Ensure your motorhome’s value is retained with these tips
If you have recently purchased a new or used motorhome and you want to safeguard as much of the initial outlay as possible then there are a number of useful tips that will serve you well when it comes to selling your camper on or trading it in at a dealership at a later date.
By following a few simple guidelines, you should find that although your RV has depreciated somewhat in value, the drop in price won’t be anywhere near as much as you had expected. Here is our list of do’s and don’ts that will help you get the price you are looking for:
Regular servicing
Always make sure that your motorhome is serviced at least once every 12 months. The engine and any other mechanical parts will obviously be looked over as part of the MOT – which is a legal requirement. However, you should also ensure that the living area is serviced and that any appliances are also regularly checked for faults in order to extend their lives. You should also be able to show a potential buyer that any work that has been carried out has actually been done – so make sure you keep hold of any documents and certificates that verify this.
If you want your motorhome to still look as good as new in two or three years time then it makes sense to invest in some serious protection for the paint and bodywork. Products such as Paintseal can be applied, either DIY or by means of a professional service, which will help to defend your campervan against the rigours of nature and any pollution that might be of concern. A quick treatment every now and then will keep your RV looking great and protect against UV sunlight, road salt, small chips and cracks, acid rain and prevent any other tell tale signs of premature aging from ruining the look of your motorhome.
If you are a smoker then you should be aware that the smell of cigarettes can have a seriously negative impact on a potential buyer’s willingness to invest in a motorhome. Carpets and upholstery can smell of smoke for many months after your last cigarette and in some cases even the walls and ceiling can pick up nasty yellow stains. The best way to avoid this from happening is to smoke outside.
Of course, one of the main advantages of going on holiday in a motorhome is the fact that you can take the whole family with you – including the dog! However, the smell of pets can also linger on indefinitely so you will need to take steps to stop this from happening. One option is to use throws and covers on the upholstery and beds – although larger dogs can sleep outside under the awning if you take a comfortable sleeping basket or kennel with you.
If you only use your motorhome during certain months of the year then you need to make sure that you store it somewhere safe from harm. If you don’t have a big enough garage, you should find somewhere to put your RV where it is safe from picking up any nasty knocks and where it won’t get damp or infested with pests of any description. You should also make sure that steps are taken to protect the engine and pipes from winter damage – particularly if there is a freeze expected.
Finally, we hope you find these basic tips useful and if you are thinking of selling your motorhome then why not give our team a call and get a free online camper valuation!
