RV Bill of Sale
Create a professional bill of sale for motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and camper vans. Covers RV classification, NADA valuation fields, and title brand disclosures.
Understanding RV Classes and Types
The recreational vehicle market encompasses a broad spectrum of vehicle types, from compact camper vans to 45-foot diesel motorhomes. Understanding the classification system is important for your bill of sale because different RV types have different titling, registration, and documentation requirements.
Class A Motorhome
The largest motorized RVs, built on a commercial bus or truck chassis. Range from 26 to 45 feet in length. Feature full residential amenities including multiple slide-outs, washer/dryer, and full kitchens. Titled as motor vehicles. May require a non-commercial Class B license or special endorsement in some states due to size and weight.
Class B Camper Van
Built on a standard or extended van chassis (Sprinter, Transit, ProMaster). Typically 17 to 23 feet long. Most compact motorized RV option. Self-contained with a small kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. Titled as a motor vehicle. Can be driven with a standard driver's license in all states.
Class C Motorhome
Built on a cutaway van or truck chassis with a distinctive over-cab sleeping area. Range from 20 to 35 feet. Offer a balance of living space and drivability. Titled as motor vehicles. Standard driver's license is sufficient in most states, though some require a non-commercial Class B for units over 26,000 lbs.
Travel Trailer
Towable RVs that connect to a standard ball hitch on the tow vehicle. Range from small teardrops (10 feet) to large multi-slide units (40 feet). Titled separately from the tow vehicle. May be classified as a trailer or recreational vehicle depending on the state.
Fifth Wheel
Large towable RVs that connect to a special hitch mounted in the bed of a pickup truck. Range from 22 to 43 feet. Offer a raised forward section (the "gooseneck") that provides additional living space. Titled as a trailer or RV depending on state. Requires a pickup truck with a compatible fifth-wheel hitch.
Pop-Up / Folding Camper
Lightweight, collapsible trailers that fold down for towing and expand for camping. Typically 8 to 16 feet when set up. Most affordable RV category. Titled as trailers in most states. Can be towed by most cars and small SUVs due to low weight (typically 1,000 to 3,500 lbs).
Motorhome vs. Travel Trailer: Documentation Differences
The single most important distinction for your bill of sale is whether the RV is motorized (a motorhome) or towable (a travel trailer, fifth wheel, or pop-up). This distinction affects how the RV is titled, registered, and taxed.
Motorhomes (Class A/B/C)
- Titled as motor vehicles with the state DMV
- Require odometer disclosure (mileage reading) on the bill of sale
- Subject to emissions testing and safety inspections in some states
- VIN is in the standard motor vehicle location (dashboard or door jamb)
- Registration fees based on weight, value, or both depending on the state
Travel Trailers and Fifth Wheels
- May be titled as a trailer or recreational vehicle depending on state
- No odometer disclosure required (no engine, no mileage to report)
- Not subject to emissions testing or safety inspections in most states
- VIN is on the frame or on a plate near the tongue or coupler
- Registration fees are typically lower and may be permanent in some states
NADA Values and Title Brands
Determining the fair market value of an RV is more complex than valuing a standard car. RVs depreciate differently — they lose a significant portion of their value in the first few years, then depreciation slows. Floor plan, slide-outs, generator hours (for motorhomes), roof condition, and the maintenance history of plumbing and electrical systems all affect value beyond what simple year/make/model lookups can capture.
The NADA Recreational Vehicle Appraisal Guide is the industry standard for RV valuations and is used by lenders, insurance companies, and the DMV. When completing your bill of sale, the agreed purchase price should reflect the actual transaction amount, not the NADA value. However, if the sale price is significantly below NADA value, some states may assess sales tax based on the fair market value rather than the sale price.
Common RV Title Brands
RV Bill of Sale FAQ
Common questions about RV bill of sale documents, titling, and registration.
A motorhome (Class A, B, or C) is a self-propelled vehicle with its own engine and drivetrain. It is titled and registered as a motor vehicle and requires a driver's license (and in some states, a special class license for larger units). A travel trailer, fifth wheel, or pop-up camper is a towable unit that does not have its own engine. It is titled separately from the tow vehicle and may be classified as a trailer or as a recreational vehicle depending on the state. The bill of sale and title transfer process differs for each type.
The most widely used resource for RV valuations is the NADA Recreational Vehicle Guide (nadaguides.com), which provides values based on the year, make, model, floor plan, and optional equipment. Other resources include RVTrader listings for comparable asking prices and PPL Motor Homes for completed sale data. Keep in mind that RV values are significantly affected by condition, mileage (for motorhomes), and the maintenance history of critical systems like the roof, plumbing, and electrical.
A title brand is a notation placed on a vehicle title by the state to indicate that the vehicle has a significant history event. Common title brands for RVs include "salvage" (declared a total loss by an insurance company), "rebuilt" (repaired after being salvaged), "flood" (damaged by flood water), and "lemon" (bought back by the manufacturer under lemon law). Title brands significantly reduce the value of an RV and may affect insurability and financing eligibility. Always check for title brands before purchasing and disclose them in the bill of sale.
Built-in components like the generator, air conditioner, furnace, refrigerator, and water heater are typically considered part of the RV and do not need to be listed separately. However, if the sale includes detachable accessories — such as a portable generator, tow dolly, satellite dish, outdoor furniture, leveling blocks, or aftermarket solar panels — these should be itemized in the bill of sale to avoid disputes about what was and was not included in the purchase price.
Yes, RVs are frequently sold across state lines. The bill of sale should reflect where the transaction takes place, which determines which state's sales tax applies. The buyer will register the RV in their home state, and the registration process will require the signed title, bill of sale, and any state-specific forms. Some states grant a credit for sales tax paid in another state, while others assess the full tax regardless. The bill of sale serves as the key document for proving the purchase price and transaction location.
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