Top Tips for Selling Your Used Pop-Up Camper

Pop-up campers (also called folding trailers or tent trailers) provide a nostalgic yet modern way to camp, offering a pitched-tent feel in trailer form. It’s a fun, family-friendly way to camp. But perhaps the time has come to say goodbye to your pop-up. Maybe you’ve had it for years and want something newer, or your family has outgrown it, or it just no longer suits your needs. Whatever the reason, if it’s time to sell your used pop-up camper, RVT has some tips to help you sell it quickly and for the best price. 

Clean and Stage the Camper

Before listing your pop-up camper for sale, thoroughly clean both the interior and exterior of the rig. Remove any personal belongings, declutter the space, and make it as inviting as possible. Since pop-ups typically do not have as many amenities when it comes to trailers and RVs, it is important to stage the camper to showcase its potential and highlight its best features. If your pop-up has extra desired amenities, such as a dinette, it is important to accent this when staging. Make sure your trailer is pristine with all appliances fully functioning.

Conduct a Thorough Inspection

Inspect your pop-up camper for any mechanical issues, leaks, or damages. Fix minor problems and address any necessary repairs. A well-maintained and functioning camper will attract more interested buyers. Additionally, consider getting your pop-up camper inspected by a trusted mechanic or RV service center. This inspection can provide a comprehensive report on the camper’s condition and address any concerns potential buyers may have.

Prepare Your Pop-Up for Listing

Compile all the necessary paperwork and documentation related to your pop-up camper. This may include the title, registration, maintenance records, user manuals, and any warranties or service contracts. Having these documents ready can instill confidence in potential buyers.

Capture clear, high-resolution photos of your pop-up camper from various angles. Include shots of the interior, exterior, and any unique features. Good visuals are essential for online listings, including RVT.com, and advertisements can significantly impact buyer interest. If needed, provide a few pictures of your pop-up next to transport vehicles or other fixtures to help showcase its size.

Craft a detailed and accurate description of your pop-up camper. Highlight its key features, specifications, and any recent upgrades or modifications. Be honest about its condition and mention any additional accessories or camping gear that may be included in the sale. As pop-ups tend to have limited space, highlight how your camper met your needs when you purchased it. This may provide the potential buyer more insight as to why they should consider purchasing your rig over another. 

Set a Competitive Price

Research the current market value of similar pop-up campers in your area. Consider factors such as age, condition, brand, and included features. Set a fair and competitive price that will attract potential buyers while still reflecting the camper’s value. If you are unsure where to begin your research, visit RVT.com and other online marketplaces to compare prices on the pop-up model you are selling. The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) is another great resource that can help you understand the market value of your pop-up. It is important to not rely on simply one platform to determine your pop-up’s value – be sure to visit various forums to set a competitive price on your camper.

Advertise Effectively

Online marketplaces like RVT offer an easy, convenient, and inexpensive way to sell your used trailer. Posting your listing online gives you access to thousands more shoppers than simply using a ‘for sale’ sign and parking it on a roadway. It also gives buyers a chance to view your rig remotely to make sure it suits their needs before viewing it in person. For more tips on listing your trailer for sale, check out how to list your RV for sale on RVT.

Negotiate and Finalize the Sale

Be open to negotiations and consider reasonable offers from potential buyers. Have a ‘basement’ price in mind that you don’t want to go under, and don’t feel you have to accept a lowball offer. Be friendly and helpful. Showing a buyer how to set up the trailer and take it down, plus offering any tips and tricks you’ve learned, could help seal the deal—especially for new RVers who haven’t owned a trailer before. 

Pop-ups are great entry-level trailers, excellent for families, and typically less expensive than other RV types, making them extremely popular. To help your pop-up trailer sell swiftly (and for the maximum price), make sure it’s clean, in good repair, competitively priced, and well-advertised. 

Ready to sell? List your unit for sale quickly and easily on RVT.

By Alex Hoyes