Consigning Your RV? Don't Get Burned! Shady Dealer Secrets REVEALED!

Consigning your RV can seem like a simple way to offload it, but the reality is fraught with potential pitfalls. In this eye-opening discussion with David Robertson of Motor Homes of Texas, Andrew Steele exposes the shady tactics some RV dealers use to take advantage of unsuspecting consigners. If you're considering consigning your rig, you NEED to know these insider secrets to protect your investment and avoid getting ripped off.

The Shocking Truth About RV Consignment

Let's face it: RVs are expensive, and when it's time to sell, you want to get the best possible return. Consignment seems like a good option, letting a dealer handle the sale while (in theory) you sit back and collect the cash. However, not all dealers are created equal. Some, as Andrew and David reveal, engage in practices that can cost you thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dollars. It's a harsh reality, but one you need to be aware of before signing on the dotted line. “If you're thinking about consigning your motor home, there's RV dealers that could cost you tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars,” warns Andrew.

David Robertson, a 33-year veteran of the RV industry, pulls no punches. He's seen it all, and he's not afraid to expose the dark side of consignment. This isn't about fear-mongering; it's about empowering you with the knowledge to make informed decisions. As David puts it, "The people out there in the general public that have motor homes need to know the truth."

Neglect and Abuse: The Silent Killers

One of the most common, and arguably most damaging, shady practices is simple neglect. Dealers failing to properly maintain consigned RVs. Imagine entrusting your half-million-dollar coach to a dealer, only to find it sitting unplugged, exposed to the elements, and slowly deteriorating. This isn't just about aesthetics; it's about critical systems like batteries and plumbing.

David emphasizes the importance of keeping high-end diesel pushers plugged in to maintain battery health. Leaving them unplugged can lead to dead batteries costing upwards of $5,000 - $10,000 to replace. He stated bluntly, "The worst thing you can ever do to a motor home is not have it plugged in." It's a shocking oversight that can have severe financial consequences.

Beyond batteries, failing to winterize RVs in colder climates can result in burst pipes and extensive water damage. Motor Homes of Texas famously winterized 91 coaches in two days during a cold snap, demonstrating their commitment to protecting their clients' investments. This level of care is sadly not universal, and it's crucial to verify a dealer's maintenance practices before consigning.

Parts Pilfering: A Consigner's Nightmare

Believe it or not, some dealers have been caught stealing parts off consigned RVs to repair their own inventory. Andrew recounts a story of a dealer stealing an alternator from a consigned coach to fix another one. This is not only unethical but also potentially illegal. "I've seen them steal an alternator off of another consignment coach. And now your motor home is having parts basically stolen off of it," Andrew recalls.

This practice can leave your RV inoperable, devaluing it and making it difficult to sell. Even worse, you might not even realize it's happening until it's too late. David stresses the fiduciary duty a dealer has to protect a consigner's property. He insists that Motor Homes of Texas would never "rob Peter to pay Paul" by cannibalizing consigned RVs.

Payment Shenanigans: Where Did My Money Go?

Even if your RV sells, you're not necessarily out of the woods. Some unscrupulous dealers engage in slow payment or, worse, sell your RV and use the money to fund other business ventures. This is known as "selling out of trust" and is essentially a form of theft. Andrew shares a story of a friend who bought a half-million-dollar RV and didn't receive the title for seven months due to the dealer's shady financial practices.

David states that Motor Homes of Texas prioritizes prompt payment, typically within 3-5 days. They also emphasize transparency, ensuring consigners always know the selling price of their RV. “Everything we do here is above board. We know people's money is the most important thing and we got to get it to them as fast as possible," David promises.

He said they have been in business for 23 years with over 3,500 satisfied customers and have not had a single person say they were treated unfairly.

Pricing Games: Are You Getting a Fair Deal?

Another area ripe for exploitation is pricing. Some dealers will lowball consigners, claiming they can only get a certain price for the RV when they know they can sell it for much more. This is particularly common with high-end coaches that don't have a readily available book value.

David advocates for transparency in pricing, using comparable sales data to determine a fair market value. He also criticizes dealers who offer "net" deals, where they agree to pay the consigner a fixed amount but don't disclose the selling price. This lack of transparency allows dealers to pocket a larger profit at the consigner's expense. Motor Homes of Texas charges a standard consignment fee of 10%, which can go as low as 8% for million-dollar coaches.

Marketing Myths: Is Your RV Really Being Seen?

Dealers often promise extensive marketing efforts to attract buyers, but in reality, your RV might be languishing on the back lot, unseen by potential customers. It's essential to ask specific questions about a dealer's marketing strategy and track the progress of your RV's listing.

Motor Homes of Texas boasts a dedicated marketing team that reaches over half a million people every month. They also offer various marketing packages, including video services, to maximize exposure. While these services come at a cost, they can significantly increase the chances of a quick and profitable sale. Transparency is key and Andrew feels the RV industry is shifting more towards transparency because of social media and the conversations people like he and David can have and hopefully save people from consigning their RV with the wrong dealer.

Key Takeaways:

• Maintenance Matters: Ensure the dealer will properly maintain your RV, including plugging it in and winterizing it as needed.
• Beware of Parts Theft: Inquire about security measures to prevent parts from being stolen off your RV.
• Demand Transparency: Insist on knowing the selling price of your RV and avoid "net" deals.
• Verify Marketing Efforts: Ask about the dealer's marketing strategy and track the progress of your RV's listing.
• Get Everything in Writing: Carefully review the consignment agreement and ensure all terms are clearly defined.
• Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, don't hesitate to walk away and find a more reputable dealer.

Consigning your RV can be a convenient way to sell, but it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks. By doing your research, asking the right questions, and choosing a trustworthy dealer, you can protect your investment and avoid getting burned. Be sure to watch the full video with Andrew Steele and David Robertson for even more in-depth insights and tips on navigating the world of RV consignment!