It all began with the simple idea of trading in our trusted 2015 Free Spirit SS for a newer model when the time was right. Like many, our experience with car purchases led us to believe the RV transaction would be just as straightforward – a single dealership, a single negotiation. However, delving into the world of RVs quickly revealed a different landscape, especially when we started researching with the Rv Price Guide.
After initial discussions with dealers and some crucial online research using resources like the NADA RV price guide, our perspective shifted dramatically. The trade-in value offered for our meticulously maintained Free Spirit was surprisingly lower than anticipated. It was disheartening to face such a significant depreciation after only two years of careful ownership. Adding to the frustration, the custom aftermarket modifications, including a premium navigation and audio system, seemed to have little to no positive impact on the trade-in value.
Understanding RV Value: Vehicle vs. Home
A fundamental shift in thinking was needed. I was mistakenly viewing our motorhome solely as a vehicle, rather than recognizing its nature as a home on wheels. When considering a move from a house, the typical approach isn’t to trade it in; it’s to sell it, either independently or with the assistance of a real estate professional. My initial thought was to take on the role of salesman myself, confident that my deep knowledge of our RV – every feature, modification, maintenance record, and specification – would make me the ideal advocate.
While online platforms are valuable tools for getting the word out, sites like RV Trader and Facebook Marketplace, while generating inquiries, also demand a significant time investment. Responding to emails, scheduling viewings, and arranging test drives quickly proved incompatible with work commitments. Furthermore, the complexities of negotiations, handling deposits, and managing paperwork hadn’t even been fully considered.
The Cash Hurdle in Private RV Sales
The most significant barrier to a private RV sale, and one that should have been immediately apparent, was the issue of financing. Securing individual loans for RV purchases is notably challenging for buyers. The pool of prospective buyers capable of providing a cashier’s check for the full purchase price is considerably smaller. The likelihood of finding such a buyer locally, in central North Carolina in our case, seemed slim.
This realization led us to explore professional assistance, mirroring the decision to enlist a real estate agent for selling a home. We opted to consign our Free Spirit with Howard RV Center in Wilmington, NC, a relatively new dealer for Leisure Travel Vans. Choosing an LTV dealer was strategic, aiming to attract potential walk-in customers specifically interested in the brand. A late-model Free Spirit available on the lot offered immediate gratification compared to the potentially long wait times for a new factory order, which could be up to nine months. The dealership provided expert guidance on pricing based on comparable sales data, managed all advertising, showings, and test drives, handled the necessary paperwork, offered customer financing options, and provided pre-delivery inspections and training, even extending an optional warranty.
The Success of RV Consignment
Just recently, “The Silver Box,” our beloved Free Spirit, found its new owners. Crucially, the buyers successfully secured financing through the dealership, highlighting a hurdle that private sales often struggle to overcome. It’s uncertain how long it might have taken to find a private buyer capable of a cash purchase. The relief of entrusting the entire transaction to professionals was substantial, and the 8% consignment commission felt like a worthwhile investment, especially considering the final sale price significantly exceeded our best trade-in offer.
While there’s a tinge of sadness in concluding our adventures in our compact motorhome, it’s comforting to know it begins a new chapter. Even after 28,000 miles, it felt like our journey was just beginning. We extend our best wishes to the fortunate couple embarking on their full-time RV lifestyle in their newly acquired Free Spirit – a true adventure befitting of its name.
