For us this is a large transaction. It will require a degree of trust on both sides, plus reasonable and common sense precautions.
I have already received two offers that sound very much like one of the scams described on RVClassified.com's Fraud Alert page. After referring the first "buyer" to this page, I never heard from him again. The second "buyer" sent a nearly identically worded message (including the same bad formatting). Coincidence?
I will stick to the sale process described on this page, even at the risk of pissing off legitimate buyers.
I will want to photocopy your drivers license, and will permit you to copy mine. Of course we will exchange information such as names, addresses, telephone numbers.
If parties other than the actual buyer are involved, I will want the same information for each person.
If a party other than the actual buyer will be inspecting the rig and accepting on behalf of the buyer, I will require written proof of the relationship, particularly the fact that the agent has the legally binding authority to make the deal.
Once you tell me that you are on the way to Brookings, Oregon, to see the rig, I will do a quick online background check of all parties at my own expense. Note that anyone may do such an online background check of anyone at any time; you may want to check me out in a similar fashion.
I will not sell the rig "sight unseen". I doubt that any legitimate buyer would want to buy it without seeing it first, anyway.
As is normal for fairly large purchases, I would prefer a cashier's check as payment.
According to RVClassified.com's Fraud Alert page, there is a risk of fraud even with certified checks. Their recommendation is to wait until the buyer's check or other payment method "has cleared and the funds are 100% available in your account." This seems like good advice, especially on a transaction of this size.
I will consider forms of payment other than a certified check. Regardless of the form of payment, I will not sign over the rig until the funds have cleared and the bank says that they are available.
I will only accept payment of the exact amount agreed upon as the purchase price. I will NOT refund large sums of money.
Once payment has been made, I would hope/expect that you would occupy the rig while we wait for the funds to clear. I will pay the RV park rental and utilities during this period.
I will give you a letter to keep in the truck with the registration explaining that you have the right to operate the truck in the Brookings, Oregon, area during the sales process. You may not remove the fifth wheel trailer from Driftwood RV park during this time without my permission.
During this time Kay and I will be happy to familiarize you with the rig and its operation. If you have never towed before, we will help you get started.
The sale is governed by Oregon law. The Oregon DMV page on selling a vehicle says:
"If there is a lien on the vehicle (in other words, if you still owe money on your loan), the security interest holder is the legal owner and you cannot sell the vehicle until you have satisfied their interest (paid off the loan) and they have provided the title to you with a written release of interest."
We still have a loan out on the fifth wheel trailer. I cannot sign the trailer's title over until I have paid off the loan. As soon as your payment funds clear, I will pay off the loan.
The trailer loan is with GEMB. I will wire the payment to GEMB along with instructions to send the title directly to you. GEMB customer service says that they require three business days to process a wired payment, at which time they will send the title to you.
The truck loan was with a local bank. I recently paid it off, and should receive the title from Oregon DMV soon.
At this time, I will fill out an Oregon DMV bill of sale and submit the Oregon DMV Online Notice of Vehicle Sale/Transfer. Then, the rig is yours.