A recreational vehicle (RV) bill of sale is a legal document recording the transfer of ownership of an RV from the seller to the buyer. It includes pertinent information such as the parties’ names, identifying information for the vehicle, and the transaction terms.
Such documentation identifies the legal owner and protects you if there are questions regarding ownership later.
What Is an RV Bill of Sale?
A recreational vehicle bill of sale documents the transfer of possession of an RV from a seller to a buyer. It also serves as proof of the monetary transaction and details the terms of the sale the parties agree to.
RV bills of sale should include the following elements:
- Buyer’s and Seller’s Information: Each party’s full name, address, and contact information.
- RV Description: The RV’s serial number, vehicle identification number (VIN), model, make, year, and odometer reading.
- Sales Price: The agreed-upon purchase price, documented in written and numeric form.
- Sales Date and Location: When and where you’re executing the sale.
- Payment Details: The payment method the buyer will use and any terms relating to installment payments or down payments.
- Special Terms: Any special terms for the sale to occur, like if a third party will perform an inspection.
- As-Is Clause: Applicable if the seller is selling the RV in its current condition with no guarantees.
- Warranty Clause: Applicable if the seller is offering a warranty to the buyer.
- Signatures: Signatures of both parties.
- Notarization: While notarization may not be necessary for a personal property transaction, you can still get the document notarized to improve its legitimacy.
When Do I Need an RV Bill of Sale?
You should use an RV bill of sale any time you sell or take ownership of any recreational vehicle through a private party transaction. Use this document when you’re:
- Selling or buying an RV: A bill of sale can help you protect your interests when buying or selling an RV. As the seller, you can obtain proof of the sale. As the buyer, you can obtain a new state title and registration number.
- Giving an RV as a gift or donating it: If you’re transferring a vehicle to a friend or family member as a gift, you can use this form to complete the task. You may also use it to donate an RV to an organization or individual.
- Inheriting an RV: A bill of sale can help transfer ownership of a vehicle during an inheritance.
- Obtaining insurance for an RV: Insurance providers may require proof of ownership before insuring your vehicle.
- Financing an RV: If the buyer is financing the vehicle through a bank, the lender may request a bill of sale during the loan application process.
Types of RVs
You may use a bill of sale to prove ownership of one of the following types of RVs:
- Class A, B, or C motorhome
- Fifth-wheel trailer
- Travel trailer
- Pop-up or fold-out trailer
- Sports utility RV or toy trailer
How to Sell an RV
Step 1 – Prepare Your RV for Sale
Make any necessary repairs and thoroughly clean your recreational vehicle’s exterior and interior, ensuring to remove all clutter. You may consider hiring a professional detailer to make your RV attractive to potential buyers.
Please take photos of the vehicle’s interior and exterior when you advertise it for sale.
Step 2 – Have Your RV Appraised
Have a local recreational vehicle dealership provide you with an estimated value for your RV. Compare the appraisal to other similar vehicles in the area and online.
Here are some websites that you can use for comparison:
Step 3 – Set Your Asking Price
Once you know the value of your RV, you can determine an asking price, which is where you will want to start your negotiations.
Step 4 – Decide How You Will Advertise Your RV
Choose a selling method, such as:
- Selling to a local dealership.
- Advertising online via social media, Craigslist, eBay, or other sales websites.
- Parking the RV in a high-visibility lot with a sign.
- Using a recreational vehicle sales website, such as Campingworld.com, RVUSA.com, or RVTrader.com.
If you conduct your sale online, include photos from different angles and in various lights so prospective buyers can see the RV.
You should also include essential details, including the vehicle’s make, model, year, mileage, dimensions, color, amenities, features, asking price, and contact information.
Schedule showings with prospective buyers who contact you online or via phone. Schedule meetings with people you don’t know in a public setting during the daytime.
Step 5 – Negotiate Your Price and Prepare an RV Bill of Sale
Allow for negotiations to facilitate your RV sale. A prospective buyer may request an inspection of the vehicle from a third-party mechanic before you can conclude the selling process.
If that occurs, you must decide if a down payment or deposit is necessary to hold the RV.
Step 6 – Gather the Necessary Paperwork
The buyer and the seller will need to come to the closing with the following:
-
Seller: The bill of sale, the vehicle’s certificate of title, any past or current registration paperwork, and a valid photo ID.
- The seller should also present service and maintenance records, the vehicle owner’s manual, and warranty information.
- Buyer: Payment in the form of a check, cash, or money order and a valid photo ID.
At this point, you can write out a bill of sale that includes all pertinent information. Use our RV bill of sale template to get started.
Step 7 – Sign the RV Bill of Sale
Both the buyer and the seller must sign the RV bill of sale to constitute a legal agreement. You should strongly consider having a notary public witness your signatures.
Provide both parties with a copy of the RV bill of sale, which they should keep for their records.
RV Bill of Sale Sample
Download an RV bill of sale form below in PDF or Word format:
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I sign a bill of sale?
Once you’ve added all the information necessary to your bill of sale, both parties must sign the document.
It’s a good idea to have a notary public witness your signatures if there are any questions about the authenticity of the signatures or the validity of the transaction later.
What if my RV has a lien?
You must address the RV’s lien before selling it or transferring ownership. You can do so by arranging for payment and obtaining a lien release.
The lienholder will have a claim on your vehicle until you clear your debt, so it’s essential for you to address the lien before selling or transferring it to a new owner.
Does a bill of sale transfer the vehicle’s title?
No. it simply shows proof of ownership. The title transfer is a separate process with specific requirements depending on your jurisdiction.
