes and rubber might be cracked and dried out.
Even with the best care, there are some brands of RV that hold their resale value better than others. The top 5 brands below are known to keep their value, typically allowing you to get a better resale offer.
Jayco
Jayco RVs and travel trailers have been around for a while and the brand has been upgrading its vehicles. It is not uncommon to find a Jayco RV fully loaded with all the comforts of home. For selling an RV, this is a good thing, because the more features an RV has, the better price you can get. The key features offered by Jayco that help an RV keep a high resale value include:
- Strong warranty package
- Custom-built frames to maximize comfort and living space
- Top construction using lamination and bonding in walls and roof
- High-quality insulation for comfort and to protect pipes and wiring
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Airstream
Airstream has been building RVs since before WW2 and they remain a top competitor in the industry today. The name is recognized and known for its solid reputation with quality and value. There are a number of features that make Airstream valuable and can guarantee a high resale value. The name carries a lot of weight and most Airstream units sell for close to the buying price 2 years later, when properly maintained.
- Top exterior construction with aluminum skin
- Excellent use of space
- Smaller units for easier maneuverability
Grand Design
Grand Design is known for producing quality units, and this quality is known to last. This means that so long as you take care of your RV, you can get a decent resale price. One of the most popular features of Grand Design RVs is their numerous floor plans. There is something for everyone, which means when you need to sell your RV, there will be a market. In addition to this Grand Design RVs offer:
- A great warranty
- Customizable features for comfort
- Solid fiberglass exterior that lasts and looks good for a long time
Winnebago
Winnebago is another name in the RV industry that has been around and is trusted. With top-quality production, Winnebago RVs have proven to stand the test of time and can hold their value over time as a result of several key features:
- Made with solid, high-quality construction
- Customizable design options
- Well-known brand and reputation
Oliver
Oliver is one of the newer brands in the Rv industry, but it is already a leading contender. They have designed and built quality RVs that maintain value so you get a good price on any resale. In addition to revolutionary wall construction, Oliver RVs offer:
- E-rated 10-ply tires for an extended duration
- Solid and durable construction
- Each RV passes a 3-part, tough inspection process
Prepping Your RV For Resale
Before you get your RV listed for sale, it is worth conducting an inspection, similar to one that will be performed when pricing your RV. The important things to look for and repair if necessary include:
- Water damage in the roof, floor, and walls
- Signs of mold or mildew
- Doors, windows, and cabinets (check for irregularities)
- The water system
- Insulation
- Power and safety features
- Tires and wheels
The top 5 brands listed above are the most trusted and reliable RV brands and are the best to have when it comes to resale. It is not uncommon to outgrow your RV and to start looking for upgrades. When this time comes, knowing what your brand has to offer can help you secure a great resale price.
