The Value in Visiting RV Salvage Yards
Have you ever dreamed of following a pirate map and digging up gold? RV salvage yards hold treasure, especially for owners of older RV models. If you want, you may even get to dig a little. For more information, visit Johnny's Premier Boat and RV in Theodore, Alabama, serving Mobile and Grand Bay.
What They Are
An RV salvage yard is simply a salvage junk yard that specializes in RVs. Larger salvage yards may have a dedicated RV section in addition to other vehicles, so it’s worth calling or visiting local yards, even if none of them advertise “RV” in their names.
RV owners visit in search of parts. Upkeep gets expensive, and all vehicles need repairs. Salvage yards offer a great way to get parts at discounted prices.
Old RVs brought to the yard when one part breaks down still have plenty of working features and fixtures. Just because the engine won’t turn over doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with the transmission. A problem with the water tank doesn’t ruin the headlights.
Why Shop in an RV Graveyard
The two biggest reasons RV-lovers shop from salvage yards are age and pricing. Just as your favorite clothing brand may not make your preferred cut of jeans anymore, the manufacturer who built your RV may not make new parts for it a decade or three after the model is discontinued. That means the only way to get replacement parts for that RV when things break is from second-hand dealers. A large salvage yard with a good collection may have several RVs the same model as yours. That gives you multiple sources for working parts. Salvage yards also have a reputation for low prices.
Potential Limitations
No savings opportunity is perfect, and for the best deals, you need to be ready to contribute elbow grease. You may have to find the right RV in the junk yard on your own, and sometimes you have to pull the part yourself for the best prices.
If you buy a new RV with state-of-the-art features and the latest upgrades, you may not find matching parts in a salvage yard, either. The newer the model, the fewer will have faced so much wear and tear they’re sold as salvage.
Haggling 101
The ultimate rule of haggling is this: know a part’s value. Before you visit a salvage yard, look online. If the part is available new from manufacturers, how much are they charging? How much are second-hand sellers charging online? The manufacturer may note the estimated lifetime for the part, too. Finally, make sure to ask how many miles the part’s vehicle of origin racked up. Equipped with this information (market prices and longevity), it’s easier to estimate a part’s value. Want to learn more about RVs and how to source parts? To learn more, visit Johnny's Premier Boat and RV in Theodore, Alabama, serving Mobile and Grand Bay.