Skip to main content
Thursday January 23, 2025

How to Prepare Your Motorhome for Spring Sales

4 minutes well spent

Posted by John Broderick
AdobeStock 1094500248

Springtime is coming, and the motorhome market is about to see a blossoming of activity. Buyers are eager to secure their vehicle in time to enjoy warmer months on the road, and some people are looking to sell (potentially to upgrade). If you’re one of those who is thinking about moving your motorhome on through private sale, preparing it properly can significantly enhance resale value and attract serious buyers.

In this edition of our blog, we present a comprehensive guide to the things you need to do to get your motorhome sale-ready. Remember, though, you don’t necessarily have to go the route of selling privately. Here at Don Amott, we buy motorhomes, so we can save you all of the hassle of organising a private sale. Speak to us today.

Deep Clean

A sparkling clean motorhome is much more of a draw for buyers than one that looks a bit down on its luck or neglected. Begin with a thorough deep clean, inside and out.

  • Exterior: Wash bodywork using good quality car shampoo, paying attention to areas prone to grime (eg. wheel arches and roof). Consider using a pressure washer for tough dirt – but be cautious around seals and decals. Polishing and waxing the exterior can restore shine and provide extra protection.
  • Interior: Vacuum carpets, clean upholstery and wipe down surfaces (eg. kitchen counters and in the bathroom). Clean windows and mirrors using glass cleaning fluid, and clean any built-in appliances. Make sure there are no lingering odours as a fresh-smelling interior is a big selling point.

Maintenance and Repairs

Buyers will expect a motorhome in good working condition. Taking care of maintenance issues before putting your motorhome up for sale can save you from missing out on a potential sale or having to accept a lower price.

  • Mechanical: Schedule a service to make sure the engine, brakes, tyres and suspension are all in optimal condition. If there are any warning lights on the dashboard get the things they refer to checked out, and make sure that the battery is fully charged.
  • Systems: Test all the motorhome’s electrical systems (including lighting, heating and air conditioning). Inspect water systems to see if there are any leaks, and ensure the plumbing is working correctly.
  • Repairs: Fix any visible wear and tear on both the exterior and interior. Things like scratches, dents or broken fixtures can be off-putting for prospective buyers and small and inexpensive repairs can make a significant difference.

Declutter

A clutter-free space allows your potential buyers to easily picture themselves using the motorhome. Remove all of your personal items (eg. family photos, souvenirs and non-essential gear). Empty out the motorhome’s storage compartments and only leave items that are included in the sale (eg. user manual and spare parts, etc). If you’re still using the motorhome occasionally, make sure you tidy it up after every trip.

Documentation

Having all of the necessary paperwork ready and in good order demonstrates that you’ve cared for your motorhome, and can speed up the sales process.

  • Service History: Gather records of servicing, repairs and MOTs. A complete service history reassures buyers about the vehicle’s reliability.
  • Ownership: Ensure you have the V5C registration certificate and any warranty documents for included equipment.
  • Instruction manuals: Provide manuals for appliances and systems (such as the heating, infotainment system and sat nav).
  • Certificates: If your motorhome has been safety-checked (ie. gas or electrical system inspections) make sure these certificates are available.

Marketing

Creating an effective marketing strategy can help you reach the right buyers and secure a better price.

  • Photos: Take clear, well-lit photographs of your motorhome from multiple angles. Certain mobile phones can use wide-angle lenses, which will increase the amount of coverage in your images. Highlight the best features of your motorhome, including the living space, kitchen, bathroom and storage.
  • Description: Write a compelling listing for your vehicle that includes the make, model, year and mileage, plus key features and other important information. Mention any upgrades or extras, such as solar panels, bike racks or awnings.
  • Platform: Advertise your motorhome on popular online marketplaces, specialist motorhome sales websites and in local classified ads. Social media can also be a powerful tool for reaching potential buyers, particularly if you have a large friend’s group, who may share your listing and open it up to a wider potential audience.

Negotiation

Once you’ve attracted interested buyers, negotiating effectively can help in making sure you get the best deal.

  • Price: Research similar motorhomes (year, make, model and mileage) to determine a competitive asking price. Be prepared to justify your valuation with evidence, such as the vehicle’s condition and included extras.
  • Transparency: Honesty is the best policy. Being open about the motorhome’s condition builds trust with buyers. Tell them up front about any known issues, to avoid disputes and difficulties later.
  • Flexibility: While you should aim to get your desired asking price, be open to reasonable offers. Knowing your lowest acceptable price beforehand can help you make quick decisions.
  • Seal the deal: Once you’ve agreed on a price, make sure the transaction is secure. Opt for direct bank transfers whenever possible. Provide a receipt. 

Before showing your motorhome to potential buyers, think about adding a few finishing touches to enhance its appeal. Modest fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit on the dining table can be a refreshing and wholesome touch and set up the seating area to look inviting. These small things can make your motorhome feel homely.

Preparing your motorhome for spring sales does require effort, but the rewards are well worth it. By following the steps we’ve spoken about in this edition of our blog, you’ll not only attract serious buyers but also get a good price for your motorhome. Remember, at Don Amott we buy motorhomes, so you could always cut out the hassle of selling privately!

John Broderick

John Broderick

Managing Director

John Broderick is the Managing Director of Don Amott Leisure Kingdom, bringing extensive experience and a passion for the leisure and holiday industry. Under his leadership, Don Amott Leisure Kingdom continues to provide outstanding service and quality products, catering to the needs of customers seeking memorable leisure experiences. With a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, John ensures that Don Amott remains a trusted name in the industry.
Ready to start your next adventure?

We’ve got 100s of new and used stock for you to discover