Craigslist free travel trailer camper free to good home

Buying an RV on Craigslist can be a rewarding experience. But it’s essential to know what you’re doing before diving in head-first. Before looking for RVs for sale on Craigslist, consider these five important points. 

While buying an RV on Craigslist might not be as safe or predictable as purchasing an RV from a dealer, there are many legitimate sales and sellers. The key is to arm yourself with the correct information ahead of time. Once you know what to look out for, you can have a great experience no matter where you find your RV.

Craigslist free travel trailer camper free to good home

5 Things You Need to Know Before Buying an RV on Craigslist

When you buy an RV on Craigslist, you’re usually buying from a private seller. Dealerships also utilize the platform, but that is slightly rarer. Here are the top five things you need to know before buying an RV on Craigslist. 

1. Know the Common Scams

Unfortunately, there are plenty of scams on Craigslist. If you find an RV with a seriously low price compared to other similar models, floorplans, or years, it’s probably a scam. Scammers often use this tactic to lure in prospective buyers. Often you’ll see a newer or more expensive RV model for less than $10,000. 

Email Address on Images

Many scammers will overlay an email address on the images of the ad. Sometimes it’s a normal-looking email address. Other times it’s a bunch of random numbers and letters. 

Keep an Eye Out For Strange Formatting

In addition to scammers overlaying text or email addresses on the photos, some use strange formatting in the listing title or body. Strange grammatical errors, random symbols in the title or body, or weird capitalization can signify a scam. 

Asking for Money Upfront

If an RV seller asks you for any money upfront or a money order, chances are it’s a scam. Conduct the sale in a public place after seeing, inspecting, and driving the RV. Never send money to hold an RV, especially if you haven’t seen it first. 

Craigslist free travel trailer camper free to good home

Shipping Scams

RV shipping scams are common on eBay, but they can be found on Craigslist too. Typically, the seller will tell you they’re selling the RV for a friend, family member, or acquaintance who either can’t sell it themselves or has fallen on hard times and needs to get rid of it quickly. 

They’ll tell you the RV is in storage at a location far from you, so they can’t show it, but they’ve arranged for an insured shipping company to bring it to you. Usually, the “seller” will tell you that you have a grace period to decide to send the RV back if you don’t like it and get a refund. 

This is always a scam, and the RV doesn’t exist. In general, if an RV listing seems too good to be true, it is. Use your common sense and do your research. Know the actual value of the RV, never send money upfront, and never buy an RV without seeing it first and getting it inspected. 

2. Get It Inspected

Get any RV you plan to buy inspected by a professional. Certified RV inspectors will inspect all areas and components of the RV. RV inspectors aren’t cheap, but they’re worth it. You can find certified RV inspectors near you on the NRVIA website. 

Craigslist free travel trailer camper free to good home

3. Never Buy Sight Unseen

Never buy an RV without seeing it first. You shouldn’t send money for an RV without seeing it first. Buying an RV without seeing it first could mean you get scammed or stuck with a lemon.

4. Ask Lots of Questions

Ask your seller a ton of questions. Inquire about the maintenance history, engine, previous owners, storage, and usage. Try to get as much information from the seller about the RV and its history as possible. It’s best to ask these questions in person when viewing the RV. 

5. Be Prepared to Negotiate on Price

Prepare to negotiate on price when buying through a private seller. After the RV inspection, you can ask for a fair price based on the findings. Do your research on the year, make, and model. Use websites like RV Trader to find similar RVs for sale and look at RV NADA guides for additional information on RV valuation.

Use Your Common Sense When Buying an RV on Craigslist

Buying an RV on Craigslist can be just like buying an RV anywhere else. The most important thing to remember is to use your common sense. Look out for scams. And when you come across a legitimate RV listing, try to get the most information possible. Buying an RV through online marketplaces doesn’t have to be a scary experience. Have you ever tried Craigslist for buying an RV?

Craigslist free travel trailer camper free to good home

How can I get a free travel trailer?

You can search your local Craigslist ads for free RVs. But if you are willing to travel further you might want to search Nationwide. If you want to search nationwide on Craigslist just use these two links. site:craigslist.org/zip/ motorhome or site:craigslist.org/zip/ rv.

What state has the cheapest used campers?

The cheapest state to buy an RV is apparently Arizona, Texas, or Florida. But that's just purchase price & there are other expensive factors to consider… 1 The cheapest state to buy an RV is apparently Arizona, Texas, or Florida.

Can you live in a camper off grid?

What Is Required For Off-Grid RV Living? To live life as normally as possible while off-grid adventuring, you need to find solutions for the absence of plug-and-play utility connections. In other words, your RV needs its own source of electricity, its own source of water, and its own method for handling waste.

Can you live permanently in a camper?

Yes, an RV can be a permanent residence for tax purposes or to claim residency in many states. The IRS considers any structure as a possible primary (or secondary) residence if it has sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities. For other purposes, you can get an address assigned to your RV property like any other home.