RV trade-in is a great way to swap your unwanted camper for a model that better suits your needs. But before you visit the dealership, it’s important to prepare your RV for trade-in. This will help you get the best deal for your camper.
We’ve gathered up the following steps for preparing your RV for trade-in. If you have questions about the trade-in process or want to shop campers for sale, visit Pete’s RV Center Indiana. Our dealership is located in Schererville, Indiana, and we also serve those in Indianapolis, Champaign, and Decatur.
Remove Your Items
This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s quite easy to accidentally leave personal belongings inside the camper. Do a thorough walk through and check every drawer, cabinet, and so on. Remember to clean out the fridge as well.
Give The Camper A Thorough Clean
Once the RV is empty, the next step is to make it shine. The better it looks, the more likely you are to get a good trade-in deal.
Make sure to:
- Wash the exterior.
- Clean the cabinets, wardrobes, and other storage compartments.
- Clean the fridge, microwave, stovetop, sinks, and faucets.
- Clean and disinfect the toilet and shower.
- Clean all carpets.
As an extra touch, spray an air freshener inside the RV.
Conduct A Maintenance Inspection
Make sure that everything is in good working order.
This includes:
- Checking awnings for tears.
- Testing every appliance.
- Checking the water inlet, water pump, water holding tank, water heater, sinks, showers, and faucets for drips and leaks.
- Checking the battery compartment, wiring, and terminals to ensure they are free of corrosion.
Fix Maintenance Problems
As you inspect the camper, you may uncover some minor issues. Take the time to fix them, which will help you get a better RV trade-in price.
This can include:
- Replacing stained or damaged upholstery.
- Replacing burnt out light bulbs.
- Replacing subflooring to get rid of soft spots (which can indicate rotting wood).
Gather Up The Essential Items
Make sure you have all the keys to any locks on your camper. Next, gather up the RV registration. Finally, it’s wise to grab any other documents a potential buyer might want to see. For example, bring any service records. A well-maintained RV retains more of its value and it’s helpful to show that you have kept up with maintenance. By bringing maintenance records, you can increase the chance of getting a higher value for your RV trade-in.
Ready to discuss RV trade-in? Want to shop campers for sale? Whatever you need, the experts at Pete’s RV Center Indiana are here to help. Reach out or stop by our dealership in Schererville, Indiana. We also proudly serve those in Indianapolis, Champaign, and Decatur, Illinois.
