Upgrading? Downgrading? Considering a new mode of transport?
Whatever the case, if you’re looking to sell your motorhome – now or in the future – there are plenty of handy hints that can save you precious time, money, and hassle.
And whether you’ve had your motorhome for 12 months or 12 years, all the best tips are found right here.
This comprehensive guide is the ideal starting point to help you get the best price when it comes time to offload your home away from home.
If you can show prospective buyers evidence that your vehicle is in good condition or has been cared for, you have a stronger chance of making a sale.
If you purchased your motorhome brand new, it will be more appealing to a prospective buyer if you can show them a service history to demonstrate that the vehicle has been looked after. A well-maintained motorhome with a documented service history should demand a higher price.
Also, be sure to present your vehicle registration document. Instruction manuals are useful, too and help the potential buyer to familiarise themselves with what they might be buying.
Unfortunately, even minor damage like dents or holes caused by road debris or hail reduces your motorhome’s value. However, minor bumps and scratches can be easily repaired. The cost of the work will be far less than the potential loss of value when you are trying to sell your motorhome with visible damage.
Don’t overlook the inside of the vehicle for any potential wear and tear. It’s very important to give interior bodywork, furniture and equipment a thorough inspection. For example, one of the most common repairs is from damage caused by wind-out awnings, which are not properly secured when extended.
Some motorhomes leak for years without any visible signs of water damage, and by the time you discover it, the cost of repairs can be expensive.
Larger motorhomes that feature indoor plumbing for kitchen sinks, showers, or toilets have on-board water tank or tanks that have been known to potentially leak and cause damage. You know you have a water leak in your motorhome when you see mould, mildew, rust, and rotted wood.
Most motorhomes get damp from the joints/seals on the outside of the motorhome. Examples of this include around the windows, toilet, external lockers, where the body is attached to the floor of the motorhome, and where the motorhome itself is attached to the cab. These problems usually occur because of poor sealing at the factory.
To prevent damp from happening, a simple reseal can be applied when you get your vehicle serviced.
The quicker you spot a possible leak, the quicker you can address the problem. Stains, discolouration, swollen walls, saggy ceilings, warped flooring, and a damp or mouldy smell are tell-tale signs. Making repairs yourself can be a monumental job, so it’s best you leave these to a professional.
Elements like acidity in rain, road salt, UV rays, and general pollution from the sun all damage the outside of your vehicle over time. So, treating your motorhome to be resistant to stains, fading, and oxidisation is a wise move if you want a gleaming, speck-free motorhome.
There is a wide range of automotive touch-up paints available that achieve this effect, including paint pens to address small motorhome scratches, brush-cap bottles for scratches and chips, and spray cans for larger jobs.
Tyres are designed and built to be used. The rubber used in tyres ages faster when the tyres are not used. When tyres sit still, they start to dry out and age faster.
The problem is, tyres on many motorhomes aren’t used that much. To determine if your tyres need replacing, inspect them for cracks. Cracks less than 1/32-inch deep are fine, but if the cracks are more than 2/32-inch deep, the tyre should be replaced immediately.
Tyre professionals would recommend replacing motorhome tyres every six years because of faster aging, weather cracking, and infrequent use.
You should carry out annual or even biannual inspections to spot cracks that may lead to a water leak. A leak can happen around roof vents, the sky light, and the front and rear top seams.
If you have luggage or storage racks on the roof that have been widely used or have been overloaded, they are likely to cause a roof leak. It’s advisable to have your motorhome roof resealed every five to 10 years to combat hazardous leaks.
If you love DIY and think modifications will add to the value and appeal of your motorhome, then think again. These practical touches might work for you, but they may not suit a potential buyer. So consider removing extra shelves and hooks to return your motorhome to its original state.
Depersonalise as much as you can, removing extra cushions and personal keepsakes, and keep them aside for your next motorhome. However, make sure you take out and display the tools and accessories that come with the motorhome, as this will only make your vehicle look more attractive.
By presenting your motorhome in the best possible light, you will undoubtedly have a greater chance of making a sale. Start by cleaning windows and wheels with top-quality vehicle shampoo and polish. Clear out any rubbish, and don’t forget to empty the fridge. Inspect carpets, curtains, and upholstery, and wash and vacuum anything that isn’t clean.
If you want the job done right, hire a professional valet to help your motorhome appear spotless.
Think of adding elements that spruce up the general presentation of your motorhome. Put fresh flowers on the table, hang brightly coloured towels in the bathroom, or even leave freshly baked bread and coffee on the kitchen counter to create a homely feeling.
There are many avenues for selling your motorhome, including online channels. Here are a few of the best ways to sell your motorhome online:
When placing an advert to sell your motorhome, there is one golden rule to consider: Make sure you are open and honest about the condition of your motorhome. Otherwise you’ll likely endure loads of wasted test drives and meetings that don’t lead to a sale.
There are two other key considerations when placing an effective ad online:
When it comes to valuing your motorhome, there is no definitive guide. With such a wide range of sizes, layouts, and types available, valuation can prove difficult.
If you set the price too high, you’ll have few prospects. Set it too low, you could lose out on a potentially higher sale. Ideally, you want to set the price above what you want to accept, which leaves room for customers to negotiate.
If you still can’t decide on how to price your motorhome, then luckily there are resources available so you can get some idea of how much your motorhome might be worth:
It can be overwhelming trying to make a sale, so keep these handy hints in mind:
Happy selling!
Isn’t it time you hit the road? Enjoy your next BIG4 break now.
This article was republished with the permission of www.webuyanymotorcaravan.com.
