First off… thank you🎉 for your interest in adding your renovated RV to our marketplace. Whether you’re looking to sell your RV or list your RV for rent, we hope these instructions are helpful as you complete the marketplace submission forms.
The more details you provide, the more likely it is that qualified customers will find your RV. And if you grant us permission, we will market your listing through social media, email marketing and paid advertising to help extend your audience exposure.
If you need help during the listing submission process, please contact us for help.
Table of Contents
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1. RV Photography
RV Photography Tips
We have an entire article dedicated to RV photography tips that are sure to get your listing noticed.
Read the full RV Photography Tips article.
It makes sense to start this instructional article discussing photography because the photos you upload of your renovated RV are the first impression for customers interested in your RV. Take your time and make sure the photos are well lit and not blurry. Focus on the details or features that make your RV stand out.
Each listing is allowed to upload up to 20 photos. People don’t just want to know about the condition of the RV—they want to see it, so upload as many photos as you can!
The kitchen is often the “money shot” since that’s where people spend the most time in an RV and it’s often the space where renovators spent the most time and effort. So be sure to upload a couple photos from different angles in the kitchen and consider including the best kitchen shot as your first listing photo.
Even if the other spaces in the RV aren’t renovated or modified as much as the kitchen, be sure to upload photos of each room: the cockpit (on motorhomes), main living area, bedrooms, garage (toy haulers), bathroom, or office.
Upload exterior shots including any storage space, awnings extended, kitchen setup, etc. Bonus points if the photos are set in a camping backdrop setting like boondocking or a scenic campground.
Technical guidelines
Images uploaded to the RV marketplace should follow these technical guidelines:
- Minimum image dimensions = at least 500px wide by 375px tall
- Maximum image dimensions = 8000px wide by 6000px tall
- Maximum file size = 6mb
- Up to 30 images allowed per listing
House rules
We also have a few rules for listing photos:
- You must own rights to the photos you upload.
- Be aware of artwork, symbols or decor in the photos that could be deemed hateful or abusive. While a renovated RV should have personality, we moderate all photo content and may work with you to upload new photos before publishing your marketplace listing if we deem a photo inappropriate for our audience.
- Photos must depict a realistic representation of the current state of the RV.
2. Basic Listing Features
Below is a list of the basic features and options you will fill out on the marketplace listing form. We ask that you fill out this form completely (even if a feature is marked as optional) because these are the most common features customers use when browsing and shopping. Descriptors of each feature can be found on the listing form to assist you in the submission process.
Title
Location
Price
Class type
Year
Title status
GVWR
Manufacturer
Model
Trim
Sleeping capacity
Length
Height
Slide outs
Fuel type
Mileage
Fresh water
Grey water
Black tank
Delivery
3. Name Your Price
Setting the price is one of the most important steps in effectively selling your renovated RV. A price set too high may hinder the sale, while a price set too low results in lost revenue.
We have an entire article dedicated to pricing a renovated RV. But here are a few tips for determining a fair market value of your RV:
- Scroll through the listings on our marketplace to get a feel for current renovation prices. Even if your exact RV isn’t listed, you can get a feel for how renovations might affect the pricing.
- Search for your exact year/make/model on Google to see the current average price of your specific RV. That’s a good start as your base price. Then add the value of upgrades, renovations and additional equipment you will be including in the listing.
- Decide if you want to leave a little room in the price for negotiation. Don’t say “yes” or “no” too quickly to any offer unless it’s entirely unrealistic. Many people negotiate for a used RV without knowing its actual value and only want to haggle down the price. It might take some selling to help the buyer understand the true value after they spend time reviewing the listing description details.
The important thing to remember when you’re choosing the price for your listing is to keep it reasonable. If you set the price too high, you might not get a lot of interested buyers. As a listing sits longer on the marketplace, potential buyers may get concerned that something is wrong with the RV.
4. Listing Description
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but photos alone can’t tell a customer everything they want to know about the beautiful RV you’ve listed.
A well written listing description should accurately highlight the most important and compelling features of your RV. You should include all the information about your rig, but keep it relevant. In other words, it’s okay to write a long description, but make sure it sticks to details buyers want to know.
When writing the description, try to flip the table and answer questions you would have if you were in the customer’s shoes. Some suggested topics you could cover in the description are listed below.
Renovation backstory
While an RV is just a basic utility for travel, sleeping, shelter, etc., customers are seeking a story. They want to be part of a story. And if they end up buying or renting your RV, they want to continue writing their own story with the RV.
So help the customers understand the history behind the renovation.
- Why did you renovate?
- What’s the inspiration behind the design?
- Have you traveled with the RV? Can you share pictures or videos of places you’ve been in the RV?
- What memories have you created with the RV?
And then there are the important details about the nuts and bolts of the renovation process…
- Did you complete the renovation by yourself?
- Did you work with professionals on any parts of the renovation?
- Do you have a contruction/design/painting background?
The majority of RV renovations are relatively simple cosmetic changes… paint, wallpaper, swapping furniture or window coverings. But if you re-routed plumbing or moved walls, a customer wants to feel comfortable with that construction process.
Writing tips
Be honest – Don’t waste your time or a buyer’s time by being evasive. Be up-front about any damage. You may be legally liable if you misrepresent your RV. If the buyer discovers undisclosed information through an inspection of their own or from a third-party inspector, they may feel like you misrepresented the condition of the RV. This can lead to uncomfortable situations if the buyer spent time and money traveling to inspect the rig.
If a buyer complains about a scratch, mark or stain during inspection, you may want to remind them that some wear-and-tear is normal for a used RV. Every used rig has scratches from road debris, and this is accounted for in the asking price. Used RVs actually have the benefit over new RVs that they have been road tested (and hopefully repaired if any issues were discovered).
Use proper punctuation and capitalization – You certainly don’t want potential buyers skipping past your listing because they can’t read or understand your listing description. Capitalizing entire words or sentences is difficult to read and makes it seem like you’re YELLING at people. Using slang can also drive people away from your listing.
Points to include in your listing description
The listing description should focus primarily on the renovation. After all, that’s why you and the potential customers are browsing the marketplace! But the RV will also serve a very functional purpose to customers, so you want to cover these important points as well.
Why are you selling? – This is one of the most common buyer questions, so answer this question upfront in your listing.
Define forms of payment – Let people know what payment you accept and disclose if the RV currently has a loan that would need to be paid off before transferring title. Do not take personal checks, and make sure you verify certified checks or money orders with the financial institution where they were issued. Never transfer any property until payment has been verified and cleared by your bank.
Disclose prior maintenance – Most RVs listed on our marketplace are used, which means buyers expect to find an RV that has some bumps and bruises from traveling down the highway. Used RVs actually have the benefit over new RVs that they have been road tested (and hopefully repaired if any issues were discovered). So don’t be afraid to list out repairs and maintenance. Give buyers peace of mind by letting them know you took diligent care of your RV.
It’s best if you have detailed maintenance records. Include things like how many miles you have driven it (even towable trailers), recent repairs, age of the tires, the last time it had maintenance such as oil changes, slide-out lubrication, brake checks and greasing the wheel bearings.
Disclose issues that might need fixing – Why wait to see if prospective buyers find a problem that they know you would have known about? Honesty can help avoid souring the deal. Is there water damage? Do the cupboard latches not close securely? Big or small, try to list out any issues.
Give warranty information – If your RV is still under warranty and it’s transferable to the next owner, list the type of coverage and remaining time left on the warranty. Disclose if you’ve ever had any warranty work completed and consider sharing details about where you went and how much time it took to complete the work.
Set your negotiating terms – Be sure to mention if your price is firm. Marketplace listings commonly use the following terms for pricing: firm, obo (or best offer), negotiable or must sell.
Additional listing features
Click each section below to expand information about additional features, upgrades, or details you might want to consider adding to your listing description to help persuade customers as they browse the marketplace looking for the perfect RV to tell their story.
- Furniture (Did you upgrade or add new furniture? Is furniture included in the sale?)
- Bedding (Did you upgrade a mattress? Did you add our favorite Beddys comforters or bedding?)
- Flooring (Subfloor fixes or upgrades. Was there water damage? Is the flooring slip, scratch, spill resistant?)
- DĂ©cor included?
- Exterior decals / paint (It’s less common to see exterior renovations, so be sure to call out any exterior changes so you can help your listing stand out.)
- Interior paint / wallpaper (While the customer might love exactly what they see, it’s also nice to know how easy it is to replace the wall coverings if they have different design taste.)
- Backsplash upgrades
- Shower upgrades
Here’s a sample list of popular accessories you might consider negotiating in a RV sale/rental:
- Water/sewer hoses and fittings
- Water filters
- Water pressure regulator
- Power cable/extension cords
- Tow hitch
- Weight distribution hitch
- 5th wheel tripod
- 5th wheel truck hitch
- Pet specific accessories
- Bike rack
- WiFi booster
When it comes down to it, the most important feature with any RV purchase or rental has nothing to do with the aesthetics… the floorplan has to fit the customer’s expectations.
A customer will have a list of needs vs wants, so spend some time listing out features you think help your RV stand out. Many of these options may be manufacturer included options but that doesn’t make them any less important than your specific renovation upgrades. These features will only help improve your sales pitch to customers, so elaborate where necessary.
You may notice that the list for the kitchen space is the longest list on this page. That’s because a kitchen functionality and design can literally make or break a listing. The top customer requests are always related to the kitchen.
Kitchen
- Stainless steel appliances
- Refrigerator (residential, electric/propane, capacity)
- Freezer capacity
- Full-size oven
- Convection microwave
- Microwave (size is a useful descriptor)
- Range hood with light
- 3-burner glass-top range
- 3-burner propane range
- Induction cooktop
- Butcher block countertops
- Residential style seamless countertops
- Stainless steel sink
- High rise kitchen faucet
- Sink cover
- Ball-bearing, full extension drawers
- Soft close drawers
- Hidden hinges on cabinetry
- Deep pantry with removable shelves
- Open shelving
- Dishwasher
- Wine cooler
- Dining table
- Clean sweep (no floor vents)
Outdoor Kitchen
- Sink with hot/cold running water
- Refrigerator (electric/propane, capacity)
- Grill size
- Cooktop / griddle
- Prep counterspace
- Storage drawers
- Propane quick-connect
Bedroom
- Mattress size(s)
- How old are the mattresses?
- Walk-around bed
- Lift bed (like a HappiJac system in a toy hauler)
- LED reading lights
- 110v power outlets on nightstands
- USB outlets
- Upgraded headboard
- Storage under bed
- Under bed storage strut lift assist
- TV in bedroom
Bunkroom
- How many permanent bunks
- Twin or full mattresses
- Any cribs that can be later converted to a bunk
- Built-in desk
- TV hookup
- Beddys bedding (our favorite!)
- Storage cabinet capacity
Bathroom
- Shower skylight
- Bathtub surround
- Upgraded shower surround
- Water efficient showerhead
- Medicine cabinet
- Power vent (such as Maxxair MaxxFan or Fantastic Fan)
- Toilet size / model
- Bidet
- Composting toilet
- Linen closet
- Sink vanity storage
Living Room
- Couches
- Recliners
- Electric fireplace
- Ceiling fan
- Sleeper sofa
- Murphy bed
Office
- Built-in desk
- Office chair
While not necessarily an exhaustive list of manufacturer features or options, here are some common features that most RV dealers advertise, which means your customers might specifically request this information.
A quick and easy way to start listing out these features would be to either refer back to your sales receipt (if you purchased the RV from a dealer) or do an Internet search for your make/model to see what the manufacturer lists as standard or upgraded options specific to your RV.
Exterior
- Exterior 120v outlets
- Outside speakers
- Power awning
- Awning lights
- Awning size
- Large assist entry handle
- Fold down solid steps
- Flip up entry steps
- Backup camera / prep
- Side camera / prep
- Power tongue
- Propane tanks
- Propane tank regulator
- Onboard generator (gas / LP / diesel, how many hours)
- Walkable roof
- Power stabilizer jacks
- SnapPads
- Keyed alike locks (doors, cargo locks)
- Keyless keypad
- Upgraded bumper
- Outdoor shower
- Outdoor spray port
- Propane quick connect
- ADA accessible
- Roof rack
- Deck / patio
- Slide out topper awnings
- Slide out storage bay tray
- Pass-through storage
- Roof ladder
- Magnetic storage and entry door latches
- Auxiliary tanks (fuel, water, capacity)
Interior
- BTU furnace (30k BTU, 35k BTU, etc.)
- Gas / electric water heater (gallon capacity)
- Electric slide outs
- Blackout roller shades
- Power window shades
- Air conditioners (size, power efficiency)
- Soft start air conditioners
- LED lights
- Washer / dryer
- Washer / dryer hookup
- Over cab storage
- Entry coat closet
- GPS navigation
- Power roof vent (Maxxair, Fantastic Fan, etc.)
Entertainment
- Cable TV hookup / prep
- TV antenna / prep
- Satellite TV hookup / prep
- Internet booster
- WiFi booster
- Router included
- Bluetooth Capable AM/FM Radio with HDMI pass through
- DVD / CD / Bluray player
- TV brand, size
- Retractable / lift TV
Is your RV boondocking ready? Do the air conditioners require 50amp power? What type of battery maintenance required? With RVs becoming more popular by the day and RV parks filling up quickly, more customers are looking to camp off the beaten path. That’s where battery bank capacities and capabilities become important.
Batteries
- How many and total capacity
- How old
- Lead-acid
- AGM
- Lithium
- Battery quick disconnect
- Inverter
- Inverter prep
- 30/50amp
- Remote monitoring (bluetooth, app)
Solar
- Solar panels (how many watts, how long to charge batteries to full capacity)
- Roof mounted quick connect plugs
- Charge controller
- Ability to expand and connect more panels
Not gonna lie… this is the boring section. Nobody really gets excited about the stuff you can’t see, but many of these features are important to the comfort and safety of everyone travelling and living in the RV.
Construction
- Aluminum studs
- Diamond plate rock guard
- Vacuum-bonded floors and walls
- One-piece seamless roof membrane
- Large windows
- Safety glass windows
- Double paned windows
- Tinted windows
- Galvanized steel wheel wells
- Frame (steel, aluminum, construction style)
- Slam latch baggage doors
- Friction hinge doors
- Tongue and groove plywood floors
- Premium flooring (tear, slip, mildew and crack resistant)
- Screwed and glued cabinetry
- Drawer weight capacity
- Roof vent cap
- Gel coated fiberglass
- Carrying capacity
Tires and Axles
- Tire brand
- Tire age
- Tread wear on all tires (any bald or uneven wear)
- Wheel bearings greased
- E-Z lube hubs
- Axle weight
- Spare tire
- Aluminum wheels
- TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system)
- Suspension (leaf springs, torsion bars, air bags, etc.)
- Self adjusting brakes
- Brakes serviced/replaced
Holding Tanks
- Black tank flush
- Underbelly tank heaters
- Heated and enclosed dump valves
- Tankless water heater
- Macerator pump
Safety Features
- Smoke detectors
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- LP detector
- Fire extinguishers
- Alarms
- Security cameras / hookups
Four-Season Packages
- Forced air ducts to cargo area
- Ducting / cooling systems
- R-value insulation (floor, walls, roof, front cap)
- High capacity furnace
- Enclosed underbelly with suspended tanks
- Heated underbelly
- Custom skirting
Last but not least, if you are selling or renting a drivable RV such as a motorhome or truck camper, the engine and drivetrain information is just as critical to the transaction as any cosmetic upgrades you’ve made to the RV. While a truck that breaks down can be replaced, it’s more difficult for a motorhome’s moving parts to be replaced and repaired. So it’s not uncommon for buyers to request a 3rd-party mechanical assessment prior to any purchase. Head off any concerns prior to that inspection by including important details of the engine in your listing description.
Some people also offer a truck as part of the negotiation when selling or renting a trailer or toy hauler. If any part of your listing will include an engine, please include those important details in your listing.
- Routine service history (oil, filters, transmission fluid, etc)
- Accident history
- Type of engine (V8, Cummins, 3.7L gasoline, etc)
- Chassis
- Towing capacity
- GCWR
- Fuel capacity
- Seat belts
5. Preparing for the Sale
If you and a buyer have successfully come to a sales agreement, follow these tips for a smooth transaction.
Sparkly clean
We get it… an RV is a camping vehicle. But that doesn’t mean your RV should look like it just came back from a camping trip when you go to sell it! A clean RV is easier to sell, and you’ll get a better price for it.
Clean the RV inside and out. Consider shampooing carpets, wiping down the walls and polishing the exterior. If the carpets have a smell (particularly if you have pets of kids), you should have the carpets professionally cleaned. Wipe the underside of the awnings. Pressure wash the roof. Scrub brake dust off the wheels.
If you’ve never taken your RV to a truck wash such as Blue Beacon, you might want to find the nearest location. You can have your entire RV’s exterior (and even your truck if you’re towing a trailer) professionally washed for a pretty reasonable cost.
Prior to taking any photos, remove as many personal belongings as possible and even consider some simple staging techniques like adding small plants, a small entry rug, couch cushions or wall dĂ©cor to add some interest to an otherwise empty space. It can hard for a buyer to picture themselves in your RV if it’s still full of your family’s things.
Yes, it can take a lot of elbow grease getting the RV to a presentable state for a sale. And you might change your mind about selling after seeing it so clean, but it’s what buyers expect from listings on this marketplace as they search for beautiful renovations.
Repairs
As you clean the RV, you might come across some areas that need minor repairs. RV accessories are notoriously easy to break since they’re made out of plastic to be lightweight. So spend a little effort replacing broken cupboard latches, light bulbs, sliding door locks, etc.
6. Complete the Sale
If you and a buyer have successfully come to a sales agreement, follow these tips for a smooth transaction.
Bill of Sale
Create a simple contract or bill of sale and accompany the buyer to notarize the transaction.
Use a sales agreement that describes your RV and spells out the sales price. State that the buyer is purchasing the RV “as-is” with no warranties. Keep a signed copy for your records.
Accepting Payment
Verify authenticity with the issuing bank prior to depositing a certified check. Verify the account contains sufficient funds and the issuing bank guarantees payment on the check. Once deposited in your account, it may take a week or more for the check to clear. Acceptance by your bank does not guarantee the check is valid and funds are available. Not that a cashier’s check can take 30 days or more to clear.
Beware of overpayment or other complicated payment schemes.
Do not agree to any offer where the buyer attempts to send a check or payment for more than the sale price and requests that the seller refunds the difference. Be suspicious of any buyer who proposes making payment through a friend or agent of the buyer.
Transfer the Title
Do not transfer the title until you have payment in hand at the agreed upon price (and you have verified that the payment is valid).
If you still owe money on your RV, you’ll need to pay the balance in full before the lien holder (your bank or credit union) will release the title. Where possible, meet your buyer at their bank to complete the sales transaction.
If you have a lien on your RV, it’s smart to contact your lien holder prior to any sale to inform them of your intention to sell your RV. They can advise you on specific steps to take in the process and the estimated timeline required. It’s not uncommon for the lien holder to take 2-4 weeks or more to release the title to the buyer.
To release yourself from any possible liability, inform your Department of Motor Vehicles in writing that your vehicle has been sold. Many DMV websites have a digital form you can complete.
7. Final Tips
Spread the word
Word of mouth is one of the easiest ways to find potential buyers. With RV sales at record highs the past couple years, it’s possible that someone in your immediate friend circle may be looking for exactly what you’re selling. So let loose on social media. Share your marketplace listing link and photos on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Meeting buyers
It’s always best to set meeting times with prospective buyers during daylight hours. This not only makes viewing of your RV easier, but it also makes it safer. Meet sellers in person in an open, public location. Many police stations offer “safe transaction zones.” Most large department stores have cameras in their parking lots. Meeting on federal property increases the penalties against anyone making bad choices during the transaction. Read our marketplace safety article for more tips on how to recognize scams and how to stay safe when showing your RV in person and completing a sale.
Give buyers a brief tour and allow them time to ask questions they may have. If you cannot answer their questions, let them know that you will find out the answers and get back to them soon. It is important that you keep prospective buyers educated about your RV so they feel confident in making the purchase.
Be sure that the fuel tank is full (for drivable RVs) and the batteries are charged. Any serious prospective buyer will want you to demonstrate that the RV and all its features are in full working order.
Selling a renovated RV should be fun!
Be patient. We’ve seen plenty of RVs sell the first week they were listed, but that also might just mean those sellers left money on the table. It can often takes a few weeks or more to find the right buyer.
Just remind yourself why you are selling and hopefully you have some profit built into the sales price so you can plan your celebration dinner when the sale is completed!