5 Steps to Effectively Sell an RV You Owe Money On

The Florida Seller’s Complete Guide – Get Above Water and Sell Successfully

⏱️ 15-20 minute read | 📖 Proven system used by hundreds of Florida RV owners

You bought your RV with dreams of weekend getaways and family adventures.

And for a while, it delivered exactly that – cherished memories and the freedom of the open road.

But life changes. Maybe the insurance premiums doubled this year. Maybe you’re not using it as much as you thought you would. Or maybe you need to free up cash for other priorities.

Whatever the reason, you’ve decided it’s time to sell your motorhome.

REAL FLORIDA SUCCESS STORY

How Mike Sold His Underwater RV in 3 Weeks (Tampa, FL)

The Situation:

Mike owed $83,000 on his Class A motorhome. Market value? Only $75,000. He was $8,000 underwater and 75 days behind on payments with repossession looming.

The Strategy:

Professional photography highlighting premium features, strategic multi-platform marketing to serious buyers only, and negotiating a 45-day hold with his lender.

The Result:

Sold for $84,500 in 3 weeks. Mike paid off the $83,000 loan, covered closing costs, and walked away with $800 in his pocket instead of owing $8,000+ after repossession.

“The difference between panic pricing at $75,000 and strategic marketing? Nearly $10,000 and my financial future.”

— Mike, Tampa FL

You begin searching the web for ways to “sell my RV fast” or “who buys used RVs near me.”

But before you can sell or consign your RV you must be in the most advantageous financial position as the owner.

The problem may be that you are upside down on your RV loan, or so you’ve been told.

Depending on what kind of loan you got to purchase your camper and what financial institution holds your loan, you may feel stuck. But that’s not necessarily the case.

Here’s what to do if you owe more money on your RV than it’s worth.

📌 Important: This article focuses on HOW to sell.

But if you’re still deciding WHETHER to sell (or exploring other options like refinancing, forbearance, or short sales), start here first:

My Complete Underwater RV Loan Guide →

(Covers all 7 options, not just selling)

📊 Complex Situation? Let’s Talk.

After 9 years running an RV consignment service and helping dozens of owners navigate underwater loans, I now offer personalized consulting to guide you through this exact process.

My done-with-you approach means you maintain control and keep more money, while I handle the strategy, buyer qualification, and negotiation.

If your loan situation is complicated or you want to maximize your sale price, let’s discuss which of my consulting packages fits your needs.

Schedule Free Consultation

Step One – Find Out What Your RV Is Worth

Selling a Used RV? Try these 10 Tips! Owing more on your RV than what it’s worth is called a lien. It’s a scary word but it doesn’t have to be.

Once you know the true market value of your camper you can begin making a plan to reduce the difference you owe and make your RV sellable. Use an official price guide like NADA.

NADA Guides is the industry standard for RV valuations – more accurate and reliable than Kelley Blue Book for recreational vehicles. Here’s how to use it: Go to J.D. Power RV Values (formerly NADA Guides) and enter your RV’s year, make, model, and condition. You’ll see several values listed – focus on “Low Retail” value, not “Average Retail.” Why? Low Retail reflects realistic current market conditions in Florida, especially for RVs that need to sell quickly. Average Retail assumes perfect condition and a patient seller with 3-6 months to wait for the right buyer. When you’re underwater on a loan, you don’t have that luxury.

Take into consideration the unit, model, brand, and the year it was manufactured. Add value for upgrades that were done by the manufacturer or yourself.

Then factor in the mileage, overall mechanical condition, and aesthetic condition.

If things are cracked or broken this will of course detract from the value if they aren’t repaired.

Step Two – Compare with Local Comparable RVs for Sale

NADA gives you a baseline value, but real-world selling prices tell you what buyers are actually paying right now in your local Florida market. Spend 2-3 hours researching comparable RVs to understand realistic pricing.

Where to Find Comparable RV Prices:

RV Trader (rvtrader.com) – The largest RV marketplace with thousands of Florida listings. Search by your RV type, year range (±2 years of yours), and similar mileage. Filter by “Florida” to see local competition. Pay attention to how long listings have been active – if an RV has been listed 90+ days, it’s overpriced.

Facebook Marketplace – Search “RV” or your specific type (Class A motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel) and set location to your area + 100 miles. Facebook shows real people selling, not just dealers, giving you true private-party pricing. Watch for price drops – sellers who reduce prices are getting desperate or realistic about market value.

Craigslist – Check Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Miami Craigslist sites under “RVs & Campers.” Craigslist sellers tend to price lower than RV Trader because there’s no listing fee. This shows you the floor price – what buyers can find if they shop hard.

Local RV Dealerships – Visit or check websites of used RV dealers near you. Dealer prices are typically 15-25% higher than private party, but seeing their inventory shows what’s moving. If dealers have 5+ similar units sitting on their lot, that model is saturated in your market.

eBay Motors (ebay.com/motors) – Filter by “Sold Listings” to see what similar RVs actually sold for (not just asking prices). This is gold – actual closed transactions in the past 90 days. If you see your model selling consistently below NADA values, that’s your reality check.

🔍 What to Compare:

  • Year and Model – Match within 2-3 years of your RV
  • Mileage/Hours – Within 10,000 miles for motorhomes, similar usage for trailers
  • Condition – Be honest about your condition vs. theirs (their photos don’t lie)
  • Features and Upgrades – Solar panels, generator, awning, A/C units add value
  • Location – RVs sell for more in Florida (snowbird destination) than midwest states
  • Time on Market – Listings over 60 days are priced too high

⚠️ Common Pricing Mistake: Don’t price based on what you OWE – price based on what the MARKET will pay. I’ve seen sellers list a $45,000 RV for $68,000 because “that’s what I owe on it.” Buyers don’t care about your loan. They care about getting a fair deal. Overpricing by $10,000+ guarantees your RV sits unsold for months while you keep making payments. Price it right from day one – you can always negotiate up, but starting too high kills all momentum.

After researching 15-20 comparable RVs for sale in Florida, you’ll have a realistic market value. If most similar RVs are listed at $48,000-52,000, and NADA says $50,000, you now have confirmation. This is your true market value – not wishful thinking, not what you paid, not what you owe. This is what buyers will actually pay.

Step Three – Calculate the Difference You Owe

This is the moment of truth. You know what your RV is worth (Step One), you know what the market will pay (Step Two), now it’s time to calculate your exact gap – the difference between your loan payoff and your RV’s value.

How to Get Your Exact Loan Payoff Amount:

Call Your Lender Directly – Don’t guess based on your last statement. Call the customer service number on your monthly statement or loan documents. Say exactly this: “I need a 10-day payoff quote for my RV loan.” They’ll give you the exact amount needed to pay off your loan if you closed within 10 days, including any prepayment penalties or fees.

Request It in Writing – Ask the lender to email you an official payoff statement or access it through your online account portal. This document shows: current principal balance, accrued interest through payoff date, any outstanding fees, per-diem interest (daily interest charged if you don’t pay by payoff date), and total payoff amount with expiration date.

Important Note: Your payoff amount is NOT the same as your current loan balance. Payoff includes all interest through the payoff date plus any fees. It’s typically $200-800 higher than your statement balance, depending on your interest rate and payment timing.

📊 Calculate Your Negative Equity (The Gap)

Your RV Loan Payoff: $__________

Minus Your RV Market Value: – $__________

Equals Your Negative Equity: $__________

Example: If your payoff is $68,500 and your RV’s realistic market value is $50,000, your negative equity (gap) is $18,500. This is how much money you need to bring to the closing table to sell your RV and pay off the loan completely.

Understanding Different Gap Scenarios:

Small Gap ($1,000-$5,000): Manageable for most sellers. Options include: using savings, borrowing from family, personal loan, or credit card cash advance (last resort). Some sellers negotiate with buyers to split the gap – you cover $2,500, buyer pays $2,500 more than market value for immediate sale.

Medium Gap ($5,000-$15,000): Challenging but solvable. Common solutions: 401k loan (borrow from yourself), family loan with written agreement, aggressive 6-month payment plan with lender forbearance, or short sale negotiation. This is where my consulting services help most – navigating complex negotiations.

Large Gap ($15,000-$30,000+): Requires creative solutions and strong negotiation. Options: short sale (lender forgives gap), extended rental income strategy, loan modification to lower monthly payment while you rent it out, or in extreme cases, voluntary surrender with negotiated deficiency settlement. Don’t panic – I’ve helped clients escape $35,000 gaps.

💡 What If My Gap Is Too Large to Handle?

If your gap feels impossible – say you owe $70,000 on an RV worth $42,000 (a $28,000 gap) – don’t despair. You have options:

  • Rent it aggressively for 8-12 months while making extra payments to close the gap
  • Negotiate a short sale where the lender forgives the deficiency (I’ve done this dozens of times)
  • Combine strategies: Rent it for 6 months ($12,000 income), make extra payments, negotiate remaining gap from $28,000 down to $8,000, then cover final gap with 401k loan
  • Get professional help: Complex gaps require strategic planning – that’s where consulting makes the difference between escaping the debt and drowning in it

The worst thing you can do is ignore the gap and hope it goes away. RVs depreciate 15-20% per year. Every month you wait, the gap gets larger.

✅ Frank’s Take: Once you know your exact gap number, you can make a realistic plan. Don’t beat yourself up about the number – focus on solving it. I’ve worked with sellers who owed $40,000 more than their RV was worth and got them out clean. The gap is just a number, and numbers can be solved with the right strategy and persistence.

Pull out your calculator, get that payoff quote from your lender, and write down your gap number. Once you see it in black and white, you can stop worrying and start planning. That’s when real progress begins.

Step Four – Decrease the Amount You Owe

There are a few ways you can do this. Choose the ones that work best for you:

1- Rent Your RV – By allowing other families to enjoy your RV as you work on repaying the loan, you can enjoy a bonus flow of cash that can be applied toward the principal.

This money can either be used to make the payments or be added to your regular payments to pay the loan off faster.

RV rental platforms like RVshare and Outdoorsy make it surprisingly easy to rent your RV when you’re not using it. Typical rental income in Florida: Class A motorhomes ($150-300/night), travel trailers ($75-150/night), fifth wheels ($100-200/night). Peak season (November-March when snowbirds arrive) can generate $2,000-5,000 per month. Off-season still brings $800-1,500/month. Important: Factor in 15-20% platform fees, insurance costs (covered by platform), and cleaning between rentals. Many owners rent 6-8 months while making aggressive loan payments, then sell once they’re above water.

2 – Restructure – Speak with your lender about restructuring your RV loan. Here’s how: Contact your lender’s customer service department and ask specifically for “loan modification options” or request transfer to the “Loss Mitigation Department.” Be prepared to explain your hardship – job loss, medical bills, divorce, income reduction – and provide documentation (pay stubs, medical bills, divorce papers). Most lenders offer several restructuring options: extending your loan term (15 years to 20 years drops monthly payment significantly), temporarily reducing interest rate, deferring 2-3 payments to the end of loan, or in rare cases, forgiving a portion of principal. Important: Lenders prefer restructuring over repossession – repossession costs them $15,000-25,000 in fees, transportation, storage, and auction losses. You have leverage. You just need to show them you’re serious about catching up and have a realistic plan.

3 – Refinance – If your lender isn’t amenable, try to find another lender to take over the loan and refinance it with better terms.

⚠️ Reality Check: To utilize this option, you will probably need a very high credit score (720+) and you must NOT be behind on payments.

4 – Sell the Payments – Some lenders will, with the proper binding documentation, allow the buyer of your RV to assume the payments.

* It’s not common and may already be restricted in the original loan documents, but it’s worth speaking to them about it.

💡 Frank’s Take: Reality Check on These Options

In my 25 years in the RV business, options 3 and 4 rarely work for most owners. Here’s what I typically see:

Renting (Option 1) works well if you have time and your RV is in good condition. Platforms like RVshare and Outdoorsy make this easier than ever. You can generate $2,000-$5,000+ per month during peak season.

Restructuring (Option 2) works if you have decent credit and your lender is motivated to keep you as a customer rather than deal with repossession.

Refinancing (Option 3) requires excellent credit (720+) and usually only works if you’re not too far underwater. Most lenders won’t refinance more than 90-100% of current value.

Payment assumption (Option 4) is extremely rare. Most modern RV loans specifically prohibit this. Don’t count on it.

The most successful approach I’ve seen: Combine renting with aggressive extra payments over 6-12 months, then sell once you’re above water.

Step Five – Sell Your RV the Smart Way

After getting above water on your loan, you have three options for selling:

Option A: Sell It Yourself

You’ll net the most money, but expect to invest 40-60 hours dealing with tire-kickers, no-shows, and lowball offers. You’ll handle all the marketing, showings, negotiations, and paperwork yourself.

Option B: Trade It to a Dealer

Fast and easy, but you’ll typically get 20-30% less than private party value. Dealers need to make a profit on resale, so they buy low.

Option C: Work with a Sales Consultant (My Approach)

You maintain ownership and control while I guide you through my proven selling system. This includes:

  • Professional pricing strategy based on real Florida market data
  • Marketing that attracts serious buyers only
  • My Serious Buyer Deposit System ($100 refundable deposits filter out tire-kickers before they waste your time)
  • Buyer qualification and negotiation coaching
  • Protection from scammers and payment fraud

You do the showings and close the deal, but you’re never alone in the process. Think of it as having an experienced RV sales professional in your corner.

This approach works especially well for owners with underwater loans because timing and pricing strategy are critical. One mistake can cost you thousands or leave your RV sitting unsold for months.

⏰ Timing Matters: In Florida, the best time to sell an RV is October through February when snowbirds are actively buying for winter season. You’ll get 10-15% more during peak season versus selling in summer (May-August) when demand drops significantly. For example, a Class A motorhome that sells for $65,000 in January might only fetch $56,000 in July. If you’re not in emergency mode facing immediate repossession, list in early fall (September-October) for maximum buyer competition and best prices. If you MUST sell in summer, price aggressively and expect longer selling time.

📋 Florida-Specific Selling Requirements

When selling an RV in Florida, you’ll need:

  • Florida Certificate of Title – Must be in your name and signed by lienholder if loan is paid off
  • Bill of Sale – Written record of transaction with VIN, sale price, and date (required for both parties)
  • Odometer Disclosure – Required for RVs under 16,000 lbs GVWR and less than 10 years old
  • Lien Release Letter – Official document from your lender stating loan is paid in full
  • Valid Photo ID – Both buyer and seller need government-issued ID for title transfer

For detailed Florida title transfer procedures and DMV locations, visit the Florida FLHSMV website or call 850-617-2000.

⚠️ Common RV Selling Scams to Avoid

When you’re underwater on your loan, scammers know you’re vulnerable. Here are the most common scams targeting desperate RV sellers:

Fake Cashier’s Check Scam: “Buyer” sends a certified check for MORE than your asking price, claims it was a mistake, asks you to wire back the difference. You deposit check, wire money, then their check bounces 5-7 days later. You’ve lost the money AND released your RV.

Shipping/Military Scam: “Buyer” claims to be military, overseas, or “too busy” to see RV in person. Wants to buy sight unseen and arrange shipping. Offers above asking price. Asks for bank info to “wire payment.” Always a scam – no legitimate buyer purchases a $50,000+ RV without seeing it.

Title Hold Scam: Buyer asks to take possession of RV before payment fully clears “because we’re leaving on vacation tomorrow.” Promises to finish paperwork next week. Once they drive away with your RV, good luck ever seeing them or your money again.

Lowball Flip: “Buyer” offers $10,000+ below market, claims “I can pay cash TODAY.” You accept because you’re desperate. They immediately resell for $15,000 more. Not illegal, but you lost thousands because of panic pricing.

Payment App Scam: Buyer wants to pay via Venmo, Zelle, PayPal Friends & Family, or CashApp. These can be reversed or disputed AFTER you release the RV. Scammers use stolen accounts, then reverse charges days later.

🛡️ Protection: Only accept (1) wire transfers through a title company/escrow, (2) verified cashier’s checks that you personally confirm with the issuing bank, or (3) cash counted at your bank with bank staff present. Never release your RV until funds are cleared and verified. If a deal feels rushed or “too good to be true,” walk away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from Florida RV owners selling with outstanding loans

Can I sell my RV if I’m behind on payments?

Yes, absolutely. You can sell your RV even when you’re behind on payments, but timing is critical. The key is acting before the lender initiates repossession proceedings. Contact your lender’s Loss Mitigation Department immediately and explain you have a buyer or are actively marketing the RV. Many lenders will grant a 30-60 day forbearance if you show proof you’re working toward a sale. During this window, price your RV aggressively (5-10% below market value) to attract serious buyers quickly. If you’re already facing repossession, you typically have 10-30 days to complete a sale. The worst thing you can do is ignore the problem—repossession will cost you thousands more in deficiency balances and destroy your credit for 7+ years.

How long does it take to sell an underwater RV in Florida?

With proper pricing and professional marketing, most Florida RV owners sell their underwater units in 3-8 weeks. Peak season (October through February when snowbirds arrive) typically sees faster sales—often 2-4 weeks for properly priced Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels. Off-season (May through August) can extend to 6-12 weeks due to lower buyer demand. The biggest factor affecting sale speed is pricing strategy. RVs priced at or slightly below market value sell 3x faster than those priced based on loan payoff amounts. Location also matters—Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville markets move faster than rural areas. If you need to sell quickly (facing repossession or financial emergency), aggressive pricing at 10-15% below market can generate offers within 7-14 days.

What happens if I can’t sell my RV before repossession?

If repossession occurs, you’ll face severe financial consequences. The lender will auction your RV—typically for 40-60% below retail value—then sue you for the deficiency (the gap between auction proceeds and your loan balance). For example, if you owe $68,000 and they auction it for $35,000, you’ll still owe $33,000 plus repossession fees ($2,000-5,000), storage costs, legal fees, and interest. This deficiency judgment can result in wage garnishment (up to 25% of your paycheck), bank account levies, and property liens. Your credit score will drop 200-250 points, and the repossession stays on your credit report for 7 years. Even if you can’t sell before repo, immediately negotiate a voluntary surrender with deficiency settlement—offer to pay 20-30% of the expected deficiency in exchange for them forgiving the rest. Lenders often accept because it’s cheaper than pursuing legal collection.

Do I need to tell buyers I owe money on the RV?

You don’t need to disclose your loan situation in your listing or initial conversations with buyers. Your financial situation is private. What matters to buyers is the RV’s condition, features, and price—not your loan balance. However, you do need to be transparent about the title situation once you have a serious buyer. Explain that there’s a lien on the title and that the sale will be handled through proper channels to ensure clean title transfer. Professional buyers understand this is normal—about 60% of used RV sales involve paying off existing liens. Use a title company or escrow service to coordinate the payoff and title transfer simultaneously. The buyer’s funds go to escrow, which pays off your lender and handles all paperwork. This protects both parties and ensures a clean transaction. Never accept payment directly from a buyer without coordinating lien release with your lender first.

Can I trade in an underwater RV to a dealer?

Most Florida RV dealers won’t accept trade-ins with significant negative equity because they can’t make money on the transaction. Dealers need 15-25% profit margin to justify taking a unit. If you owe $68,000 on an RV worth $50,000, they’d need to buy it for around $37,500 to resell profitably at $50,000—meaning you’d need to bring $30,500 cash to the deal. Some dealers will accept small negative equity ($2,000-5,000) if you’re buying a new RV from them, rolling the gap into your new loan. But this just kicks the problem down the road with even worse terms. Your best option is selling privately, which typically nets you $8,000-15,000 more than dealer trade-in value. That extra money can cover most or all of your negative equity gap. If you absolutely must use a dealer, get quotes from 3-5 dealerships and negotiate aggressively—but expect to write a substantial check to cover the gap.

Will selling my underwater RV hurt my credit?

If you sell your RV and pay off the loan completely (even if you have to cover a gap with savings or a personal loan), it actually helps your credit score long-term. Paying off an installment loan shows responsible debt management and reduces your overall debt-to-income ratio. Your credit score might dip 5-10 points temporarily when the account closes, but it typically rebounds within 2-3 months. The late payments you may have already accumulated will stay on your credit report, but selling prevents additional late payments and stops the bleeding. However, if you negotiate a short sale where the lender forgives part of your debt, expect a 50-80 point credit score drop initially. This is still far better than repossession (200-250 point drop) or bankruptcy (300+ point drop). The key is ensuring the lender reports the loan as “paid as agreed” or “settled” rather than “charged off” or “repossession.” Always get payoff confirmation in writing and verify with the lender that they’ll report it properly to credit bureaus.

Ready to Sell Your Underwater RV Successfully?

Selling an RV when you owe money on it requires strategy, patience, and a clear plan. You now have the roadmap.

But here’s the truth: most RV owners in your situation make costly mistakes – pricing too high because they’re focused on their loan payoff instead of market value, attracting tire-kickers who waste months of their time, or getting scammed by buyers using fraudulent payment methods.

After 25 years in the RV business and helping hundreds of Florida owners sell their units, I’ve developed a proven system that protects you from these pitfalls while maximizing your sale price.

I offer three consulting packages depending on your situation:

Essential Package ($497) – Perfect if you just need pricing guidance and a solid selling strategy

Professional Package ($997) – My most popular option, includes full marketing support and buyer qualification

Premium Package ($1,997) – Complete done-with-you service from pricing to closing

Every package includes my Serious Buyer Deposit System and ongoing support throughout your sale.

Not sure which package fits your situation?

Let’s talk for 15 minutes (no charge, no obligation). I’ll assess your RV, your loan situation, and recommend the best path forward.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Or call/text me directly:

863-450-4915

Frank – Owner, Easy Escapes RV Sales Consulting

Serving Florida RV Owners Since 1994

💰 Tax Implications of Selling Your RV

Selling an RV you used personally typically doesn’t create taxable income, even if you sell for more than you paid. The IRS treats RVs as personal property, not capital assets, so personal-use sales aren’t taxed.

However, different rules apply if you: (1) used your RV for business purposes, (2) generated rental income through platforms like RVshare, (3) depreciated the RV on business tax returns, or (4) wrote off RV expenses as business deductions. In these cases, you may owe capital gains tax or depreciation recapture.

Important: This is not tax advice. Tax laws change frequently and vary by situation. Consult a qualified CPA or tax professional about your specific circumstances before selling. Frank Mason is an RV industry professional, not a licensed tax advisor or CPA.

About Frank

With 25 years of RV industry experience (9 years as a licensed dealer owner, 16 years as a salesman), Frank has helped hundreds of Florida RV owners successfully sell their units – including many who were underwater on their loans. His “done-with-you” consulting approach gives owners the expertise of a professional without giving up control of their sale. Based in Florida, Frank is bilingual (English/Spanish) and maintains a 4.7 Google rating.

Read More Florida RV Selling Guides →

📋 Disclosure

The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or tax advice. Every RV selling situation is unique. Consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your circumstances. Frank Mason is an RV industry professional, not a licensed attorney, CPA, or financial advisor.