RV salvage yards are a great way to find affordable RV parts and accessories.
And they’re perfect for scrapping that old camper you don’t want lying around anymore.
Finding a salvage yard that deals with RV and camper parts can be difficult, however, so we compiled a list of RV salvage yards by state with contact information.
And continue below to learn more about RV salvage yards, why you should use them, and get answers to some frequently asked questions.
RV Salvage Yards by State
What is an RV Salvage Yard?
RV salvage yards are junkyards specializing in purchasing and selling items, typically recreational vehicles, cars, trucks, and their parts.
They often sell RV parts separately, but they also can strip down an entire camper into its raw materials for recycling and other purposes.
The prices at these places are usually significantly less than what you would pay at your local dealerships or retail stores for new products.
Why Use an RV Salvage Yard
There are many pros to using an RV salvage yard compared to shopping for brand-new parts from an RV parts dealer or store.
- The prices are usually cheaper than at an RV parts store.
- You can find parts that were discontinued and hard to locate elsewhere.
- They typically have more selection than an RV dealer or store of used parts.
- It’s a more eco-friendly option to pull parts from an RV junkyard and reuse them than buy brand-new ones.
- There is no need to bargain your price when negotiating with a salvage yard because they will most likely tell you what the part costs before looking at it- this means you don’t have to spend time trying to haggle and get the best deal.
- And finally, while not all RV salvage yards offer warranties, many do, so there’s always a chance for some peace of mind if something doesn’t work out in your favor!
The Downsides of RV Salvage Yards
Of course, RV salvage yards have their drawbacks, as well, including:
- At RV junkyards, it can be hard to find parts for newer camper models. This is because most RV’s and campers at salvage yards are older or damaged vehicles. That’s not to say it’s impossible, it’s just more work, and you may need to shop around at multiple yards.
- It can take a lot of work and hours searching multiple salvage yards to find the part you need. Some enjoy the hunt, while others do not.
- If you’re scrapping an old camper, don’t expect to make much, if any, money. In fact, some may even charge to take your old camper in as a donation.
- Even if you find the part you need, you still need to perform the repair yourself or pay somebody to do it (which isn’t necessarily a downside if you’re handy).
Where to Find an RV Salvage Yard
Finding an RV salvage yard near you is the first step in saving you money on parts and/or easily scrapping an old trailer.
We highly recommend using our RV Salvage Yards by State list above. Simply click on your state and locate the salvage yard nearest you.
Tip: Call or email the salvage yard nearest you to see if they have the part you need in their inventory before going there. You may have to check several salvage yards in your area. This will save you time and hassle from driving from yard to yard.
As an alternative, you can opt to buy used camper parts online at websites like ColawRVsalvage.com or SalvageBid.com.
FAQs
How Do You Scrap a Camper?
There may come a time when you finally decide to scrap your camper and get a new one. Maybe repairs are getting out of hand, or it has simply reached its lifespan. Either way, deciding what to do with an old motorhome can be difficult.
But you do have a few options, including:
- Selling your camper on an online marketplace. For example, Facebook, eBay, Craigslist, etc.
- Donate your camper to a charity
- Sell or donate your camper to a salvage yard
- Give your camper away
- Scrap it at your local dump
Check out our guide on how to scrap a camper trailer for more information and a complete breakdown of each option!
How Much Is an RV Worth in Scrap?
How much you get from a scrap yard for your RV will depend on a lot of factors.
It’s good to know what the scrap metal prices are for aluminum, steel, and other metals at the time that you’re looking to sell your camper, as you can use that as bargaining leverage.
You should also consider getting quotes from different salvage yards, as each yard will have its own idea of how much it’s worth.
In the end, don’t expect to get too much for your camper. Go in expecting very little, bargain for more (if you’re comfortable with that process), and don’t be afraid to walk away if they don’t offer you what you want.