Prepping RV for private sale

[A_Miel]

Hello friends! I'm looking for counsel as I prepare my RV for sale. I've decided to sell it on my own (rather than consignment), with the help of son-in-law and daughter. It has some things needing fixing.

#1 (Most important) The bedroom closet slideout has leaked since I got it new. (Dealership sent out a repairman who did not fix it properly and dealership refused to do anymore.) Subsequently that area has been tarped for 2 years. I called manufacturer and since its past warranty they will not help. My thoughts are: Buy and install a slide topper before selling, OR leave as is and with full disclosure, deduct maybe $500 from asking price. Your thoughts?
(I don't believe there is any water damage. I had another RV guy look at it and we did some checking.)

#2 I broke the rooftop ladder trying to force it to fold up. One joint is snapped and I have duct tape snugly wrapped around it which works fine but again, should I sell it as is with provision in the price for a new ladder, or should I order and install a new one.

#3 Is it a good idea to pay for a licensed RV repairman to come out and test all systems and print out a report to have ready to show potential buyers? This way they can have a measure of confidence that everything is disclosed.

I have been very pleased with this RV - been living it in off/on for 2 years. Very nice layout. REALLY appreciate good advice. Thanks!

[Walaby]

I know alot of people will not disclose the flaws, and just figure if the buyer doesn't notice, it's their fault.

I personally hope you disclose the issues. I would. I also would probably have tried to figure out a way to fix the issue, while I was still using it, rather than have it tarped for two years.

I would replace the ladder. That's two issues, and it would make me wonder what other things are wrong... and I would dig deep investigating.

Mike

[valhalla360]

1) Repair it. If you simply point it out, you will be taking a lot more than $500 off the price.
2) Would be nice to repair if you can do it cheap but a lot less critical.
3) No, why would you spend your money to point out potential flaws that the buyer may not care about.

Fix anything that is simple and cheap to fix but otherwise focus on cleaning and removing clutter. An empty storage compartment makes the unit look bigger. Also empty compartments give you a chance to clean them.

[midnightsadie]

you have to repair that water damage ,and done right. NOTHING scares a buyer more than seeing water damage. p.s would you buy it with water damage starring at you? hope things go right for you. might call a mobil tech and get his idea.s of having it fixed. he might know a shop who does good work at a fair price.stay away from the dealers repair shop.

[SidecarFlip]

Rest assured, you will, plus your socks....lol

Almost nothing has a steeper depreciation curve than a used RV except maybe a snowmobile.

When we buy one (new) we really do careful research because we know it will be a long time owners Didn't get much but we got plenty of use out of it. Last one we had and sold, we had 14 years.

[A_Miel]

I purchased the RV at 40% off list price.I am hoping to sell for medium retail in the NADA. I have not used the oven, stove or shower and it has not gone anywhere. I'm really hoping I don't "lose my shorts".

[gbopp]

I think it's a good idea to have your RV Tech check everything on your unit and give you a report.
Then you can decide if you want to repair any items or sell as is.

A buyer will probably also hire their own inspector so, don't assume they will accept your Tech's report.

[B_O__Plenty]

Used newer RVs are hard enough to sell. Make sure that it's perfect and be prepared to lose your shorts on it or it won't sell at all. New ones can be had for 30-35% off manufactures list price if you haggle, plus they are easier to finance. Keep all of this in mind, that's your competition.
B.O.