How To Prep Your RV For A Trade-In

You can have a lot of fun and adventure with your RV by your side but sometimes we outgrow our vehicles. Growing families need larger models while others might be looking to get a smaller unit. The latest models with their state-of-the-art features and amenities can also make your camping trips more enjoyable. There are many reasons you might want to trade-in your camper, and this is not a hard task to accomplish as long as you know the right way to go about things.

As your leading RV dealer in Salt Lake City, we at Airstream of Utah want to help all our patrons make the best decisions when it comes to their campers. Read our trade-in preparation guide below and if you need expert assistance to get things moving, get in touch with our friendly staff for further information!

Put Your Best Foot Forward

There’s a bigger chance of getting a good deal if your RV doesn’t look like it’s been through the wringer. After all, no one wants a camper that looks like it hasn’t been taken care of. Thorough cleaning can help elevate your RV’s trade-in value. You want to make your unit appear as close to brand-new as possible, so here are some things you can do:

• Remove all your personal items from the RV.

• Wash the exterior of the camper.

• Touch up any minor chips and scratches.

• Wash all the windows.

• Clean the cabinets, wardrobes, and storage compartments.

• Empty and thoroughly clean the fridge.

• Clean the microwave, stovetop, sinks, and faucets.

• Eliminate any odors by washing and cleaning all carpets and linen.

• Replace any stained or damaged upholstery.

• Clean and disinfect the toilet and shower.

• Make sure that the mattress is clean and odor-free.

• Spray an air freshener inside your camper—something mild but a scent that makes you feel good about being inside.

Fix Maintenance Issues

Any serious prospective buyer will want to try out the camper so you want to conduct a thorough inspection of your RV. Make sure that everything is running well and ready for the road. See if there are any minor repairs you can handle to make the camper even more appealing.

• Check the awnings for stains or tears.

• Check the condition and the age of the tires. If they are damaged or worn out, you should expect to take a hit on the trade-in value.

• Make sure the steps into the RV are sturdy.

• Check to see if the appliances work properly.

• Replace all the burnt light bulbs.

• Ensure that there are no leaks in the roof or windows.

• Check your RV water inlet, water pump, water holding tank, water heater, sinks, showers, and faucets. Make sure that they all work flawlessly and there are no drips or leaks.

• If you have soft spots on your floor, then you probably have wood rot in the underlying sub-floor. If that’s the case, pull the carpet and replace the sub-flooring.

• The battery compartment, wiring, and terminals should be clean and free of corrosion.

• Find all the keys to the locks on your camper.

• Make any minor repairs that may be needed.

These simple steps will help give your RV that look and feel of a new unit and you can expect to get the most value possible.

Gather Your Documents

You also want to round up all relevant documents to show that you’re trading a legitimate unit. This includes prospective es the RV’s registration, but it should also include service records and anything else that a buyer might want to see. Well-maintained campers retain more of their value, so you’ll want to keep the vehicle history report updated by filling in the service and maintenance details.

Hopefully, these tips will help you get a better offer for your vehicle! If you’d like to know more or want some professional help, get in touch with the expert staff here at Airstream of Utah. We’re very proud to be the preferred RV dealer for all our clients from Salt Lake City, Park City and Provo, UT!