2026 RV Donation Guide

Donate Your RV or Motorhome

Donating an RV or motorhome in 2026 means turning that aging Class A, fifth wheel, travel trailer, or pop-up camper into a federal tax deduction. Cars Helping Kids picks up free in all 50 states using specialty haulers. Title transfers at pickup; IRS Form 1098-C mails after sale. Running or not.

How to donate an RV in three steps

  1. Submit your RV. Use our 60-second form or call 770-871-9422. Required info: year, make, model, class (A, B, C, fifth wheel, travel trailer), and ZIP where it's parked. Photos optional but helpful for value estimation.
  2. Schedule specialty pickup. RVs require a heavier hauler than a typical tow truck. Our hauling partner contacts you within 1-2 business days to coordinate. Typical RV pickup window: 3-7 business days.
  3. Receive IRS Form 1098-C. RV auctions are typically retail or specialty wholesale. Sale usually within 30-60 days; Form 1098-C mails within 30 days of sale.

What RV types we accept

RV typeAccepted?Notes
Class A motorhomeYesDiesel pushers and gas. Any year.
Class B camper vanYesSprinters, Promasters, Transit conversions.
Class C motorhomeYesCab-over chassis on Ford/Chevy/Mercedes frame.
Fifth wheelYesNeed clear title. Hitch can stay or come off.
Travel trailerYesBumper-pull, any length, any age.
Pop-up / tent trailerYesEven with canvas damage or water leaks.
Truck camperYesSlide-in / cab-over campers.
Toy haulerYesTravel-trailer style with rear garage.
Park model / destination trailerCase-by-caseCall for site-specific logistics.

Common issues we routinely accept: engine problems, transmission failure, generator dead, slide-outs broken, water damage, mouse damage, roof leaks, electrical problems, blown tires, faded gel coat.

Tax deduction for RV donation

RV donations often produce larger tax deductions than car donations because RVs sell for more at auction. The IRS rule remains the same: your deduction equals the gross sale price on IRS Form 1098-C box 4c.

  • Most RV donations fall in the $1,000-$10,000 range, requiring IRS Form 8283 Section A filed with your tax return plus Copy B of Form 1098-C.
  • High-value RVs (over $5,000) require Form 8283 Section B and a qualified independent appraisal performed within 60 days of donation.
  • You must itemize on Schedule A. With 2025 standard deduction at $14,600 single / $29,200 married, RV donations often DO push donors into itemizing because of the larger deduction size.

For the full RV-specific tax walk-through see IRS Publication 4303 — A Donor's Guide to Vehicle Donations.

Common RV donation scenarios

  • Inherited RV from a parent who passed. Common. Provide death certificate + executor paperwork. We help.
  • RV sitting in storage for years. Storage fees mounting? Donate the RV and the storage fees stop with the title transfer.
  • RV that needs more in repairs than it's worth. Major repairs often exceed RV value. Donate instead; get a tax deduction at the salvage sale price.
  • Couple downsizing in retirement. Donating to a 501(c)(3) is cleaner than a private sale and produces a clean tax write-off.
  • RV with title in spouse's name (deceased). Bring death certificate; in most states transfer is straightforward.

Where your RV proceeds go

Cars Helping Kids is the vehicle donation program of Fainting Goat Foundation, a Georgia 501(c)(3) (EIN 99-0472123). Net proceeds from your RV donation fund children's programs — backpacks, weekend food bags, after-school tutoring, holiday and winter assistance — primarily for children's programs (donations accepted nationwide; 501(c)(3) headquartered in Georgia). Because we don't spend on national TV advertising, a higher percentage of every donation reaches programs. See our transparency report.

FAQ — RV and motorhome donation

Do I need to drive the RV to a drop-off location?
No. We bring a specialty hauler to your location. Pickup is free anywhere in the 50 states.
What if my RV doesn't run?
Non-running RVs accepted. Our hauler handles dead engines, flat tires, dead batteries, and stuck slide-outs. Just confirm the RV can be loaded onto a flatbed or lowboy.
Can I leave personal belongings inside?
Please remove all personal property, important documents, and any titles or registration paperwork from the RV before pickup. Anything left inside is typically discarded at auction.
What about the propane tanks?
Propane tanks can stay attached. If they're full and old, they may be removed at auction prep. The donor doesn't need to deal with them.
Does the RV need a current registration?
No. Lapsed registration is fine. The only paperwork requirement is a clear title (and a lien release if there's any past financing).
How long until I get my tax receipt?
RV sells within 30-60 days of pickup at auction. IRS Form 1098-C mails within 30 days of sale. Total: usually 90-120 days from donation to receipt in hand.

Ready to donate your RV?

60-second form. Free specialty pickup in 50 states. IRS Form 1098-C after sale.