Travel trailers allow people to see the country, have a safe place to live and provide recreation.
There are different reasons to sell a travel trailer. New models come out on the market with better insulation, windows, and so forth. Economic needs can change overnight as political, medical, or other situations arise. Some people retire from the road while others try it and decide it’s not for them.
Whatever the reason, selling a travel trailer can be harder than buying one. Simply placing a “For Sale” sign on it and waiting may not produce results. Listing it in the local newspaper or Craigslist may garner phone calls, but no sales.
The following tips will help sell a travel trailer.
For this article, travel trailer and trailer will apply to fifth-wheels, tow trailers, tiny trailers, home builts and any type or year of travel trailer.
One- Photos
· Include a picture of the trailer, no matter what site/newspaper it is advertised on. This cuts down on phone calls/emails asking for pictures. · Take pictures of both the inside and the outside of the trailer. · Remove trash and belongings from the inside and from the outside of the trailer. The trailer could be as sound as the Rock of Gibraltar, but if it’s full of or surrounded by trash, I’ll pass. · Take clear pictures. Fuzzy or dark pictures suggest the seller is trying to hide something. · Hiring a photographer would not hurt one bit. He or she could help select the best photos to post with the advertisement.
Two- Title
· The seller should let buyers know he or she has clear title to the trailer in the advertisement. Again, this cuts down on the number of calls/emails asking. · If the seller has lost the title, replace it before putting the trailer up for sale. Telling buyers they aren’t getting a title suggests the seller may not be the legitimate owner, and often going through the process of obtaining a “lost title” costs more than the trailer is worth, with the application being rejected.
Three- Honesty
· Be honest about leaks, working/non-working appliances, broken windows and rot in the frame. This will help eliminate showing the trailer to dozens of people who all walk away. The ones who know what they are getting into will come. · If the trailer has not been used for some time, be honest with the buyers. · List all the amenities. Do not say “full bathroom” if only a porta-potty exists. A potential buyer will be upset, and could flag the post on Craigslist for dishonesty. · If the trailer is a wreck, let the buyer know. State that the trailer needs to be rebuilt, not “handyman’s dream” or “needs work.” If the trailer needs some work, list what needs to be repaired. · The buyer should protect himself or herself by clearly listing “for sale as is.”
Four- Maintenance
· Maintain the trailer, do not just leave it to sit. Test the electric, water, tanks, etc., and make sure everything works. Not only will the seller be able to tell potential buyers everything works (a HUGE plus), but if something happens and the buyer needs it for shelter, it is available and sound. · Keep records of all repairs, maintenance and purchases of appliances. This helps buyers know the age of the items and when replacements may be due.
Five- Price
· Research the Blue Book for RV’s to find out how much the trailer is worth. · Research local papers and Craigslist to find out the average for the year/length/model of the trailer up for sale. · Do not over-inflate the price. Buyers will pass by and buy the same length/model/year for a far lower price. · For those buyers needing money, perhaps offering a small discount for a full- price purchase in cash will help. Do not post this online- only offer it to those who show to see the trailer in person.
Other Hints:
· Once the sale is made, remove the advertisement from the newspaper or Craigslist. This alleviates stress among buyers, and saves the seller from numerous phone calls and emails. · Write a bill of sale or purchase a bill of sale form to keep everything legal. If any disagreements or problems arise, this document could keep the buyer from being sued. · In the bill of sale, include the accurate VIN or serial number of the trailer. If the buyer can’t get a title transfer or insurance because the numbers do not match, a lawsuit could take place. · Get the trailer ready to move for the buyer. Don’t just walk away and leave them trying to figure out how to put the stabilizers up if it’s their first trailer. · The seller should remove all their belongings before advertising the trailer. Anything left inside after the sale, no matter how valuable, becomes the property of the buyer.
Following these tips will help sell the trailer in the most expedient manner. Some trailers may be in good shape, but sit on Craigslist, beside the road wearing a sign, or in the newspapers for months on end because the ads lack the above information.
For buyers looking for a trailer, this information will help locate the trailer hoped for. Learning what to look for in a used trailer will also help.
Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse forms of DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects and more.