If you’re looking to upgrade your old RV to a shiny brand new one, trading in your existing camper may be the best option for you. This will save you money and make getting rid of your old RV easy. But if you want to get the best trade-in deal possible, you’ll need to take a few steps beforehand to increase the value of your rig. Lucky for you, we’ve created this helpful guide to help you prep your RV for trade-in. Read on to learn more, and when you’re ready to check out some campers for sale, visit McKree RV in Perry, IA.
Presentation Is Everything
The better your RV looks, the better deal you’ll get for your trade-in. Nobody wants a trailer that looks like it wasn’t properly taken care of. A simple cleaning can go a long way. You want your unit to look as close to brand new as possible. In order to achieve this, you can do the following:
- Remove all of your personal items
- Wash the exterior of the camper
- Fix any minor chips and scratches
- Wash all windows
- Clean cabinets, wardrobes, and storage compartments
- Empty and clean the fridge
- Clean the kitchen (microwave, stovetop, sinks, and faucets)
- Eliminate odors by washing and cleaning carpets and linens
- Replace stained or damaged upholstery
- Clean and disinfect the toilet and shower
- Make sure the mattress are clean and odor-free
- Spray air freshener inside the rig (a mild but welcoming scent)
Fix Maintenance issues
Another important factor when trading in your RV is maintenance issues. Make sure to conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle and check that everything is running properly and ready for the road. See if there’s any minor repairs you can make to enhance the camper. Even small fixes can make a big impact on the value of your rig.
- Check awnings for stains or tears
- Check the tires: what’s the condition and age? If they’re damaged, you’ll lose some value
- Make sure the stairs to get into the RV are stable
- Check if the appliances are working properly
- Replace burnt out light bulbs
- Make sure there are no leaks in the roof or windows
- Check the water inlet, water pump, water holding tank, water heater, sinks, showers, and faucets
- Make sure the battery is free of corrosion
These simple steps can drastically change the appearance and value of your RV and make it feel brand new even if it’s not. If you want to get the best deal for your RV trade-in, it’s worth doing some maintenance and basic repairs.
Gather Your Documents
Lastly, you’ll want to gather all of your RV’s documents before you go to trade-in. This includes your registration, service records, and anything else a prospective buyer would want to see before purchasing. If there’s proof that your camper was well-maintained, the value will increase. Keep the vehicle history report updated by filling in service and maintenance details.
We hope this guide was helpful and you feel prepared to trade-in your RV. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our staff at McKee RV. We are here to help you with all of your recreational vehicle needs. Whether you want to learn more about trading in your camper or you’re looking to buy a brand new rig, you’ll find everything you’re looking for at our location in Perry, IA.
