March 29th, 2009

RV Auction Tips

RV Trailer Auction Tips
By Spencer Arnold

Whether buying a fifth wheel, motorhome, travel trailer or other RV at auction, there are some more things you can take into consideration.

1)          What do the value guides say this RV is worth under normal circumstances? NADA and Kelly blue book) This will be the upper limit of what you could be expected to pay for the RV at auction.
2)          Does the RV come with any kind of manufacture’s warranty? If you find a newer model at auction, chances are that it does. As RV companies become more competitive, they offer their RVs with better and longer warranties.
3)          Avoid off brands as they may be harder to service and repair. An RV that has a national network of authorized dealers may be easier to service or repair. Also avoid ‘orphaned’, where the parent company is no longer in business.
4)          Make sure you buy an RV at Auction that has an acceptable floor plan. You may thing that that your can save a bundle by buying an unusual or outdated floor plan, but the truth is that you will have a harder time selling in later when you are ready to upgrade to a larger model. The most common mistake people make when buying an RV is to buy one that is to small. Within 2-3 years they are selling their RV in order to buy a bigger one.
5)          Are their any repairs that I will have to make to the motor home, fifth wheel, or travel trailer after I buy it? Always thoroughly inspect the motorhome or have it inspect by and RV professional. Deduct the cost of repairs plus a 10 to 15% contingency from the maximum price you would otherwise by willing to pay for the trailer or RV at auction.
6)          Don’t overbid. Know the most you can bid before the auction starts. Be prepared to walk away from the RV is the bid price exceeds the value you think it is worth. Don’t become emotionally attached.

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