Last Updated on March 20, 2023 by Jess
Many dream of finding a free RV. Prices for RVs have skyrocketed in recent years. But the quality hasn’t gotten much better. What you will pay for a new RV in 2023 is a far cry from the price of the same vehicle ten years ago.
You may have better technology and some more modern appliances, but there will be little difference in the flooring, cabinets and furniture.
So maybe you want to find a free mobile home, an older, run-down model that someone just wants to get off their property. In this case, we have some tips for you.
From where to look to how much it will cost, we’ll show you what you can find when looking for a free mobile home.
How much does a motorhome cost?
RV prices vary as widely as homes. You can find a new entry-level travel trailer for $30,000 or a fifth wheel luxury for over $200,000.
When it comes to motorized RVs, the differences are similar. A budget Class A gas motorhome can cost $185,000, while a new diesel pusher can cost over $400,000. There are also top-of-the-line models, such as Tiffin’s Zephyr, that cost $800,000 to $900,000.
So from pop-up and truck campers to Toy Haulers and Class C motorhomes, you’ll find a wide price range for new RVs.
Can you get a free RV?
For many people, a mobile home can cost as much as a house. They simply don’t have the money to buy a new RV. Even used RVs can cost a chunk of money, depending on the type and condition.
So for people who want to maintain a camping lifestyle on a minimal budget, a free RV is the only option. Even if you have to do a little searching, it is possible to find a free RV or camper. Let’s find out how!
5 tips to find a free mobile home
If you’re looking for a free RV to fix up and make your own, you’re not completely out of luck. But the repairs and rebuilds do come with a cost. So don’t forget to factor in these costs when you’re looking to buy an RV.
1. work for a mobile home moving company.
Every camping season, travelers rent an RV from Outdoorsy, RVShare or a private individual. Sometimes they rent it for a round trip, but sometimes they rent it for a one-way trip.
Then the movers return the RV. Transfercar is one of the most popular. If you are hired as one of these drivers, you can see the country without paying anything for a motorhome.
You usually only have to drive for a few hours a day, but you can see the sights along the way. Imagine driving an RV from Arizona back to Montana.
You could stop and explore Zion National Park for a few hours, catch a show in Las Vegas, or visit a popular brewery in Denver.
You won’t have to worry about maintenance or repairs, either. Just enjoy the trip and look forward to the next one.
2. use Facebook
You can find just about anything on Facebook. A free RV is no exception. You can join free RV groups where people post dilapidated, run-down RVs or trailers that they just want to get rid of.
Just post what you are looking for. You can also search the Facebook marketplace. If it’s not free, you can probably find cheap RVs that fit your budget.
Remember: Do RV Facebook groups do you more harm than good?
3. use Craigslist
Like Facebook, you can also use Craigslist to search for a vacant RV. The advantage of Craigslist is that you can also post an ad. Explain that you are willing to pick up the RV.
Many owners don’t want to spend the money to pay someone to pick up a broken RV. So if you are willing to travel, you have a few options.
4. search your community
Is there a mobile home in your neighborhood yard?
Have you passed a mobile home on your way to work that hasn’t been moved in three years? If a mobile home has flat tires and the grass around it is growing three feet high, you might try to get a good deal, even a free deal.
It might take some courage to knock on someone’s door, but if you explain to them that you want to refurbish a motor home and would take their motor home off their hands for free, you might find a taker.
5. negotiate trade in goods or services
Although this is not entirely free, you can also negotiate an exchange of goods or services for a motorhome. Spread the word that you are looking for a free RV. Explain that you can work in return.
Maybe you’re good with computers and can offer an in-demand service like accounting, web development, or database management.
Maybe you can offer a free cab service for someone who doesn’t like or can no longer drive themselves. Take a look at what you can offer and make an offer.
How much does a mobile home conversion cost?
Just as there is a wide range of prices for RVs, the same is true for remodeling costs. If it’s a complete overhaul, you can spend a lot more than if you just upgrade the furniture and replace the floor. If you get a mobile home for free, it is probably in poor condition and you will need to do extensive work.
It could cost $5,000 to get it in working condition just to use it for a weekend camping trip.
If it has structural damage, mold or water leaks, you could spend tens of thousands of dollars to renovate it. But a $250,000 Class A motorhome for $20,000 is still a pretty good deal.
Remember: We sold our mobile home in less than 30 days! Here is how we did it
Are there any dangers in finding a free mobile home?
Anything you get for free comes with risks. As mentioned earlier, a free RV is not necessarily in good condition. You don’t know where the RV has been and how well the previous owner took care of it.
The biggest problem is mold, which can cause serious health problems. When you are ready to face this challenge, you should check every corner of the RV for signs of mold and water damage. You will need to hire a mold removal service to eliminate the problem before you take possession of the RV.
You also need to make sure the mobile home is legally transferred to you. Fill out the appropriate paperwork and pay the registration fees to ensure that you own the RV.
The previous owner will want to have liability insurance for any problems you have. So make sure the RV is legally yours before you spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a conversion.
Is a free RV worth it?
If you don’t mind the sweat, tears and hard work involved in a mobile home renovation, a free mobile home can be absolutely worth it. A $35,000 mobile home may only cost you $5,000. But the work is time-consuming and expensive.
Plus, you don’t know what problems will come your way. So be prepared for frustrations and disappointments.
But when your remodel is complete and you can safely use your free RV, you’ll be glad for the time and money you invested to make your dream a reality. Would you consider a mobile home remodel?