While there are advantages to owning an RV, such as not having to pay for motel rooms during travel, these homes on wheels depreciate approximately 20 percent in value in the first year of ownership. If you have the urge to sell your used RV, or you want to buy a pre-owned one, you need to know how to price one. Once you know what the used model you have or want to acquire is worth, you can avoid being taken advantage of by an individual or dealer.
Write down the current mileage of your recreational vehicle. This is one of the factors that determines value.
Inspect the interior of the motor home for nonworking appliances, water leaks, and wear and tear. Look over the outside for dents, paint chips or structural damage. Ensure that all mechanical parts work.
Write down any items that have been added to the RV such as awnings, after-market mirrors, satellite systems or antennae. Include any major mechanical work to your engine or other working components of the RV.
Open a web browser on your personal computer. Navigate to the NADA Appraisal Guides website, nadaguides.com, and select "Recreation Vehicles." Select the make of the RV from the list. Click on the year of the RV and the correct model.
Select the relevant options and equipment included on the RV, then click on "Get Used Value." You will receive the suggested list price of the RV if it were brand new as well as average and low retail values with and without the options.
Price the used RV using the average or low retail values with added equipment and options as a guideline. If the RV is in excellent condition, or is at least clean with no major cosmetic defects and everything works, an asking price closer to average retail value is appropriate. If it has cosmetic or mechanical issues, price it closer to low retail value.
