| If you're in the market for used travel trailers, this may | | | | for a seized vehicle. Bring an inspection checklist with |
| be the best time you'll find to buy. And the place you'll | | | | you or someone experienced with RVs if you aren't. |
| find the cheapest prices, is probably at a government | | | | Bid Smart. Once you've selected the used travel |
| or repo auction. They can be pretty intimidating if | | | | trailers you like, find an auction consultant (staff |
| you're not a dealer. But you can use that to your | | | | member) and find out the reserve price and expected |
| advantage to get RVs at up to 90% off list. | | | | sale price. Get the blue book trade-in price if you can, |
| Here's a quick guide to conquering at RV auctions. | | | | subtract the 5% buyer's fee you'll likely have to pay, |
| Choose your auction. There are closed auctions which | | | | and use that number to limit your bidding, so you know |
| require you to have a special license to attend. | | | | you're getting a good price. Don't bid until you get a |
| Generally, though anyone of legal age with a driver's | | | | sense of how rapidly others are bidding and how |
| license can buy from the government. | | | | popular the RV you've chose is going to be. If you |
| Choose your RV. Yes, the government stocks RVs. | | | | decide to bid, make sure you get the auctioneer's |
| You'll also find repossessed and seized RVs. Most | | | | attention on your first bid or you can be overlooked. |
| used government vehicles are 2-3 years old when | | | | Collect your documents. Congratulations on a great |
| they come up for auction. That's a good reason for | | | | buy! Go to the Sales Office to get your receipt as |
| you to do your homework and choose an auction you | | | | proof of purchase and guarantee of title. Then take a |
| can visit. Some RVs hold up to 3 years of constant | | | | nice lunch to enjoy the thousands of dollars you've just |
| use, some don't. | | | | saved. Make sure you return to settle your account. |
| Inspect your RV. Come about 90 minutes early so you | | | | Auctions are held regularly. You can save a |
| can find an RV and look it over. You should expect | | | | tremendous amount of money and even enjoy the |
| inspection logs and service records for any RV | | | | process when you're prepared. |
| maintained by the government. Don't expect anything | | | | |