When considering the blue book value for an RV, you’ll need to consider the age and condition of the recreational vehicle. Whether it’s a classic Airstream, or a new Bounder, you can get a blue book value for an RV as well as a camper. If you own the RV, it’s a good idea to have the RV serviced and detailed prior to establishing the blue book value. If you’re looking to buy an RV or camper, it’s good to have an idea of the blue book value of the camper or RV before making an offer to purchase. Kelly Blue Book offers a traditional source of establishing a blue book value for an RV or camper. (Just like you’d check with your credit union for a blue book value for a car you’re considering purchasing, don’t forget to look up the Kelly Blue Book Value for an RV or camper prior to purchasing!) The National Automotive Dealer’s Association (N.A.D.A.) also provides a regularly published blue book for establishing the value of an RV or camper. This Recreation Vehicle Value Guide is a great resource!
The Blue Book value for a used camper, RV or trailer is an estimate of the current market value for the camper. The market value will fluctuate based on demand for that particular camper model, and the availability. The Kelly Blue Book for RV’s and for campers is published several times per year. You can subscribe to this publication like you would a magazine, or you can check the library for a current edition. Your RV or camper dealer will also have a subscription you can use to look up the Blue Book value of the RV or camper you’re interested in. There are several other ways to establish a fair value for your camper or RV. Click here for a list of 5 quick ways to establish a blue book value for an RV or Camper.
You’re probably familiar with establishing your blue book value for a car, and the process is the same for establishing the blue book value for your camper, trailer, or RV. Just like there’s a high blue book and a low blue book value for your car, there’s a wide price range for your camper, trailer or RV. High blue book is a price you would expect a dealer to charge, as it allows some room for negotiation, and helps cover their overhead. Low blue book is what you would expect to see in a transaction involving two private parties. These prices can be found in the Kelly Blue Book for Campers, trailers, or RV’s.
These price ranges assume that the camper or recreational vehicle is in top condition, from top to bottom! Starting from the front of the recreational vehicle, what condition is the vehicle in? Just like you’d appraise a truck or van, consider the motor home or van conversion first as a moving vehicle, then as a camper! What’s the mileage of the vehicle? If it’s a used motor home or van conversion, has all the recommended service been performed? What’s the condition of the timing belt, and any other regular major scheduled maintenance? Tires might sound like a simple thing to check – careful! The vehicle might have been sitting without being driven for awhile – check the condition carefully! New tires could cost up to $1,000 for a good set and a spare (or two!) How’s the vehicle air conditioner holding up? Inspect the exterior of the motor home or camper, checking the body for signs of rust, dents, or broken parts. (Check the accident history too!) Which state has the RV spent the most time in? (Not one of those states where salt on the road is a problem, hopefully!) Has it been garaged or exposed to the sun? Are any tarps or awnings in good condition? (They tend to rot and need to be replaced…) How are the leveling jacks? For a lot of people this is a make it or break it item – RV leveling jacks could run you several thousand dollars! And of course, check every detail of the interior of the RV, motor home, trailer, pop-up or 5th wheel just like you would inspect any home you’re purchasing – it will be your home away from home! And if you’re selling your camper – take the time and effort, and yes – money- to spruce up your camper to it’s best condition! There’s a lot of competition in the market for a used camper, so make the value of your camper the top dollar by ensuring it’s in top condition, inside and out!
If you’re looking to purchase an RV or van conversion from a private party, take your time in inspecting it. Arrange to meet the seller at an RV mechanic’s garage, and have the vehicle inspected prior to making an offer. Even if you have to pay the mechanic for their time, it’s money well spent! Keep the emotion out of the transaction, and you’ll save money in the long run!
When you’re fixing up your motor home for top value, check out Camping World for all the camper parts you might need. A small investment in time an a few dollars to repair any loose, broken, or missing parts is money well spent! Make sure that the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems are all in top condition. Check the gray water tank, the clean water tank, and the sewage tanks and systems carefully. Make sure the camper, RV or trailer has not been water damaged or fire damaged.