At some point in time, all RVs, motorhomes, and 5th wheels will reach the end of their lifespan. With proper maintenance and a ton of TLC, some will keep running longer than expected. However, even those will one day reach the end of their usefulness.
Knowing when your RV has hit the end of the line is usually obvious, but sometimes not. We'll help you to know when yours has bit the dust and what to do with it once it's considered junk. But fear not; junk RVs still have value. If you're asking yourself, “Where can I sell my motorhome,” we've got you covered.
How To Know When It's Time to Junk Your RV
Not all junk RVs may actually look like junk. Sure, a rusted-out rig with holes in the roof and mold on the walls are obvious signs that it's no longer usable, but there are often other less extreme red flags. Knowing when it's time to junk your RV isn't always so straightforward.
Here are some indicators that it's time to throw in the towel and junk that junk RV.
- Costly repairs – If the cost of a repair to get your RV back on the road is equal to or more than its resale value, it's probably time to junk it. Although its outward appearance may look presentable, issues like a blown head gasket or suspension issues are far too costly to justify repairing.
- Way Too Many Miles – Wracking up those miles is what you want since it's what it takes to enjoy your RV. Unfortunately, once the odometer breaks 100,000 miles, your RV will most likely have lost more than half of its original price. Trading it in or selling it to a private buyer will be extremely difficult.
- Age – Rigs that are a decade or more old becoming increasingly more difficult to sell. With some campgrounds adhering to the 10-Year Rule, you could run into problems when trying to make reservations. Older RVs are also more prone to expensive repairs and unexpected breakdowns.
Is It Worth It To Junk an RV for Cash?
Older RVs, regardless of their appearance can be difficult to sell by conventional methods. Private buyers and RV dealerships will typically turn their noses to rigs with high mileage and a decade’s worth of use. Other selling options include placing ads on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other platforms. Unfortunately, these methods could prove to be time-consuming and you'll have to meet with complete strangers.
Fortunately, there is an alternative to private buyers, RV dealerships, and scammy motorhome brokers. You may think that junk or scrapyards are your only option once you find your rig to be unusable or unsellable. Sure, they'll take yours and sell the metal, but if you do so, you're leaving money on the table. And if you're thinking about simply abandoning it, that's not only unethical, it's also illegal.
Specialized RV Dealers
If you've found yourself with an RV that's outlived its usefulness, your best option is to junk it for cash. It doesn't matter if it's on its last legs and looks as if it's been through a war zone, most dealers who specialize in buying junk RVs will take it off your hands and still pay you a pretty penny.
Most specialized RV dealers offer free towing, so if yours has become an unwelcome eyesore that's causing problems with your neighbors, this is a great way to make your peace with them. Working with them is easy. They'll handle all of the paperwork and give you an upfront price.
Another benefit of selling a used RV to a specialized dealer is that it doesn't technically need to be junk for them to be interested in purchasing it. Motorhomes that require expensive repairs to get them back on the road are difficult to sell, but these types of dealers will happily take yours off of your hands. This saves you the time and the hassle of trying to find a buyer.
Junk RV for Cash: Final Thoughts
Selling an older RV can be a difficult process. Most campers or glampers that are interested in purchasing a used RV aren't looking for old ones that could be prone to mechanical issues and breakdowns. And most buyers certainly aren't looking to purchase one that looks like it’s seen its fair share of campgrounds.
Selling an older RV can be a painful process. Most campers and glampers interested in purchasing a used RV aren't looking for old ones that could be prone to mechanical issues and breakdowns. And most buyers certainly aren't looking to purchase one that looks like it’s seen its fair share of campgrounds.
