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Proud_Dad's avatar
Proud_Dad
Explorer II
Nov 24, 2025

Salvage Value?

Hello All,

We bought a 26-foot travel trailer when our kids were young and have enjoyed many trips with it and them. (2005 Terry 260BHS) We recently found a a soft spot in the floor, another in the front storage area, also in the front wall, and lastly on the roof. Water damage that seemed to come on all at once in at least two different regions of the camper.

We got a quote from a RV sales and repair center (small/local, not one of the big dogs) for about $6,200 to repair the floor and walls. When the damage to the roof was discovered they estimated another $2,200 in materials (at least) and $14,000 in labor to remove/replace damaged wood and the entire roof membrane. 

Despite our emotional attachment and how much we enjoy using our camper, there is no way to justify putting that much money into a repair.

Two questions: is there a risk to just keep using the RV as is for now (i.e., might the side start pealing off as we drive down the interstate)? Also, is there place that purchase older RVs to salvage the appliances, frame, axels, etc., all of which are fully functioning?

Thanks,

Proud Dad!

4 Replies

  • Use it as is until it’s un-useable, do some diy fixes to extend that life if you’re so inclined, or try to get some sucker, I mean person, to buy it cheap. 
    In the end, if that camper was in like new in perfect condition, it’s worth about 25% of your repair quote….on a good day. 
    And yes you’ll pay to dispose of it if you dispose of it properly. 

  • generaly your going to have to pay dumping fees to get rid of a RV, if there is a rv salvage place, they give you next to nothing and they just gut the good apliances windows and such, but they are not all over the place.  

  • Despite the structural issues and safety concerns they bring, I am sure there is mold growing in places you can't see which is an obvious health risk. To me, I wouldn't consider it safe enough to use and it seems like the only value left is scrap. Used TTs aren't worth much - even in great condition, the market is saturated and it seems like this one is in pretty bad shape. The appliances are all 20 years old and who knows what sort of condition the frame is in. The reality is, it's just not worth much. You got your value out of it with memories. 

  • I don’t know where you live but a lot of auto salvage yards around us also take RV’s. The reality is, that the salvage value is depressing low. While there is value in the “stuff” in around the RV, there’s also a lot of labor and a lot of “no value waste” which renders the ROI minimal. Trade it in, scrap it, either way it’s going to be minimal;  enjoy the memories and move on.

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