You feel the pull of the open road. The dream of upgrading your motorhome is getting stronger. A newer model with a different layout is calling your name. But there’s a big question standing in the way: what do you do with your current adventure companion? The dealership trade-in seems like the simplest answer. It’s a well-trodden path, but rarely the most rewarding one.
There is a smarter way and it involves asking another question: How can I sell my motorhome privately to get a better price and buy a newer one? Selling your motorhome privately puts you in complete control. It empowers you to get the best possible price, giving you more freedom and a bigger budget for your next purchase. This guide will give you the confidence and the step-by-step plan to do it right.
Plus, we’ve included a free vehicle sales agreement template you can download. Having a written contract offers valuable protection for both you and the buyer. Just fill out the form to get your copy.
|
Contents |
The big question: trade-in or private sale?
Understanding the difference between these two paths is the first step toward making a smarter choice. One is built for convenience, the other is built for value.
The trade-in trap: convenience at a cost
Trading in your motorhome is fast, but that speed comes at a price. A dealer usually offers a motorhome trade-in value that is 10-20% lower than its market worth to cover their own costs, risk and profit margin when they resell it.
The other challenge? You’re locked into that one dealership’s inventory. Your choice for a new vehicle is limited to what they have on the forecourt, which might not be your perfect match.
The private sale advantage: more money, more freedom
This is where you take back control. Selling your used motorhome allows you to connect directly with the buyer and get a price that reflects its true value.
-
More money in your pocket. By avoiding dealer commission and the low trade-in offer, you could earn more on the sale.
-
The freedom to choose. With cash in the bank, you’re not tied to anyone. You can shop anywhere, including private sellers and every dealership in the country, to find the motorhome you’ve been dreaming of.
-
You're in the driver's seat. You can choose to price your motorhome to maximise your profit, or you can price it for a faster sale. By avoiding hefty dealer commissions, even a lower quick-sale price often means you'll still end up with more money than a trade-in.
|
Selling privately puts you in the driver's seat. If a fast sale is your priority, you have the flexibility to price your motorhome competitively to attract immediate interest. The best part? Even at a slightly reduced price, you will almost always come out ahead financially, as you're not paying the commission that a dealership would charge. Joe Barton — Wilderness Sales Consultant |
Your step-by-step guide to a successful private sale
Ready to take the wheel? This proven process breaks down exactly how to sell your motorhome privately and get a fantastic result.
Step 1: Your campervan presale checklist
First, you need to prepare your motorhome to capture a buyer's imagination. You’re not just selling a vehicle; you’re selling a lifestyle of freedom and discovery.
-
A thorough deep clean. Clean your motorhome meticulously, inside and out. Wash and polish the exterior, clean the windows until they sparkle and make the interior feel fresh and inviting. If the motorhome has been in storage, check for rodents and air it out so it smells natural and not stale.
-
Dress for success. After you remove all the clutter during your deep clean, it’s time to stage the motorhome with throws, pillows and other items that make it feel warm and inviting. Do some research by looking at examples of how we dress our retail motorhomes for inspiration.
-
Address the little things. Fix that sticky latch or dripping tap. Small, easy fixes show that the vehicle has been loved and well-maintained, building immense trust with potential buyers.
-
Gather your documents. Organise all your paperwork in one folder. This includes the current Certificate of Fitness (COF) or Warrant of Fitness (WOF), electrical and gas certificates, self-containment certificate, service history, water tightness test reports and documentation on warranties, if any. If the motorhome has been in storage and its registration and warrants have expired, registering and licensing it before you list your motorhome will provide your buyers with more confidence.
Step 2: Getting your motorhome valuation right
Setting a fair price for your motorhome starts with a bit of homework. A great starting point is to see what similar models are selling for online or to ask a trusted motorhome dealer for an appraisal. Upgrades like solar panels add significant value for a new owner, so be sure to highlight these features in your listing. While premium brands like Bürstner, Carado and HYMER are known for holding their value well, the final price will always be influenced by three key factors: its mileage, mechanical condition and overall wear and tear. Pricing your vehicle fairly and competitively from the start is the key to attracting serious buyers quickly.
|
Getting the price right is the most important step in a successful sale. We have deep, hands-on expertise with premium German brands, so if you own a Bürstner, Carado, or HYMER, be sure to get in touch for an expert appraisal. Our team can provide a professional valuation to give you a clear and honest understanding of your motorhome's current market worth. Joe Barton |
Step 3: Creating an ad listing that sells
Your online advertisement is your digital handshake. To sell on your preferred platform effectively, your listing needs to be compelling, honest, and packed with fantastic photos.
Your photos tell the story. This is the most important part of your listing.
-
Choose a great location. Don't just park it on the driveway; take it to a scenic spot that hints at adventure.
-
Wait for the best light. The soft 'golden hour' light just after sunrise or before sunset makes everything look magical.
-
Capture every angle. Take wide shots of the exterior and interior, but also include details: the kitchen setup, the clever storage, the cosy bed and the driver’s cab.
-
Stage it simply. A couple of nice cushions on the seats or a book on the table can help make it feel like a home.
Your words paint the picture. Go beyond a list of specifications.
-
Lead with the heart. Start your description by sharing what you’ve loved about the motorhome or a favourite memory. If you need some help, use an AI language tool like ChatGPT to help you write a compelling ad or review and provide you with feedback on how to improve what you’ve written.
-
Be detailed and honest. Clearly list all the key features and unique selling points, specifications, added accessories or modifications and the service history. If there are minor imperfections, mention them—it builds trust.
-
Include keywords. Mention the make, model, berth (e.g., 2 berth, 4 berth) and any desirable features like solar panels, an awning, or a bike rack.
|
A list of features tells a buyer what the motorhome is, but a story tells them how it’s been loved. Sharing a fond memory—like the family card games you played on a rainy day in Fiordland—builds an emotional connection and provides powerful proof that this vehicle was a cherished part of your life. A well-loved motorhome is almost always a well-maintained one, and that’s something every buyer is looking for. Joe Barton |
Now that you’ve written the ad and taken some good photos, getting it in front of the right people is key. While there are a few options, a handful of platforms consistently deliver the best results for private sellers.
Trade Me Motors: This should be your primary listing and your first port of call. Trade Me is New Zealand's largest and most trusted online marketplace and it's where almost every Kiwi will begin their search for a motorhome. Its dedicated categories, huge audience of serious buyers and secure communication tools make it the gold standard. While there is a success fee, the reach and the quality of leads it generates make it an good investment for a timely and successful sale.
Facebook Marketplace and specialist groups: Never underestimate the power of social media for a private sale. Listing on Facebook Marketplace is free and its ability to target local buyers is incredibly powerful. To take it a step further, you must also share your listing in dedicated New Zealand-based groups like "NZ Motorhome & Caravan Buy Sell" or "NZ caravan and motorhome buy/sell/swap". The members of these groups are genuine enthusiasts and serious buyers, meaning you are advertising directly to a perfectly qualified and highly engaged audience.
Motorhomes, Caravans & Destinations Magazine: To reach a dedicated and discerning readership, advertising in MCD is an excellent choice. As New Zealand's leading industry magazine, placing a listing in their print edition or on their popular website puts your motorhome in front of thousands of knowledgeable enthusiasts who are actively in the market for their next vehicle.
Step 4: The sales process of viewing and negotiations
When the calls start coming in, be a warm and welcoming host. Let prospective buyers take their time to look around without pressure. Be ready to answer their questions honestly and share your passion for the motorhoming lifestyle.
But remember, your safety and the security of your motorhome are the top priorities during a private sale. For viewings, we always recommend having a friend or family member with you. When it comes to the test drive, which is a crucial part of the sale, you need to be in control of the process.
Before handing over the keys, it is essential that you sight and take a clear photo of the potential buyer's full, valid driver's licence—this is for your security and insurance purposes. The answer to 'should I be in the vehicle?' is simple: yes, you must always accompany them. You should be in the passenger seat, not only for the security of your vehicle but also to answer their questions about how everything works as they drive. Never let a prospective buyer take your motorhome for a drive on their own.
It’s also a great idea to have a short, pre-planned route in mind that covers a few different driving conditions. These simple steps aren't about being distrustful; they're about being a smart, safe seller, ensuring the entire process is positive for both you and the genuine buyer.
Enter any negotiation knowing the lowest price you're willing to accept and be prepared to politely walk away from low offers. Confidently justify your asking price by highlighting the motorhome's key features and any valuable upgrades you've made, as this demonstrates its true value to a serious buyer. When you agree on a price, a simple sale and purchase agreement is a great idea. For payment, a secure bank transfer is the safest method for everyone. Never hand over the keys until you can see the funds have fully cleared in your account.
Step 5: Paperwork and the official motorhome ownership transfer
The final step is making it official. The motorhome ownership transfer process is managed by Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and is very straightforward to complete online. Both you and the buyer need to complete your parts of the transfer documentation. It only takes a few minutes and ensures the legal ownership is updated correctly. While the online process is the fastest and most common method, Waka Kotahi (NZTA) still provides an in-person option for those who prefer it. Both the seller and the buyer can complete the ownership transfer by filling out a paper form and submitting it at an NZTA agent, which includes many NZ Post shops across the country.
You would need to get the official forms (MR13B for you as the seller and MR13A for the buyer), which can be downloaded from the Waka Kotahi website or picked up from an agent. Once completed, you can simply take your form to a participating post office to have it processed.
Your next adventure is calling
You did it. You took control, got a fantastic price and are now ready for the most exciting part: upgrading your motorhome.
Once you’ve successfully sold your motorhome, you’ll have the freedom and funds to choose your next vehicle from anywhere. At Wilderness, we believe in empowering buyers, which is why we're happy to share this advice. We invite you to explore our range of premium new and used motorhomes with no pressure.
