Your RV has served you well, but time moves on and so must you! Trading it in can be a great way to ensure someone still gets some use out of it, while also getting you a discount on your next model. But if you want to maximize your trade-in value, you’ll need to do a few things to make sure your rig is worth as much as it possibly can be.
So we here at Colaw RV gathered a few of our favorite tips to get you a head start on preparing your RV for the trade. If you end up needing more help or you’re just looking for help valuing your rig, stop by our location in Carthage, MO. Our friendly staff will work with you to get you what you need, from answers to parts, service to financing!
Cleaning Up Nice
If you’re trading your RV in, you’ll want it to look like it’s fresh off the line. You wouldn’t want to buy a camper that’s dingy and banged up, so don’t try to foist that off on others if you can help it! Luckily, a good cleaning will do most of the heavy lifting in that department. Here’s a brief checklist of things to do and look at: Remove any and all personal effects. This isn’t going to be your camper anymore, and you want whoever looks at it next to see themselves reflected in it. Wash the exterior of the camper. Use a gentle hose and soft rags or sponges to avoid damaging the paint, seals, or caulking. Check the awning for stains or tears. Touch up any chips and scratches. Wash all the windows and mirrors. Clean all cabinets, wardrobes, and storage compartments. Empty and thoroughly clean out the fridge and freezer. Clean the microwave, stovetop, sinks, and faucets. Again, use gentle implements and cleaning solutions to avoid damaging the finish. Eliminate odors by washing and cleaning all carpets and linens. Replace any stained or damaged upholstery. Clean and disinfect the shower and toilet, still keeping to gentler cleaning implements. Make sure mattresses and cushions are clean and odor-free. Spray an air freshener around the inside. Something mild to avoid any allergic reactions, but with a nice scent that makes you feel good about being in there.
Not A Fixer Upper
No matter how squeaky-clean your camper is, no one wants a fixer-upper RV! Give your rig a thorough inspection to make sure all systems and moving parts are in good shape and ready for the road. Any minor damage you can fix yourself should be seen ASAP, and that should help make your camper more appealing without pouring too much money into it.
A brief checklist of things to go over:
- Check on the age and condition of your tires. Make sure the tread isn’t too much lower than your owner’s manual recommends, and verify the sidewalls are undamaged. Change them if need be and you can afford to.
- Verify also that the tread is the same depth on all four tires. If they’re wearing down unevenly, there may be an alignment issue.
- Make sure all steps are steady.
- Make sure appliances and outlets function.
- Replace burnt-out lightbulbs. Check for leaks in the roof and windows.
- Check your water inlet, water pump, water tank, water heater, sinks, showers, and waste systems. Make sure they all function properly and don’t leak or drip.
- Look for soft spots in the flooring that might indicate wood rot in the subfloor. If there are any, pull the carpet and replace the sub-flooring.
- Clean any and all corrosion from the battery compartment, wiring, and terminals.
- Find all keys to all locks on the camper.
Records Matter
Your final step is to make sure you have all the necessary papers in order. This includes the RV registration, service records, and any other documents a prospective owner might want to see. Well-maintained campers retain more of their original value, so keep the vehicle history report as up-to-date as possible with all service and maintenance details.
If you’ve checked all these boxes and you’re ready to get your vehicle valued, or you found damage you can’t repair on your own, stop by Colaw RV in Carthage, MO. We’ll make sure your camper is in good shape and ready for its next owner!
