RV Auctions Near Me [Locator Map + Bidding Guide + FAQ]

Recreational vehicles are really expensive new, so finding one used can be a bargain. There are used RV dealers. However, getting one at auction can save you the most money. You need to know what you’re doing because the quality of RVs for sale at auction can vary, but make no mistake this is your best opportunity to save money. Below I’ll share where to find local RV auctions, bidding guidance, how the events work, and share my experience with the RV auctions near me.

Map of RV Auctions Near Me

For “RV Auctions Near Me” or “Recreational Vehicle Auctions Near Me”, see locations below…

How to Find RV Auctions Near Me

RV auctions take place regularly across the states. Some are in the form of repo auctions, some take place alongside semi trucks, and others are specialized events for just RV’s. If you are looking for one, you already know that events offer the best way to save money on a used RV. For the most part, all of these vehicle auctions run the same way, the key is knowing how to find an RV auction. You can also check out repossesion auctions and police auctions, which can also feature recreational vehicles.

Here is the start of a list of resources I use to find RV auctions near me:

Google Search and Yelp Listings

The first two places to look to find recreational vehicle auctions are Google and Yelp. You will get a list of major auctions or auction houses that have RV’s. What I like about this method is that you can read reviews and testimonials from participants. Not all of these auctions run smoothly, so reading up on customer feedback is a good idea. There are still other smaller “pop-up” auctions, that Google and Yelp won’t reveal, and for that…

Pro Tip: One of my best secrets is using Google “Events” to find RV auctions in my area. This will find all of the auctions, the major ones and the “pop-up” ones. Pop-up auctions are smaller one-time events. They don’t often have the budget of an auction house. That is good for you though, because the bidding competition is less. You can go to a smaller RV auction and look like a seasoned pro.

Search Google Events here: RV Auctions Near Me This Week

Government Listings

Federal, state, and local governments post their auction information on websites. Most of these auctions are live public events, but some of the vehicles may be online bidding only. All of the vehicles will be either seized or government surplus. There are often RV’s in the mix at these events. You can find these special government auctions here…

Auto Dealer, Trade Mags, and Newspapers

Some magazines and newspapers will list RV auctions in the classifieds. Some of these trade magazines are free but require a sign-up subscription. The link below is more exclusive to cars, however there are RV and large vehicle auctions listed from time to time:

Auto Dealer Today

Camp Grounds and the RV Community

If you socialize around campgrounds where RV’s are parked, there are often flyers posted for RV auctions. Also asking around to other owners you can find out where RV auctions are held locally. Another good place to socialize with the community about auctions is in forums. Here are a few RV forums that are popular:

How Do Live RV Auctions Near Me Work

When it comes to recreational vehicle auctions there are two types: Public and Dealer. For a dealer auction, you need to have a dealer’s license. To get a dealer’s license you need to trade a specific number of vehicles per year. Getting one can take a while. Most people are looking for live public auctions to buy a used RV for their family vacation. That’s what we will address below live public auctions…

Public Auctions

These are events that participants come to in hopes of getting a used RV at a bargain rate. The vehicles will vary in quality from newer models, to ones that need repairs, to ones that don;t run, to RV’s with salvage titles. Salvage title RV’s can be a good find if you know what you are looking at, but they are hard to get insurance for.

Most of what you see at your standard public RV auction is vehicles on consignment. This means the owner has signed an agreement with the auctioneer to give them a percentage of the highest bid. This is in exchange for the service of auctioning. Sometimes this consignment fee can be almost 30%.

Flow of the Auction…

Inspection Period

Before an RV auction, there will be a preview period or inspection period. This is when you have a chance to view the vehicles and thoroughly inspect them. This is when you ask questions to the owner, review all of the documentation, listen to the engine run, and inspect all other functionality. This preview period is sometimes held the day prior to the auction event, other times it is a few hours before the event.

Registration

Registration is next. If you are interested in bidding you must register. Some RV auctions let maximum bid if you register online, others require you to register at the event. Registering requires proof of identity and possibly proof of finances at some auctions.

Pro Tip: If you have to register at the event location, get there an hour early. Lines get long and you may miss out on the vehicles you wish to bid on.

Bidding

Depending on where the auction is held, will determine how it is managed. If it is outside in a parking lot, people will walk from vehicle to vehicle with the auctioneer, stopping at each one for auctioning. If it is inside, sometimes the RV’s are on a lane in front of the crowd, other times they are on a lane through the crowd. When the event starts the auctioneer reads the rules. Then announces a description of the first vehicle. They will say what the bidding starts at, The number will be low enough to get people enticed to participate.

People begin to bid, by raising a paddle, their hand, or gesturing vocally. Each bid someone makes, raises the price incrementally. All of this will be facilitated by the auctioneer. Once the highest bidder is determined, the vehicle changes ownership.

Pro Tip: Do Not Hesitate – Bid with conviction and make sure the auctioneer sees you and registers your bid. Hesitation can cost you a win towards the end, an Auctioneer does not wait for slow bidders.

Sold

When the auctioneer yells “sold”, the auction for that RV ends. It goes to the final bidder, who must settle their debts before having the title signed over.

Tips for Bidding at RV Auctions Near Me

While we covered a few pro tips, here is some more guidance that I follow at the RV auctions near me:

Look at the auction catalog. Take notes and write questions in it.
Go to the event in person. RV’s have lots of functional parts you need to inspect with your eyes.
Think like a mechanic: look for rust, leaks, smoke, funny engine sounds, feel for wet mats etc…
Think like a home inspector: flush the toilet, run the sink, bounce on the bed, open all the drawers, etc..
Ask the owner a lot of questions…Don’t take “I don’t know” for an answer.
Use your nose: smell for must, mildew, mold, and cigarette residue
Compare the numbers in the catalog to the vehicle: Does the mileage match, Check the VIN, etc…
Set a bid price in your mind and stick to it. If you have assessed the value properly you don’t need to overbid.
Look up the vehicle online and see what similar used RV models are selling for.
If you win don’t drive the RV home, let them ship it to you.

Online RV Auctions vs Public RV Auctions

Some recreational vehicle auctions are run online. There are some great benefits for both the buyer and the seller in online auctions. For sellers, they get a fixed date that they can sell their vehicle and by having an online auction they reach a large audience of bidders. For buyers, you can proxy bid at home on the computer or from anywhere on the mobile phone. The disadvantages of online bidding are the same as live public auctions and that is the quality of the vehicles and hidden issues.

I know maybe I’m just a traditionalist, but live auctions are far better than online ones. Look, used RV’s are still expensive and they are complicated machines from a vehicle perspective and a home perspective. There are just a lot of functioning parts that you need to see, hear, and touch to get a sense of the quality of the RV. Pictures, videos, and written descriptions aren’t enough. If I am bidding on an RV, I want to talk to the owner in person, inside the vehicle, while I review the service records

How to Get Your Recreational Vehicle Sold in an Auction

If you are trying to sell your RV, then an auction is actually a great way to get ready to do that. Having a fixed date of sale means you know the date you will get rid of it. Also, the auction company deals with everything from marketing to dealing with the public, to collecting the money. Auctions also let you get in front of a much bigger set of buyers than you can reach on your own.

If you want to get your recreational vehicle into an auction, you just need to call an auction house. They will ask for some basic details such as: make, model, year, mileage, and your asking price. You may need to provide them recent pictures as well. To qualify for auction your name must be on the title and the title needs to be free of liens.

When they agree to take inventory and auction it, you will be signing a consignment agreement. You are giving them the vehicle to market and sell on your behalf and in exchange, they will take a percentage of the highest bid.

Advantages and Risks of Buying RVs at Auction

Benefits of Purchasing at Auctions

Buying RVs at auctions offers several advantages. Firstly, auctions often feature a large selection of RVs, including motorhomes, travel trailers, and salvage RVs. This variety means you can find a vehicle that perfectly matches your needs and preferences. Additionally, the competitive nature of bidding at an auction can lead to lower prices, making it a cost-effective way to buy an RV.

Another benefit is the freedom and excitement that comes with participating in an auction. Whether it’s an online auction or a public event, the process is dynamic and engaging. You also get the chance to view a wide range of RVs for sale in one location, saving you time and effort in your search.

Moreover, auctions in the USA, including states like Texas (TX) and Minnesota, often provide detailed inventory lists on their site or https platforms. This transparency allows you to research and prepare beforehand, ensuring you’re ready to make an informed decision when the auction starts.

Potential Risks and How to Mitigate Them

However, purchasing RVs at auctions also comes with its risks. One of the main concerns is the uncertainty about the vehicle’s condition, especially with salvage RVs. These RVs might have hidden damage or require significant repairs, which can add to the total cost.

To mitigate this risk, it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect the RVs before the auction. If you’re not experienced in evaluating RVs, consider bringing along a knowledgeable friend or hiring a professional to inspect the vehicle.

Another risk involves the final sale price. While auctions can offer great deals, competitive bidding can sometimes drive prices higher than expected. To avoid overspending, set a strict budget before the auction and stick to it, no matter how tempting the bidding becomes.

Lastly, be aware of the auction’s terms and conditions. Some auctions might have hidden fees or specific rules about payment and vehicle collection. Always read the fine print and understand the auction’s policies to avoid any surprises at the end.

In conclusion, buying an RV at an auction can be a smart choice, offering a diverse selection of RVs at potentially lower prices. However, it’s important to approach these auctions with caution and preparation to ensure you make a wise investment.