Trade In Values

NADA is rarely precisely accurate for what a RV is worth in value in current market situations. Doing an internet search for similar RVs can yield a realistic price range for current market conditions. Everybody believes their rig is worth more than what the current market dictates, plus if they are upside down in their financing they will price it high hoping some unknowing sucker will bite and that does happen more than some would think.

Dealers can sense when somebody is infatuated with a particular rig and routinely make a killing way beyond their minimum profit margin. It's very seldom that 2 identical rigs on a dealer's lot sell for the same exact price. The more research you do beforehand will net you a better price and probably a nicer used RV to boot. It may take a bit of effort but usually a better deal can be had purchasing directly from owner, with dealers always ask for the out the door price.

Re-read the original post.

Blunderlist is looking for a "value" of the trailer he is looking to purchase for negotiation purposes.

He is not trading in anything.

Nada and actual sales in your area are the only sources I know of.

Good luck.

If you trade in a camper at a dealer, they are not going to offer you only so much on it. That same trailer will be sold by the dealer with a value that you will think to WAY to much. Somewhere in-between those two figures, is a price that private sales will set. Regardless, the value of the camper is determined ONLY by the price the buyer is willing to pay, NOT the price the seller is listing.

If you are buying from a private sale, make an offer that YOU think the camper is worth. See if they take the bite. If not, start negotiations. You've got nothing to loose. If the seller refuses to meet you at your price, then WALK. There's another camper "out there" somewhere. Eventually that seller WILL lower the price to get rid of it.

Why do ya need trade in value if buying used from owner ?

Since you are buying from an owner, I'm assuming he is not going to accept a trade. ASs for a value, the low retail figure is probably closer than anything. NADA estimates the figures based on a formula of so much off of MSRP, and not actual sales.

Typical? No. A rough rule of thumb use to be a percentage off of low retail, but the bottom line is whatever the dealer has set aside for overvaluing your travel trailer. Of course, the added amount is just added to the purchase price of your new RV. It is the easiest and simplest way of moving up, but you're going to pay for the privilege.


You are so much further ahead selling your trailer yourself, such as on Craig's List. Clean it up like it had never been used and price it right. Search the internet to see what others are trying to sell their travel trailers for and price your unit accordingly. You'll sell it, but it has to be priced right.