How to Get Rid of an Old Motorhome
The quickest way to get rid of an old motorhome is to transfer the title first, then pick the disposal method that gives you the best value or the least hassle—whether that’s selling, donating, scrapping, or hiring a junk‑removal service. Below is a step‑by‑step guide that covers the legal paperwork, the realistic options, cost estimates, and common pitfalls.
1. Legal Clean‑Up: Title Transfer, Plates, and Notification
1.1 Transfer the Title
- Contact your state DMV (or visit the website) to obtain the title transfer form.
- Sign the back of the title as the seller and fill in the buyer’s information, even if the “buyer” is a scrap yard or donation center.
- Some states require a notarized bill of sale; keep a copy for your records.
1.2 Remove License Plates & Cancel Registration
- Take the plates off the motorhome before it leaves your property.
- Return them to the DMV or destroy them according to state rules.
- Notify your insurance company that the vehicle is no longer in use; you’ll often get a refund on unused premium.
1.3 Notify the DMV of the Disposal
- Many states ask you to submit a “Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability” within a few days of the sale or scrap.
- This protects you from future tickets or taxes tied to the RV.
2. Evaluate Your Disposal Options
| Option | Typical Revenue / Savings | Effort Required | When It Makes Sense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Sale | $2,000‑$10,000+ (depends on age, mileage, condition) | High – advertising, negotiations, test drives | RV is still drivable and has market appeal |
| Donation | Tax deduction (fair market value) | Low – transport to charity | Vehicle is operable or can be repaired; you want a charitable benefit |
| Scrap Metal Yard | $0.05‑$0.15 per lb of steel (≈ $150‑$450 for a 3,000‑lb RV) | Medium – tow to yard, paperwork | RV is non‑functional, heavy, and you want cash for metal |
| Junk‑Removal Service | $100‑$1,099 (volume‑based) | Low – crew does all loading & disposal | You need a hands‑free solution, no tow truck, or you lack a local scrap yard |
2.1 What Makes an RV Different from a Car?
- Size & Weight – Most motorhomes are 20–40 ft long and weigh 5,000–12,000 lb, so tow‑away fees are higher.
- Materials – Fiberglass shells, large water tanks, propane cylinders, and built‑in appliances require special handling.
- Regulations – Propane must be drained, batteries recycled, and hazardous fluids disposed of according to state law.
3. DIY Routes: Sell, Donate, or Scrap
3.1 Private Sale
- Clean & Photograph – A quick wash and tidy interior make a big difference.
- List on Multiple Platforms – Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, RV‑Trader, and local classifieds.
- Set a Realistic Price – Look up recent sales of similar makes, model years, and mileage.
- Arrange a Test Drive – Meet in a public place, verify the buyer’s driver’s license, and have a signed bill of sale.
3.2 Donation Programs
- Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and local charities often accept drivable RVs.
- Call ahead to confirm size limits and whether they will handle towing.
- Keep the receipt for a potential federal tax deduction (consult a tax professional for the exact amount you can claim).
3.3 Scrap Metal Yards
- Drain all fluids – gasoline, diesel, antifreeze, and especially propane.
- Remove appliances – Refrigerators, stoves, and AC units may be recyclable separately and can increase the total scrap value.
- Weigh the RV – Most yards charge by weight; a 3,000‑lb RV at $0.10/lb yields $300 in scrap revenue.
- Bring the title – The yard will need proof of ownership before they’ll accept the vehicle.
Worked Dollar Example
Your motorhome weighs 3,500 lb.
- Scrap price = $0.12 per lb (mid‑range) → 3,500 lb × $0.12 = $420.
- You pay a local tow fee of $150 (average).
- Net cash = $420 – $150 = $270.
If you instead hire 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK for a half‑truckload (5 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft) the price range is $400‑$600. Even at the low end, the service costs $130‑$330 more than the net scrap cash, but it eliminates the tow and labor.
4. Professional Junk‑Removal Services
4.1 When to Call a Service
- You lack a tow truck or a willing neighbor.
- The RV contains hazardous materials you’re uncomfortable handling.
- You need same‑day pickup because you’re moving out of state.
4.2 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK® Overview
- Pricing is volume‑based, measured in 1/8‑truck increments.
- Minimum load (1/8 truck): $100‑$150.
- Small loads: $107‑$396.
- Medium loads: $396‑$600.
- Large loads: $600‑$1,099.
- Half‑truckload: $400‑$600.
- Full‑truckload: $600‑$1,000.
- What’s included: labor, loading from anywhere on the property, hauling, disposal/recycling fees, and cleanup. Crews are licensed and insured.
- Booking: free on‑site estimate (no credit card required). Same‑day service often available.
Get a Free Quote from 1-800-GOT-JUNK? → – Looking for a hassle‑free pickup? Get a free on‑site estimate from 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK today.
4.3 Competitor Price Snapshot
| Company | Minimum Charge | Volume‑Based Range* | Pricing Model | Notable Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK | $100‑$150 (1/8 truck) | $107‑$1,099 (small‑full) | Volume‑based, on‑site estimate | Includes labor, disposal, cleanup |
| LoadUp | $89 minimum | $89‑$300+ (per item) | Per‑item, online guaranteed price | Often 20‑30 % cheaper, nationwide |
| Junk King | $99 minimum | $389‑$658 (half‑full) | Volume‑based, on‑site confirmation | Coverage gaps in some states |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk | $150‑$750 per job | $150‑$750 (volume) | Volume‑based, $99 dispatch fee (often undisclosed) | Widely available, higher base fee |
*Ranges are based on verified data; actual price varies by market (landfill fees, labor costs, distance).
4.4 How to Choose the Best Service
- Get at least three quotes – include 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK, LoadUp, and your nearest Junk King or College Hunks office.
- Compare total cost vs. effort – a lower price may require you to load the RV yourself (e.g., LoadUp’s “Flex” program starts at $39 but you must load the container).
- Check for local regulations – some municipalities restrict oversized junk pickups on certain streets.
5. Preparing the Motorhome for Removal
5.1 Drain Fluids & Remove Hazards
- Propane – Fully empty the tank at a certified propane dealer or have the crew do it (extra fee may apply).
- Fuel – Drain the gasoline or diesel tank; many scrap yards refuse vehicles with fuel left inside.
- Water & Waste Tanks – Empty and flush the fresh‑water, gray‑water, and black‑water tanks.
5.2 Disconnect Appliances
- Unplug the refrigerator, stove, and air‑conditioner.
- Remove the refrigerator as a separate item; average price for removal is ≈ $115.
5.3 Secure Loose Items & Furniture
- Tie down or remove large furniture pieces (sofa, mattress).
- Mattress recycling fee: In CA, CT, and RI a $10.50 per‑unit fee may be passed through by the removal company.
5.4 Document the Condition
- Take photos after you’ve cleared the interior. This protects you from any later claims of damage.
6. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Why It Costs You | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Leaving fuel in the tank | Many junk yards refuse the load, forcing a second tow or higher disposal fee. | Drain fuel before the pickup or have the service do it (ask about any extra charge). |
| Not removing the propane cylinder | Propane is classified as hazardous; crews may refuse service or charge a hazardous‑material surcharge. | Empty the tank at a certified dealer or remove it entirely. |
| Assuming the lowest advertised price is final | Most companies (except LoadUp) give an on‑site estimate that can rise if the load is larger than expected. | Get a detailed volume estimate and ask about “extra‑load” fees before booking. |
| Skipping the title transfer | You could be held liable for tickets, taxes, or accidents after the RV is gone. | Complete the title transfer and DMV notice before any pickup. |
| Trying to fit the RV on a curb‑side pickup | Many municipalities require a permit for oversized loads; you may get a ticket. | Use a service that loads from anywhere on the property or arrange a private tow with a permit. |
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I tow my old motorhome to a landfill myself?
A: Yes, if you have a qualified tow vehicle and a permit (if required). Most landfills charge a tipping fee by weight, typically $50‑$150 for an RV, plus a dump fee. Check your local landfill’s rules first.
Q2: How much is a motorhome worth for scrap metal?
A: Scrap value depends on weight and current metal prices. At $0.10‑$0.15 per pound, a 3,000‑lb RV yields roughly $300‑$450. Call local yards for exact rates.
Q3: Do I need to remove the battery before scrapping?
A: Yes. Batteries contain lead and must be recycled separately. Most scrap yards will take them for free, but you must disconnect them safely.
Q4: What if my motorhome is still drivable?
A: A drivable RV can fetch a private sale price of several thousand dollars, or you can donate it for a tax deduction. Even a modest offer often outweighs junk‑removal costs.
Q5: Are there any state‑specific fees I should know about?
A: California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island impose a $10.50 per‑unit mattress recycling fee under the Bye Bye Mattress program in 2026. Some states also require a disposal permit for large vehicles.
Q6: How far in advance should I schedule a junk‑removal pickup?
A: Most companies can provide same‑day service if you have a flexible schedule, but booking 3‑5 business days ahead gives you more options for price and timing, especially in peak moving season (May‑September).
Takeaway
Transfer the title, drain all fluids, and then choose the cheapest realistic route—sell or donate if the RV runs, scrap for metal value if it doesn’t, or hire a professional service only when you need a hands‑free solution. By following the legal steps and preparing the vehicle, you’ll avoid extra fees, stay compliant, and either pocket cash or save time.