Category: RV Living

The Top 10 Tips For Stationary RV Living

This article is about my 10 best tips for full-time RV stationary living. Whether it’s temporary or permanent.

Yes, RV living can be done in lots of various ways. And you don’t always have to be traveling to enjoy the RV life.

In fact, there’s lots of RVers that actually spend quite a bit of time in their RV in just one spot. And there’s various reasons for that.

Watch my video about stationary RV living

Table of Contents

Reasons Why You May Want To Be Stationary In An RV

For instance, it could be that they just want to save money on travel costs.

And therefore, staying in one spot for a while can help them save the costs of traveling around.

Or maybe they really enjoy the climate in one area of the country. And they want to stay a while and enjoy it. Like snowbirds, for instance.

Or it could be that they just like the area itself and want to explore it. And staying in one spot for a while makes that possible.

Or maybe they have family nearby that they want to spend a while visiting. That’s a big reason that many RVers become stationary for a while.

Finally, if they’re like us, full-timers may also really want to have a permanent home base.

They want a stationary place to be able to go if unexpected things come up out on the road. A place they can always come back to.

So clearly, there’s a lot of reasons why you may want to be stationary in your RV for a while.

And therefore, here are my best tips for successful stationary RV living. Let’s start with number one on my list.

The #1 Tip For Stationary RV Living

And that is, if you’re going to be permanently living for a while in an RV, then a towable RV is probably your best bet for that.

Towable RVs are best for long-term stationary RV living
Towable RVs are best for long-term stationary RV living

At least, it’s probably a better choice overall than choosing a motorhome. Why?

Mainly because the motorhome has an engine and a drivetrain. And if you’re stationary, it’s just sitting there doing nothing for prolonged periods of time.

But that doesn’t mean that you don’t have to keep maintaining those mechanical parts.

Because mechanical things like engines, transmissions, etc., need to be used to stay in good shape.

So for that reason alone, a towable RV lends itself to stationary living better than a motorhome.

And that brings us to the question of which towable RV is best for stationary RV living?

#2 – Which Kind Of RV Is Best?

That means we’re talking about comparing travel trailers and fifth wheels then. Which kind of RV would be best in this case?

Well probably. if you can make it a fifth wheel that’s a little better. Because first of all, it’s usually built with a little better quality overall.

In addition to that, fifth wheels are often larger as well. And that leads us into another point about stationary RV living.

Which is that larger RVs lend themselves better to long-term stationary living in general. Why would I say that?

Larger RVs like a fifth wheels are great for long-term stays
Larger RVs like a fifth wheels are great for long-term stays

Because RVs don’t have a lot of living space to begin with. You’re probably looking at between 200 and a little over over 300 square ft. in most cases.

So the more living space you can get, the better for long-term living.

That’s because sometimes RV walls can kind of close in on you. It can start to feel claustrophobic for many people.

So if you plan on staying a long time in an RV, having more living space is a good thing. Now for number three on my list.

#3 – Don’t Forget About RV Maintenance

And that is, while you are stationary don’t forget to keep up the maintenance on your RV. No matter what kind of RV it is.

I see this as a problem all the time. Many RVers get stationary, and they forget about a lot of maintenance tasks that still need to be done.

Especially on the outside, or the exterior of the RV. But remember, you still need to be checking joints and seals all over your RV regularly.

Maintaining your RV's joints and seals while stationary is critical
Maintaining your RV’s joints and seals while stationary is critical

This is the only way to prevent water intrusion that can begin to seriously damage your RV.

Also, you need to be washing and waxing that RV on a regular basis too.

That helps prevent fading and oxidation on the outside walls caused by the sun and other elements.

And if you have a generator, you will need to run it on a regular basis. Usually at least every month or so.

By doing that, you will help keep it in good working shape and ready for when you need it.

Now that leads us along to another tip that’s very important. It’s number four on my list.

#4 – Stationary RV Living In A Motorhome

And that is, let’s suppose that you have a motorhome that you’re staying in for a prolonged period.

If so, don’t forget to exercise that engine and drivetrain regularly. Of course, when you’re not using it, it can be out of sight and out of mind.

But it needs to be used regularly. And once again, I recommend exercising them at least on a monthly basis.

Which means that at the very least you should start the engine up and run it for a while. Make sure it’s being lubricated well in the process.

However, if you want to exercise these components properly, you really should do more.

You really need to unhook the motorhome and take it out on the road for a drive. It’s especially good if you can take it on the highway.

Drive your motorhome regularly to keep it working like it should
Drive your motorhome regularly to keep it working like it should

Just run it for a while and get everything working. This will help the transmission, the brakes, the suspension, and pretty much everything.

By doing this on a regular basis, it will keep things in good working shape while you’re stationary. OK, let’s move on to number five on the list.

#5 – What About The RV Park Or Campground?

And that has to do with choosing the RV park where you will be staying for a while. Make sure that you choose it carefully, especially for security.

Unfortunately, a lot of folks don’t think about that when choosing an RV park or campground. Many just think about choosing by price alone.

Don't forget about security when choosing an RV park or campground
Don’t forget about security when choosing an RV park or campground

But then they move into the park they have chosen and find out that there’s problems in that park.

However, now they’re kind of committed in many cases. So before you do that, read the online reviews for that park or campground.

Read them very carefully. And if you start to read about security issues, maybe it’s better to choose someplace else.

Or you could also ask around in the area and get some suggestions from people that are local.

Because that often gives you a lot of good information you need to know before you choose your park or campground.

#6 – How To Keep Your Camping Costs Low

OK, moving on to number six on the list. And that is, if you’re going to be in a park, try to get the lowest rates possible for your stay there.

And that means that you don’t want to be paying daily rates for an extended stay. Even weekly rates can be too much.

So look for annual, quarterly or semiannual rates instead. That way you can get the cost of your stay as low as possible.

Long-term rates are best for stationary RV living
Long-term rates are best for stationary RV living

But here’s something to keep in mind about longer term rates at most RV parks.

And that is, you may find that they don’t include the cost of electricity in those rates. Instead, you will be billed for that separately.

So try to find out what the electric cost for an RV tends to be on average before you commit.

And that way, you can budget the cost of the campsite for the entire time of your stationary stay.

#7 – How To Increase Your RV Living Area

OK, now moving along to number seven on the list. And that is, it’s good to have an outdoors area for extra living space and comfort.

Once again, that gets back to living space being an issue in an RV for long-term stays. In fact, over time it can get very tight for some people.

So it’s nice to have a little outdoor area where you can go out and enjoy the outside. And do so in comfort too.

So here’s a recommendation if you’re going to be in the area for a while. Or in one campsite spot for a while.

And that is, you might choose to set up a pergola or a gazebo on your campsite.

Because they are great for having a really nice enjoyable area outside and have shade at the same time.

Having a comfortable outside area makes staying in an RV more enjoyable
Having a comfortable outside area makes staying in an RV more enjoyable

Of course, if you’re not going to be there for a permanent stay, then maybe a popup canopy would be fine for your needs.

In fact, we’ve done that ourselves. Because they generally don’t weigh an awful lot, or take up a lot of space either.

And you can even store the canopy in the RV and use it as you go from place to place too. So it can be good for all of your RV travels.

Whatever you do though, just consider the idea of setting up a nice little area outside your RV while you’re stationary.

It extends your living area to the outside and let’s you feel more comfortable.

#8 – What Stationary RV Living Does To Your Tires

OK, that brings us to number eight on the list. And that has to do with your tires.

Because if you’re sitting in one spot for a while. it’s so easy for tires to get pounded by the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

If so, they’re going to dry out and crack very quickly and easily while you’re just sitting. And that makes them age very fast.

So if your RV is stationary, make sure that you have the tires covered and protected. And that will be a great way to make them last longer.

Get tire covers for your RV tires when you are staying in one place for a while
Get tire covers for your RV tires when you are staying in one place for a while

#9 – What About Extreme Weather?

Now moving on to number nine on the list. And that has to do with weather considerations.

So, what if you’re going to be in an area where extreme weather could happen before you leave?

Then get prepared for that in advance. For instance, what if you’re going to be in a more northern area where colder weather is going to come?

If very low temperatures will start to happen before you leave, get ready for it. And to do that, you may want to skirt the bottom of your RV.

That really increases the ability of the RV to maintain warmer temperatures inside. And it helps protect your RV plumbing as well.

Also, you probably want to increase the insulation in your RV too. By maybe covering the windows with an insulated material.

Also, stuffing some soft material up into the roof vents to provide better insulation is a good idea.

Insulate your RV well when to prepare for extreme weather
Insulate your RV well when to prepare for extreme weather

Of course, if you’re staying in the south for a while, the opposite kind of weather could happen.

How To Get Your RV Ready For Hot Temperature Extremes

And this is often what snowbirds do. As they often are going to be in areas like maybe Texas or Arizona.

These are areas where you could be facing 100ยฐ or more for a prolonged period of time.

So once again, try to insulate as much as you can to stay comfortable in that kind of weather.

And here’s another consideration for really hot temperatures in the southwest. It has to do with your air conditioning units.

Because they may not be able to keep up in that kind of an environment. So what can you do if that is the situation?

Well, you actually might want to think about installing a mini-split in your RV.

Especially if you’re going to be staying in one spot for a prolonged period in high heat.

These days, mini-split air conditioners seem to be catching on pretty well. Even in the RVing community.

Mini-split air conditioners are becoming popular in the RVing community
Mini-split air conditioners are becoming popular in the RVing community

And a lot of people are using them in extremely hot temperatures. Because they help make up for the deficiencies of RV air conditioners.

#10 – Your Internet Options While You’re Stationary

OK, let’s move along to number 10 on the list. And that is your internet needs while you are stationary in one spot.

Now, when you’re traveling around, you probably have a mobile internet solution already. One that helps you stay up with your internet needs.

But when you’re in one spot, you may find that it’s actually cheaper and faster to just connect up to a local cable company instead.

Local internet solutions can be much better for long-term stays
Local internet solutions can be much better for stationary RV living

Especially when you are going to be in one area for several months. So give that some thought as well.

Conclusion

OK, those are my 10 tips for stationary RV living. And clearly, being in one spot for a while in an RV can have its challenges.

But it can also have its rewards too. Especially if you think ahead and prepare well.

And hopefully the tips I’ve shared with you in this article will help make your RV stays in one place more enjoyable and more successful.

Have safe and happy RV travels!

RV Buying – The Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid

This article is about RV buying and the top 5 mistakes that many RV consumers make.

Of course, there have been lots of new RVers that have bought RVs in the past few years.

And many of them have made some very bad choices when they bought an RV. Either on the new or the used RV market.

And what this resulted in was their getting RVs that were problematic and troublesome.

So therefore, they clearly were not happy with the results of their buying experience.

There are many unhappy RV buyers these days
There are many unhappy RV buyers these days

And so let’s discuss five big mistakes that many people make that need to be avoided. That way you can be sure that the RV you get is a good one!

Watch my video about RV buying and the biggest mistakes RV buyers make

Table of Contents

RV Buying – The First Big Mistake

OK, let’s start with the first one on the list. And that is, many people don’t learn much about RVs themselves before actually buying one.

Instead, they often fall in love with the RV lifestyle first. Because this is constantly promoted by RV manufacturers and online content creators.

Many buyers are just focused on the fun of RVing that is promoted by the RV industry
Many buyers are just focused on the fun of RVing that is promoted by the RV industry

Many of them are just pushing the travel part of RVing. And the adventure of it all, the freedom, and so on.

So these buyers fall in love with that whole idea that’s being promoted by the RV industry.

But they don’t really pay very much attention to the RV itself. And that’s what is going to allow them to enjoy the lifestyle!

So before you actually buy any RV, you need to learn about the pros and the cons of different kinds of RVs.

Because there is not a single RV made that fits everybody’s needs out there.

What You Need To Learn Before Buying An RV

So you need to learn about the different categories of RVs first. Then you can determine what’s going to fit your needs best.

Learn about which kind of RV will fit you best
Learn about which kind of RV will fit you best

Now another thing that needs to be learned about is what brands are known for producing better quality RVs than their competition.

And when you know that, you can put the odds on your side that you’re going to get a good RV.

So I have created several guidebooks that can help you know which brands are best to buy. Just click here to view them.

Also try to not only watch videos and content about RV adventures and travel.

But also try to include content about maintaining RVs. This will be very important for you to know when you are an RV owner!

Try to watch online content that includes information on how to maintain any RV that you buy
Try to watch online content that includes information on how to maintain any RV that you buy

And being able to spot trouble in major costly components in an RV is valuable knowledge to have. Especially when buying an RV.

That way when you’re shopping for RVs, you can spot a problem RV much better. And then you can eliminate it right away.

Big Mistake #2 In RV Buying

OK, now let’s move on to our second big mistake that a lot of RV buyers make.

And that is, they base their whole buying decision on superficial things about the RV.

In other words, some people just buy an RV based entirely on the price alone. They just want to get the least expensive RV that they can get.

And it doesn’t really seem to matter whether the RV is well-built or not.

When RV buying, don't be solely focused on price alone
When RV buying, don’t be solely focused on price alone

Other buyers are just looking for the right color. Or they’re looking for the right floor plan, or layout of the RV.

Now let me be clear that these are good things to consider when you buy an RV. You don’t want to ignore those things.

But they should not be the sole reason why you buy an RV. Because that’s more or less superficial reasoning that can get you in trouble later on.

Believe me, the frustration you’re going to feel with a poor quality RV after you’ve bought it is not going to be worth it.

It will override all the appearance, price, and any other reasons why you made the purchase.

And you’ll be very unhappy! Even if it does have the floor plan you want at the price you wanted to pay. So don’t buy solely on superficial reasons!

Mistake #3 – Who Do You Trust?

OK, let’s move on to the third mistake many buyers make in RV buying.

And that is, they put too much trust in what the dealer or the salesperson is telling them about the RV they are thinking about buying.

Now let me emphasize this. RV dealers know how to get sales quickly, because they have a process that they like to put people through.

And the bigger the dealer, the more often you’re likely to see these sales processes.

Unfortunately, many of their tactics are taken directly from car dealers.

Many RV dealers use tactics that employ lots of sales pressure
Many RV dealers use tactics that employ lots of sales pressure

And we all know how most people feel about those kinds of sales tactics, right?

So these RV dealers know how to get you to buy quickly, on emotion.

Remember that we talked about this in mistake number one. That many RV buyers do not really know much about the RVs they are shopping.

As a result, a lot of people just rely on the salesperson they’re working with. They ask them questions and accept what they say as good advice.

The Truth About RV Salespersons!

But here’s the truth about RV salespeople! It’s true that many of them are very good and very knowledgeable about what they are selling.

But there’s a lot of RV salespeople that are just salespersons. And they actually probably don’t know much more about the RV than you do.

Don't rely too heavily on your RV salesperson
RV buying advice – don’t rely too heavily on your RV salesperson

So don’t rely too heavily on their advice! Instead, you need to know what you’re looking for in an RV before you start shopping.

Once again, that gets back to point number one. That you need to learn as much as you can before starting the RV shopping experience.

So you should know what category of RV will fit you best. And know the brands you’re looking for and the price that you want to pay for it.

By doing that, you are in charge of the sales process, not the RV dealer or seller!

Here’s A Big Mistake! – #4

Now let’s go to point number four on the mistakes list, and this is a big one!

And that is that many RV buyers don’t make use of a certified RV inspector in the buying process.

So let’s think about that for a while. What if you’re going to buy a home to live in?

Well, almost all of them are built according to certain building codes. Or according to regulations that are set by the municipality in that area.

Homes are usually inspected all along the way to be sure they are up to code
Homes are usually inspected all along the way to be sure they are up to code

Now the municipality doesn’t take the builder’s word that he built it right. Or according to the proper code. That would be foolish, right?

Instead, they send out inspectors to make sure that it’s built properly. And they often do this in each stage of the building process.

Also, many prospective home buyers get a home inspection before buying a house. Why?

Most home buyers use a home inspector for peace of mind
Most home buyers use a home inspector for peace of mind

Because they want to know that the home they are looking at is in good shape.

That they’re not buying something with expensive problems that’s going to take a lot of money to fix.

With that in mind, please understand that an RV is a rolling home too.

And as it goes down the highway, shaking as it goes, many things come loose. And they will need constant attention because of this.

Also an RV is in many cases more complicated and involved than a stationary house. Because of all the special systems in modern RVs.

So why in the world would you not get an RV inspection before buying an RV?

Because if you do, you’ll certainly know a lot more about that RV when the inspection is done.

RV Buying Mistake #5

OK, let’s move on to mistake number five on my list. And it’s closely related to this last one we just talked about.

That is that a lot of buyers don’t get RV problems fixed before they take delivery of the RV. So what happens then?

Well, suppose you take that RV home and the dealer already has his money for the sale.

Unfortunately, at that point it’s all up to you to get any problems taken care of. You are pretty much on your own when paying for RV repairs.

And the priority for getting these issues fixed has decreased in the seller’s mind. Because they already have their money from the sale of the RV.

So you go to the back of the RV repair line at the dealership or repair facility.

And it could take many months before you get all the RV’s problems worked out.

In the meantime, it’s going to be very frustrating and irritating. And you may have very limited use of your RV for camping and travel.

So how can you avoid this all-too-common scenario? Once again, you can be in the driver’s seat if you have the RV inspected before buying it.

Because if you chose an NRVIA certified RV inspector, they gave you something very valuable.

Hire a certified NRVIA inspector

You will have a list of all the things that need attention on that RV. All the problems that must be fixed to get it into fully workable shape.

How To Get All Of The RV’s Problems Fixed Quickly

So now, all you have to do is give that list to the RV dealer or seller. And tell them you want these things fixed before you take delivery of the RV.

So what happens then? Instead of going to the very back of the repair line, the dealer is now most likely going to put you right up front.

Why? Because they want the money from the RV sale. And they want that RV off their lot.

Because most dealers finance their inventory. And they don’t want to have to keep paying interest on the RV while it’s unsold.

So because they want the sale money, they’re going to start fixing things very quickly. And this happens very often in the RV buying process.

Then when all the problems have been fixed to your satisfaction, you can complete the deal. And as a result, you’ll have a good RV right away!

OK, these are the top five mistakes of RV buying that I see people making all the time.

Conclusion

Clearly then, there doesn’t have to be a lot of complaints online about RVs like there are now.

Of course, RV manufacturers need to improve their quality standards. And RV dealers also bear a responsibility for the shape of the RV industry now.

But you can still buy a good RV in spite of those challenges. If you know the mistakes you need to avoid, and how you should buy an RV.

So if you follow the advice I’ve provided for RV buying in this article, you can have an RV you’ll be happy with for many years to come.

Have safe and happy RV travels!

RV Resale Value – How To Make It As High As Possible

This article is about RV resale value. And how you can make it as high as possible when it comes time to sell your RV.

Of course, buying an RV can be one of the most expensive purchases in a person’s life.

But RV owners are often shocked afterward to find out how low the resale value can be.

RV resale value often plummets fast on an RV
RV resale value often plummets fast on an RV

In some cases, if they finance the RV, they may actually owe more than the RV is even worth.

So the question is, how do you keep the value in your RV high while you’re owning it? And this article will cover the top five ways to do that.

Watch my video on RV resale value

Table of Contents

RV Resale Value – Tip #1

So let’s start with number one on the list. And that is to maintain your RV regularly.

That means that you need to fix anything that breaks right away. And even better, replace anything that is worn out before it breaks.

RV maintenance is key to keeping your RV in good shape
RV maintenance is key to keeping your RV in good shape

Because it’s just true that buyers are going to pay more for an RV that they feel is in really good shape. One that has been really cared for.

So you want to give them that kind of impression when they come to look at your RV. You want them to know that you have cared for it well.

A Word About RV Joints And Seals

Of course, one of the main things that you want to really watch and care for on your RV is the exterior joints and seals.

Maintaining Your RV's Joints And Seals Is Critical RV Resale Value
Maintaining Your RV’s Joints And Seals Is Critical RV Resale Value

Because you want to be sure that you keep water leaks out of your RV.

This is really critical. And the reason for that is water can do a lot of damage quickly in an RV.

So if people see evidence of past water leaks, what happens to the resale value of that RV?

Clearly, the price they are willing to pay is going to come down, in many cases by a lot. Or they’re just going to walk away altogether.

Water Intrusion Is An Enemy Of RV Resale Value

And one of the places where water leaks can become the most apparent is down the RV’s side walls.

Because if water comes in on the roof and goes down the side walls, it can delaminate the wall material.

This can cause a bubble that sticks out on the side of the RV. And when people see those bubbles, what happens?

Wall delamination can ruin the value of your RV
Wall delamination can ruin the value of your RV

In most cases, the price is definitely going down big time. Or they’re just going to walk away and cross your RV off their list.

So be sure that you maintain your joints and seals all over the RV. This means on the roof, and on the sidewalls as well.

Keep the sealant in those places fresh and in good working order. If you see cracking and peeling, remove the old sealant and reseal it right away.

It’s the best way that you can keep water out of the RV and also keep your RV resale value high.

Now that’s not the only thing that you need to watch though. So try to have a schedule for all the maintenance that you need to do on your RV.

And it’s best if your maintenance schedule is printed out. Because that way you can check it off and even date it when it’s done.

The #2 Method Of Keeping Your RV’s Resale Value High

Now let’s move on to number two on the list. It’s closely related to number one that we just covered.

And that is to keep very good records of the repairs and the maintenance that has been done on your RV.

Good maintenance and repair records will impress RV buyers
Good maintenance and repair records will impress RV buyers

Because you can tell a buyer all day long that you have cared for your RV.

And you know what? They’ll just take it with a grain of salt when you say that.

But nothing impresses buyers more than when you hand them a detailed list. One that covers all the things you’ve done to keep the RV in shape.

And to go even further, it’s great to have all the receipts for the work that’s been done as well. Because that is proof that the work was done.

And what happens at that point? Well, it gives them confidence. Not only in what you say, but also in the condition of your RV.

And automatically, the value of your RV increases dramatically in their mind. Why?

Because not very many people are going to be providing them with that kind of detailed information.

So once again, most people are willing to pay more for well-maintained RVs. Especially those with proof that the work has been done.

RV Resale Value – Tip #3 Is A Biggie!

Now let’s move on to number three on the list. And that is to do your best to keep your RV clean inside and out. Just make sure that it looks great!

Keep Your RV clean to keep the value high
Keep Your RV clean to keep the value high

I can’t emphasize enough that appearance means a lot in the sale of RVs.

In fact, the appearance of your RV can add thousands to the price if someone really likes the way it looks. They’re often willing to pay more!

But unfortunately, this is one of the areas where many RVers often don’t do as well as they should.

So especially the exterior of the RV is often not cared for like it really should be. Of course, this is not necessarily a deliberate thing.

Why Many Owners Don’t Care For Their RV’s Exterior

Because most RV owners intend to care for the RV’s outside. But they just don’t usually get the job done as often as they should.

Why? Well, you have a couple of choices when it comes to keeping up the RV’s exterior.

You can either pay for someone to come in and detail your RV on a regular basis. Or you can go out and wash and wax it yourself regularly.

Well, bringing somebody in to detail your RV is not cheap. In fact, it’s going to cost several hundred dollars in most cases, if it’s done right.

So people have a tendency to not do it as often as they should. Because they just don’t want to spend that kind of money.

But then on the other hand, what if you’re going to try to do it yourself?

Well, most people know that it’s going to be a real job. One that takes a lot of time and effort to do. So they keep putting it off.

And as they put it off, months turn into years, and time marches quickly on.

So the next thing you know, the outside of the RV is just in awful shape. Because too much time has passed between cleaning and protecting it.

How To Keep Your RV’s Appearance Up At All Times

But the truth is that there is no reason in this day and age for this to happen. For folks not to keep the outside of their RV in good shape.

And the reason for that is because of the products we have available to us now. Products that were not really available in the past.

Now I’ve made a video about this. And the video demonstrates a pole system that I use to this day on my RVs.

It allows me to use products that wash and wax the RV at the same time. And with the pole system, it’s quick, easy and simple to do.

In fact, it’s so effective that you can keep your RV looking great pretty much all the time.

And the average RV owner can do this without any problem at all. So take a look at that video and see what you think.

Just click on the image below to view that video and see the pole system I currently use.

Watch my video on how to wash and wax your RV the easy way
Watch my video on how to wash and wax your RV the easy way

However, not only do you want to wash and wax the outside walls of the RV.

Other Parts Of Your RV That Need Attention

Remember there are rubber and plastic parts on the outside too. And the UV rays from the sun will break those down very quickly.

So keep them treated with a really good ultraviolet inhibitor, like 303 Aerospace Protectant.

Click on this image to find out more about 303 Aerospace Protectant

I have used this product for years, and it has really good reviews. So just click here to view it online.

Also, inside the RV be sure to care for your carpet as well. Because that’s another area where a lot of people don’t keep up the RV’s appearance.

It’s true that the carpet from the manufacturer is usually not all that great in most RVs.

But try to keep it looking as good as you can with regular machine cleaning.

One Of The Biggest Turn-Offs For RV Buyers

And finally, don’t clutter the inside of your RV! Because what happens if people come in to look at your RV and it’s all cluttered?

Well, I can guarantee you they’re lowering the price in their mind right away.

So when you decide to sell your RV, make sure that clutter is at a minimum.

RV Resale Value Tip #4 – What About RV Storage?

OK, let’s move on to number four on our list. And that is about RV storage.

Now if you’re not a full-time RVer, then you’re going to have to put your RV in storage at some point.

And if you do, it’s best to keep it covered from the effects of the weather and the sun.

Leaving your RV stored unprotected outside can ruin the exterior
Leaving your RV stored unprotected outside can ruin the exterior

Of course, the very best coverage you can get is to store it inside if you can. But not everybody can do that.

So try to at least put it under a shelter if you can. Because that’ll keep the UV damage down to a minimum.

And the damage on an RV’s exterior from the sun can be very extensive over time.

Especially if an RV is left uncovered and unattended outside for some time.

Don’t Forget The Inside Of Your RV

But also keep in mind the inside of the RV while it’s in storage. Because what if you’re in a state like Florida or Texas, or other southern states?

In that case, humidity could be a big factor to consider. And if your RV’s just sitting there closed up, humidity can cause mold to develop.

Believe me, you don’t want that! Because if a prospective buyer sees mold in your RV, they are just going to go the opposite direction.

Because the RV resale value for your rig has just plummeted in their mind. And it can be a real deal breaker.

So be sure that when you put your RV in storage, you try to protect it inside and out as much as you can.

Tip #5 – What If You Make Changes To Your RV While You Own It?

Number five on our list is to keep any renovations that you make to your RV as reasonable as you can.

Having said that, we all like to make changes to make our RV our own, right? To personalize it in some way.

But remember that when you do, not everybody has the same taste that you do. Or the same same needs or wants in an RV.

So if you’re going to make changes to your RV, try to make sure that they’re changes that are going to appeal to the vast majority of people.

That way, when you sell the RV, you won’t automatically turn off most people who look at it.

And I’ll give you an example here. A lot of people like to take out the dinette of an RV, and put something else in there.

A lot of RV owners remove the dinette to upgrade the seating area
A lot of RV owners remove the dinette to upgrade the seating area

Well if you do, make sure you hold on to the dinette. It’s a good idea to store it somewhere while you have the RV.

And that way when you sell your RV, you can just put it right back in. Because it will often appeal to more people that way.

Also, if you’re going to do upgrades, make sure they actually add value to the RV.

What Upgrades Can You Do To Increase Your RV Resale Value?

And here’s a few that do add value. First, having an upgraded mattress is something a lot of people really appreciate and pay for.

Also, having a better toilet is a big upgrade that most RV buyers will appreciate.

Another one is upgraded kitchen appliances. Most people recognize the value in that kind of upgrade, and they’ll often pay more as a result.

Conclusion

OK, those are the top five ways that you can keep your RV resale value as high as possible.

And I hope that this article will help you when it comes time to sell your RV.

By helping make sure that you get as much for it as possible in the ways I’ve covered here.

Have safe and happy RV travels!