Have you ever wondered why some RV owners seem to get amazing deals while others lose thousands of dollars?
The used RV market is like a hidden treasure map, and most people don’t know where X marks the spot. In 2025, the RV industry is going through major changes, and understanding these shifts could be the difference between driving away happy or feeling completely ripped off. The RV Wingman recently sat down with Scott Stonehill, VP of Operations at PPL Motorhomes, to expose what dealers won’t tell you about buying and selling used RVs.
After 53 years in the consignment business, PPL knows every trick, every trap, and every secret shortcut. Whether you’re thinking about selling your current RV or hunting for your next adventure mobile, these insider tips will protect your wallet and give you the confidence to make smart decisions.
1. Dealers Are Making Double the Profit on Used RVs (And You’re Paying For It)
Here’s something that’ll make your jaw drop: traditional RV dealers are making 20% profit on used RVs compared to only 13% on new ones. That’s almost double! When you trade in your beloved RV at a regular dealership, they’re pocketing thousands more than you probably realize.
Scott Stonehill revealed that while consignment dealers like PPL take a flat 10% commission, traditional dealers are keeping a whopping 20% margin on used inventory. What does this mean for you? If you’re selling a $50,000 RV at a traditional dealer, they might be pocketing $10,000 while only giving you $40,000. At a transparent consignment dealer, you’d walk away with $45,000 for that same RV.
According to the RVDA (RV Dealers Association), dealers report margins on pre-owned inventory are approximately seven percentage points higher than new inventory. This explains why so many dealers are pushing their used inventory harder than ever before.
Here’s the kicker: You might think you’re getting a great “trade-in deal,” but you’re probably leaving serious cash on the table. If you’re selling, always ask dealers to provide written statements showing exactly what your RV sold for and what they’re keeping as commission.
The Reality Check:
You wouldn’t sell your house without knowing the sale price, right? Why would you do that with your RV? Some traditional dealers will call you after they’ve already sold your RV to ask you to lower your net amount. That means they already have a buyer, but they want to squeeze even more profit out of the deal. Talk abou