Find the Value of a Motorhome

The process of determining the value of a motorhome, trailer and camper is similar to that of automobiles. Just like when you buy a new car, the moment you purchase a RV and drive it off the dealer's lot it will decline in value by thousands of dollars. One of the best ways to ensure you get the most for your money is to find the value of a motorhome you want and purchase a used one that has already depreciated in value by at least a year.

Steps

  1. Assess basic facts about the motorhome you want to purchase. Whether it's new or used you'll need to know the exact year, make, model, size and total miles driven to begin determining the actual value of the motorhome.
  2. Hire a mechanic to perform a total inspection of the motorhome's mechanical and house systems. All operational systems must be examined to find the motorhome's value, including the engine, drive chain, electrical and plumbing systems. The mechanic should work in the RV industry and have extensive knowledge about motorhomes, especially the type that you want.
  3. Examine the exterior for any possible problems or damage to the fiberglass, decals, roof and undercarriage. Look for consistency in paint color, cosmetically repaired scratches, dents or cracks, especially down by the wheel hubs where major damage can occur in the event of a tire blowout. Check the roof for uncaulked areas that could be signs of a leaky roof. Carefully go over the exterior walls for warping or delamination. Check slide out seals for cracks.
  4. Perform a careful inspection of the motorhome's interior. One way to find the value of a motorhome is to designate whether the RV interior has damage that is cosmetic in nature and easily repaired, or if it has signs of something more serious like an ongoing plumbing leak. Look for ceiling stains and check underneath sinks for water damage. The carpet should be in good condition and all powered options, such as slide out motors, need to work.
  5. Jot down all the type of appliances and optional features such as the type of refrigerator, stove, air conditioner, awning lengths and entertainment units. Many owners of pre-owned motorhomes select extras at the time of purchase that can add considerable value when reselling the RV.
  6. Review all of the factors about the motorhome and give it an overall rating of "excellent," "fair" or "poor" to find the value. Although high mileage can degrade the motorhome's rating to "poor," it can also raise it to "fair" if the motorhome has been well maintained and shows few signs of excessive wear and tear.
  7. Shop and compare by looking online at RV sales websites. One of the best ways to find the value of a motorhome is to see what other people are selling the exact same model for in your part of the country. The website RV Trader Online has extensive classified listings to help you find the value of a motorhome.
  8. Consult with National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Guide, which contains RV values for trailers, campers and motorhomes, in addition to automobiles. You can select the exact type of motorhome you are considering and by indicating what features the motorhome has, the NADA Guide will give you a preliminary assessment based on "Suggested," "Low" and "Average" retail values.

Tips

  • Many people assume that Kelly Blue Book (KBB) can help find the value of motorhomes and RVs, but this vehicle pricing resource is only a guide for automobiles and trucks, not recreational vehicles.

KBB does offer values on personal watercraft, motorcycles and snowmobiles.

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References

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