No matter how much TLC is put into an RV, a time will come when it has outlived its usefulness. All vehicles depreciate in value and RVs are no different. One of the biggest struggles for owners of older RVs is knowing when that time has come.
An RV’s appearance may not even matter when it comes down to deciding that it’s time to unload it. Some great-looking rigs are hiding serious issues, ones that should have their owners considering it’s time to sell. If yours fits the criteria, you can sell your junk RV in Texas to a specialized dealer that doesn’t care if it’s running.
How To Know When It’s Time To Sell Your RV
The Texas Comptroller reports that the Lone Star State has one of the most significant RV ownerships in the country. With a land mass of over 261,000 square miles, it has plenty of room for RVers to roam, travel, explore, and set up camp in their home on wheels. But as their odometers click, their rigs are inching toward their final expiration date. Below are some things to consider when thinking it might be time to sell your RV.
Costly Repairs
Owning and repairing an RV can quickly turn into a costly affair. Their engines and suspensions can take a beating from the sometimes unkind campground dirt roads. And for the more daring who prefer an off-road and remote experience, expensive repairs are more common.
If the cost of a repair is equal to or more than an RVs resale value, this is a good reason to sell. Rigs that haven’t been meticulously maintained can begin to need costly repairs even after a few years of use. For example, slide-outs are great when they work, but when they don’t, the cost of repairing them can easily equal the RV’s value.
Frequency of Repairs
One huge expensive repair can easily outweigh an RVs value, but over time, so can many smaller issues. Motorhomes that have seen their fair share of both highways and dirt roads tend to have many different small problems that will require replacement or repairs. Keep a running tally of how much you’re spending on fixing these small issues. The relatively low cost of each one adds up if you’re constantly fixing something.
Too Many Miles
Part of the joys of RV ownership is using it for far-away adventures. Getting out of town and visiting beautiful out-of-the-way places is why most people purchase an RV. Although putting the miles on is all a part of the fun, there will come a time when too many miles is a bad thing.
Once an RV hits 100,000 miles, it’s considered old. Although many can double that number, selling one after it’s hit six digits could be troublesome. Rigs with this many miles on them tend to have more mechanical problems and the cost and hassle of upkeep could take away any enjoyment your rig brings.
Age
Age plays a big role when it comes time to determine if you should sell your RV. As they age, the number and frequency of problems grow. Although the age of a rig generally isn’t as important as its condition, other factors are at play. Many campgrounds adhere to the 10-year rule, which could limit where those with older rigs can camp. Plus, most buyers looking to purchase a used RV prefer rigs with less than a decade of use. The older yours is, the more difficult it will be to sell.
Safety
An RV’s safety should be of utmost importance to owners. Less maintained rigs, either out of laziness, ignorance, or a lack of funds, could quickly become unsafe to operate. Neglecting such things as suspension issues or even improperly maintaining tires can make them unsafe to drive. If every time you take yours on an adventure you have a little voice in your head hoping you don’t break down, this is a red flag that it’s time to sell.
Where Do I Sell My Older RV?
If your RV fits one or more of the criteria in this article indicating that it’s time to sell, unfortunately, it’s most likely considered a junk RV. Regardless of its appearance, things like age, mileage, and the necessity of repairs will put it in this category.
The Bottom Line
Fortunately, you can easily and quickly sell yours to a specialized dealer that purchases hard-to-sell rigs. They’ll pay you a fair price and some will even come to you and haul it away. RVs that are considered junk will be next to impossible to trade in or sell outright to a private buyer. Save yourself time and energy by selling it to a dealership that purchases junk RVs.
