Is your RV over a decade old? Has it racked up the miles? Or maybe it requires a necessary but costly repair? For any number of reasons, used RVs can suddenly turn into junk RVs. Rigs like these tend to be a bit more difficult to sell than younger, fully operational ones. If you own a junk RV, you could be quite confused as to how to turn it into cash. How can something that’s called junk be sold? Does anyone even buy junk RVs?
How To Turn a Junk RV Into Cash in Washington State
Whether your RV is obviously junk or not so obvious, there are some strategies for turning an unwanted waste of space into cold hard cash. How much you can get for yours will depend upon several different factors. Some rigs, even junk ones, will fetch far more cash than others. The factors that affect a used RV value can include:
- Age – Although not all RVs with a decade’s worth of use are considered junk, many are. It is because rigs of this age typically require more repairs and also because some campgrounds will refuse them due to the 10-year rule. Older RVs are difficult to sell.
- Mileage – Once your rig hits 100k miles, many may consider it to be junk. Those approaching or are over 200k miles are certainly well within the category. Just like older RVs, those with excessive mileage will require more costly and more frequent repairs.
- Condition – A well-weathered rig with obvious signs of damage can easily put it into the category of being a junk RV. However, no matter how good-looking your rig is, all it takes is one repair that’s equal to half or more of its value, and you’re stuck with a junk RV.
- Popularity – Some RVs have such a good long-standing reputation that despite age or mileage, they steer clear of being called junk. Both Winnebagos and Airstreams are fortunate to mostly stay in the category of vintage without being labeled as junk.
- Features – RVs that have more bells and whistles than base, bare-bones ones will fetch more, even when considered junk. Any high-end equipment or components that are still operational will increase the value of even a non-working one.
Once you’re certain that yours is junk, the next step is to determine what’s the best method for selling it. Here are some of the easiest ways to turn an unwanted RV into much-wanted cash.
List It Online
Although online listings for RVs are generally used for those that are operational, there’s no rule that says you can attempt to sell a junk one using any of the more popular selling platforms. Many RV enthusiasts with a DIY spirit are looking to purchase less-than-desirable rigs. Used RVs in good condition can cost an arm and a leg, and there are buyers looking for junk ones to refurbish at half the cost of those that don’t require repairs.
Sell It to a Specialized RV Dealer
One of the easier and more profitable methods for selling a junk RV is to contact a specialized RV dealer who purchases hard-to-sell rigs. Fortunately, the answer is yes. You can sell a junk RV for cash in Washington by offering it to a specialized dealer, one that doesn’t care about looks, mileage, or the ravages of time. Regardless of mileage, age, or condition, they’ll come to you and scoop yours up, leaving you with cash, a check, or a Venmo payment. They pay much more than you’d expect and handle all of the required paperwork. Selling to a junk RV dealer is a win-win situation.
Donate the Used RV to a Charity
Not all charities accept junk RV donations, but many are specifically looking for them. Some may refurbish them to be used to help a family in need of temporary housing, while others will either auction them off or sell them for scrap. If you’re looking for a feel-good solution to unloading yours while still getting paid, you’ll need to find a charity that will supply you with a document that states what they’ve sold it for. You can then use this document as a tax write-off.
Take the RV to a Junkyard
Motorhomes that have an exterior made of aluminum can be sold to a junk, scrap, or salvage yard. Many will purchase junk RVs based on how much scrap metal they can harvest from them. Some will also take into consideration any of its usable parts and components that can be resold to RV owners. You won’t get top dollar for your rig, but it is a good way to dispose of it while also getting some extra cash in your wallet.
Preferred Methods for Turning Washington Junk RVs Into Cash Explained
It doesn’t make smart financial sense to dump money into an older RV for repairs when their costs far outweigh the rig’s value. The same goes for letting a dilapidated motorhome rot away on your property or in your garage when you can unburden yourself from it while also getting paid. While there are several different ways to sell a junk RV, savvy folks know that the best method is to sell them to a junk RV dealer.
