If you’re in “sell my RV” mode, you should make sure all routine maintenance is up to date, including making sure locks are lubricated and all work properly.  RVs by nature have a lot of locks in them…doors, compartments, hitches, toolboxes.  How embarrassing if you or a prospective buyer were to get locked inside…or outside…or can’t get the padlock off the spare tire carrier on a nightmarish test drive in the middle of nowhere…

Choosing the Best Lubricant

People used to use graphite powder to lubricate locks.  Don’t do that; due to its powdery nature, it absorbs moisture and can consequently gum up the lock works.  What’s best to use, then?  Some suggest WD-40, some gun oil.  While even locksmiths disagree on what is best, Teflon seems to be an overall favorite.  You can buy spray lubricants with added Teflon.  Teflon is good because it doesn’t attract as much dirt and lasts longer.

Assuming you decide on Teflon, find a can with a long nose nozzle that will allow insertion of the nozzle assembly into the lock.  Once that’s done, just a brief squirt is sufficient.  Under lubing is preferable to over-lubing; you can always add more later if it seems called for.

Once you’ve wiped off any excess, put your key in the lock and work it back and forth multiple times to ensure good functionality.  This routine should typically be performed every six months or so.  You can then pass your RV on to the next owner with a clear conscience, knowing it’s unlikely that they’ll be locked in or out of anything in the vehicle they got from you—at least for another six months or so.

Does the thought of paperwork make your skin crawl?  You’re thinking, I just want to sell my RV, and the thought of all of the legalities, red tape, and paperwork are almost more than you can handle.  I know the feeling.

Let’s look at what type of paperwork may be involved.  First, you’ll want to have a clean title available when you close the deal.  If you owe money, you will need to get the documents prepared by an escrow company or a lawyer.  An escrow company is a good idea if the price is over $50,000.

If you own the vehicle free and clear, make sure you have the bill of sale ready.  You’ll also want to have read up on your state’s laws concerning the transfer of a vehicle, particularly if the buyer is in a different state.

The most important thing is to not hand over your vehicle until you have either secured funds or cash in your hand. Bank wire transfers are probably the safest way to go, with cashier’s checks running a relatively close second.  If you choose to accept a personal check, make sure you let it clear the banking system, with verification from your bank that the funds are in your account and available to you, before you give the buyer the keys.

If this all seems a little tedious, look into an online company that will buy your RV, guide you through all of that pesky paperwork, and be guaranteed to pay you with certified, easily verifiable funds.  That sounds better.