I bought my travel trailer 3 years ago and was told everything was fine. A few weeks later, I noticed part of the rear wall was soft and felt lied to. I assume because there had been a leak at one point. We had a few roof leaks fixed over the years and have had the roof sealed regularly over the last 3 years, so I don't suspect there's a leak currently. Now we're going to sell the RV. Last time I took my RV in for maintenance I asked the guy if he thought I should repair that wall before selling and he shrugged and said he wouldn't. My first impulse when I sell the trailer is to tell the potential buyer about the wall (since I wish the prev seller had informed me), but given the no-big-deal attitude of the guy at the shop and the fact that it wasn't disclosed to me, maybe it's the general consensus not to mention stuff like that. Any advice or opnions are appreciated. Thanks!

I mentioned the soft spots when I sold mine. that said anyone serious should be able to dig them out themselves in an inspection. your call, ethics question with no right or wrong answer

when I sell things I tell what I know,I like to sleep at night.

If I was to buy your RV, I'd find it anyway. I know how to inspect any RV for issues and where to look and I always have my Fleer thermal imaging camera with me.

midnightsadie wrote:when I sell things I tell what I know,I like to sleep at night.AGREED !

Yep, you need to disclose what you know. When I bought my latest trailer (private party) I was assured the roof had always been maintained and sealed on a regular basis, also that the wheel bearings had recently been serviced.I wish he had been truthful. I found some really weak spots in the roof as well as a tear over one of the rotted spots,and the bearings were not done.I will probably sell the trailer next year as age is catching up to us and I will disclose the damage, as stated elsewhere I like to sleep at night and its the right thing to do even tho I know I'll take a financial hit.treat others as you would like to be treated.

Disclosure when selling | Good Sam Community

27 Replies

OleManOleCan
Explorer
Jun 02, 2019
midnightsadie wrote:
when I sell things I tell what I know,I like to sleep at night.

Tell em what you know, but sell your trailer with an 'AS IS' clause.
You will get less money, but you will know you were honest.
ejd43
Explorer
Jun 01, 2019
I have always been honest and upfront with whatever issues or defects my camper had when trying to sell it. In fact I've given the person my personal cell phone number just in case they had any additional questions or needed help with anything. I've personally been ripped off before, and my wife and I personally refuse to ever put anyone else through that. Honesty is the best policy! :-)
DownTheAvenue
Explorer
Jun 01, 2019
State laws differ, but almost universally, it is "buyer beware." Whether you make a disclosure or not, just put on the bill of sale, "sold as is where is." Both you and buyer sign two copies, one for the seller and one for the buyer.
ppine
Explorer II
Jun 01, 2019
Tell people what you know. Be honest.
drsteve
Explorer
Jun 01, 2019
tragusa3 wrote:
It's simple. Do the right thing. You know what the right thing is before asking the question.

Besides sleeping better, I have usually found that information seals the sale. Even the bad things. If you can establish that trust, you can make the sale. As a buyer, I will take a known negative over unknowns all day long.

It reassures the buyer that you actually kept up on maintenance, and know what you're doing, too.
tragusa3
Explorer
Jun 01, 2019
It's simple. Do the right thing. You know what the right thing is before asking the question.

Besides sleeping better, I have usually found that information seals the sale. Even the bad things. If you can establish that trust, you can make the sale. As a buyer, I will take a known negative over unknowns all day long.
CincyGus
Explorer II
Jun 01, 2019
I've always been truthful when selling, unlike the first popup I bought. Whole front wall/storage area was water damaged. My problem is if something isn't working, I usually fix it before I sell it to get the best price I can. Had the water heater go out on my last TT. Didn't replace it but told them about it when I traded it in to the dealer I bought my current one from. They appreciated it I'm sure but the trade in price they give people has a significant margin built in to do needed repairs if they discover something unreported.
Huntindog
Explorer
Jun 01, 2019
You are making some assumptions that may not be correct.

The PO may not have known about the soft area.

The soft area may not be water damage.

I had a unit with a soft spot in the floor. I tore into it from underneath. It was fine. The soft spot was a result of the way the heat ducts ran, necessitating a change in the bracing. In short, it was normal for that unit.
Y-Guy
Moderator
Jun 01, 2019
Disclose it. I've always shared as much info with a private seller as I can, most were new RV owners and didn't know what to ask. I've never had a lemon so no issues.

I traded in a Toy Hauler and kept waiting them to ask questions, all they asked was the condition and my honest reply was it's in good condition. I did have a brush with a tree branch, no leaks and I did the repair with EternaBond tape. They called later, after all the papers were signed and said I had failed to disclose the damage. I told them you never asked about any damage, I think they realized they handn't I told them all about it, and that I'd even bought the EternaBond tape from their parts department!
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Jun 01, 2019
wildtoad wrote:
I found disclosing what is wrong, highlighting what is good is a good policy. I sleep well after the sale.

Yup, I agree with this.

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Disclosure when selling

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