If you’re wondering how to get a donated RV (or how to donate one), get ready for a deep dive! You’ll find out who qualifies for an RV donation, the best places to find a donated RV, and what to expect when applying for a free RV.
First, Who Qualifies for a Donated RV?
Different vulnerable groups in society might be able to get donated camper trailers or motor homes. They include the following:
- Homeless Veterans – Former military members, especially those who have a disability like an amputation, burn, or impaired sight, could benefit from free RV programs.
- Natural Disaster Victims – People who have lost their homes to floods, hurricanes, or wildfires could be given a free RV to help them weather the crisis.
- Homeless People – The jobless and those going through economic challenges can be housed in free RVs.
- Cancer Victims – People recovering from serious illnesses may be able to receive a donated RV. Also, families with disabled or sick children could quality.
Where to Get a Donated RV
Now, here’s the important question: Where can you get a donated RV? Fortunately, there are various options. Here’s what you need to know.
Operation Texas Strong
If you are a homeless veteran, you can apply for a donated RV through Operation Texas Strong. However, you need to meet all of the following qualifications:
- Must be homeless for 5+ months with no shelter
- Must be a veteran
- Have a DD214
- No felony charge on your record in the last 2 years
- Have an honorable discharge
- Must have served at least 180 days
- Must be free of drugs, gambling, or other addictions
- You will be responsible for finding an RV spot in Parker County and handling the RV’s maintenance. If you take good care of the RV over a 6-month period, they will transfer the title to you, making it yours.
Visit their Facebook Group to learn more about their FREE RVs.
Homeless Charities and Nonprofits
One of the easiest ways to get a donated RV is through charities that accept campers as gifts. Here are a number of nonprofits that receive and give away used motorhomes and towable campers to people who are experiencing homelessness:
- EmergencyRV.org – Donates RVs to survivors of wildfire and natural disasters who are in need of housing.
- Homes on Wheels Alliance – Assists seniors, the homeless, and the less fortunate with unconventional housing like RVs.
- RV For Homeless – Provides safe and secure homes on wheels for the homeless.
- Hope on Wheels – Restores donated and purchased used RVs to provide housing for families across Lane County, Oregon.
- Angel Resource Connection – Buys used RVs and donates them to the homeless. They also negotiate affordable parking rates with mobile home parks.
- Nomad Alliance: Offers homeless people temporary stays in tiny homes and campers while they get on their feet.
- Homeful Foundation – This NGO builds homes and donates campers to unsheltered homeless people in CA.
- RVs for Veterans – Connects veterans with private owners of unused RVs who want to gift the camper.
Volunteers
There are volunteer groups that specifically restore old recreational vehicles and donate them to people in need. For instance, Find, Feed & Restore volunteers turn donated travel trailers into temporary housing for homeless families with children. They also offer career assistance and mentoring.
Religious Places
Some churches, mosques, and synagogues have programs to accept RV and car donations. Examples include Catholic Charities USA, Salvation Army, and The Door of Hope Mission.
Veteran Affairs Organizations
Some local veteran affairs accept motorhomes and travel trailers and could help you get a new home on wheels. Check out The RVs for Vets Program.
Ask People You Know
An alternative way of getting a donated RV is to tell people you know that you are looking for one. You could be directed to someone who wants to donate theirs or one who wants to get rid of it but doesn’t have the money to tow it away.
Create an Online Advert
Post on Craigslist or social platforms that you’re looking for a livable RV for free. You can also contact an RV forum or group admins and ask them to tip you off when they hear about someone who wants to give away their rig. Craigslist and Freecycle feature ads from people who are giving away campers.
Offer to Work for One
Another great idea worth trying is to search for RV listings in your area. Look for the really cheap ones and propose to the seller that you can work for them in exchange for the RV. You might find someone who loves the idea. Additionally, visit free RV listing sites and post that you are willing to work for an RV. You may get some offers. Also, consider approaching a local used RV dealer and offering to work for them in trade for payments on their cheapest RV.
Talk to Businesses That Have a Fleet of Vehicles
It’s common for fleet businesses and construction companies to retire vehicles after they hit a certain mileage. Find a business that has a fleet of vans and ask if they could donate one of their retired vehicles. The huge tax deductions and promotion in the community might be attractive to them.
Check Reddit Threads
Reddit has lots of threads about people who want to donate their old campers. Many are unsure how and where to donate. Scroll through the threads and comments and reach out to individuals who wish to give away or dispose of their camper. They could gift you their RV.
Visit a Place that Services and Sells Used RVs
Check with local businesses that deal with second-hand RVs. They could tip you off when they have a cheap camper or a free one that needs work.
Try a GoFundMe Campaign
If you have lots of friends, a big family, or a supportive community, you can set a goal and an amount for buying a used RV and ask them to contribute whatever they’s like on GoFundMe.
Note that if you’re getting an RV that was idle for an extended period, you’ll want to inspect it for mold and other health hazards before occupying it. You’ll also want to complete paperwork to transfer ownership. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what is required.
Questions To Answer When Applying for a Donated RV
Every organization that gives away free RVs will want a lot of personal information before offering help. Here are some questions to expect:
- Are you single or married, and how many children do you have?
- Do you have a disability or medical condition?
- For veterans, do you have the Form DD214? (proof that you’ve been discharged from
- the military)
- Did you leave the military honorably or dishonorably?
- Do you have a job?
- Do you suffer from substance use disorder?
- What’s your contact information?
If you qualify, the non-profit organization typically adds you to a waiting list for RV donations. Notably, the wait can be pretty long as the number of people applying to receive a recreational vehicle donation is much higher than those giving away campers.
For Donors: How to Donate an RV
If you have a decent RV in your possession that you don’t intend to use, you can donate it to make a real difference in the community. It can be a safe and affordable home for someone in need. But how do you actually donate your camper? Start by contacting charities and nonprofits that accept RV gifts. Some well-known recreational vehicle charity organizations that have online donation forms are:
- Find, Feed & Restore
- Angel Resource Connection
- Habitat for Humanity
- EmergencyRV.org
- Vehicles for Veterans
- Wheels for Wishes
- Kars4Kids
- Cars2Charities
- Goodwill Car Donation
- Helping Hands of America
- Breast Cancer Car Donations
Many of them accept different types of RVs and offer free pick-up services.
How to Decide Whether to Let Go of Your RV
Not sure whether it’s time to give away your camper? Here are some signs it’s time to donate your recreational vehicle:
- You haven’t been using it for many months, and you still don’t have plans to use it.
- You want to get rid of your unwanted RV, but you aren’t ready to go through the headache of selling the RV to difficult buyers.
- You’ve been trying to sell your old RV for months, but there’s no progress.
- RVing is no longer a pleasurable part of your life, or your kids have all grown up and camping trips without them are no longer fun.
- Your ownership costs are too much of an expensive burden (fuel, insurance, maintenance, facility storage costs.)
- The unwanted camper is taking up valuable space at home.
- There’s an emergency in your local area, and you really want to help and be a part of a great cause.
Tips for Donating an RV
To avoid falling victim to scams, here are some tips on ensuring the RV you give away actually helps someone in need.
- Research the track record of the charity you want to work with and make sure they have a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status with the IRS. This status ensures your generous donation is tax-deductible.
- Once you find a charity of your choice, use a watchdog like CharityWatch to evaluate how efficient a non-profit is in supporting its causes.
- Get a receipt from the charity.
- Even if the charity programs offer free towing, drop it off yourself if it’s in a road-worthy state and remove the license plates once you deliver it.
- Make sure to transfer the camper’s title to the charity and have one of their representatives sign it. This will protect you from future liability.
- Read the IRS publication 4303 (A Donor’s Guide to Car Donations). It explains the rules for vehicle donations.
- If you plan to claim a deduction, consult a tax advisor to avoid running afoul of the IRS. They will guide you on the donation process, help you file federal tax returns, and enable you to get a healthy tax write-off.
- If you want to net tax benefits, look up the fair market value of your RV using NADA guides before donating.
- Keep thorough documentation of an RV donation.
- Thankfully, most charities make the donation process easy. Just give them a phone call or fill out an online donation form. The nonprofit organization will then take care of most of the paperwork. They also accept all classes of RVs, whether in good working condition or not. Plus, you can donate camping gear like tents and sleeping bags.
How Are RV Donations Used?
Not all nonprofit organizations that accept RVs use them to give people a full-time home. Many, in fact, auction off your camper and use the proceeds to fund their charity activities like paying for meals, medical care, and housing. So, if you want your RV to be used by a homeless person, you’ll want to inquire whether the organization does that before donating it.
If you don’t mind having your camper sold, look for a charitable organization that will make improvements to your used RV to increase its selling price. This way, you’ll receive a bigger tax deduction, and the higher selling price means more money will go to benefit the noble cause.
Also, some charities may sell the RV at a discounted price to a person with a low income, while others may utilize it as a food truck or a vehicle to deliver other goods to the less fortunate. If you donate a non-habitable motorhome, they could sell its parts and use the money to fund their activities.
How to Get a Donated RV FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about donated RVs:
Where Can I Park a Donated RV?
Many municipalities have established secure lots with basic amenities to address the rising number of people who live in RVs. Some places that have safe RV parking lots for the homeless are San Jose, CA; Palo Alto, CA; Santa Cruz, CA; Alameda County, CA; Los Angeles, CA; San Diego, CA; Santa Rosa, CA; Eugene; OR, Seattle, WA, and Bellevue, WA.
Can I Park a Donated RV in an RV Park?
Yes, you can rent a spot at an affordable year-round RV park and live there permanently. Some offer sites with rates under $300 per month. Another excellent option is mobile home communities.
Wrapping Up
Any RV can go a long way toward enriching the lives of the needy. Charities accept anything from giant 5th wheels and Class A motorhomes to small pop-up trailers and campervans. Many won’t mind about the model year and condition. So, instead of letting your camper deteriorate in your backyard, let a responsible nonprofit take it off your hands to change the fortune of someone who can put it to good use.
More From RV Top Tips
How To Get a Donated RV
If you’re wondering how to get a donated RV or how to donate one, get ready for a deep dive! You’ll find out who qualifies for an RV donation, the best places to find a donated RV, and what to expect when applying for a free RV.
First, Who Qualifies for a Donated RV?
Different vulnerable groups in society might be able to get donated camper trailers or motor homes. They include the following:
- Homeless Veterans – Former military members, especially those who have a disability like an amputation, burn, or impaired sight, could benefit from free RV programs.
- Natural Disaster Victims – People who have lost their homes to floods, hurricanes, or wildfires could be given a free RV to help them weather the crisis.
- Homeless People – The jobless and those going through economic challenges can be housed in free RVs.
- Cancer Victims – People recovering from serious illnesses may be able to receive a donated RV. Also, families with disabled or sick children could quality.
Where to Get a Donated RV
Now, here’s the important question: Where can you get a donated RV? Fortunately, there are various options. Here’s what you need to know.
Operation Texas Strong
If you are a homeless veteran, you can apply for a donated RV through Operation Texas Strong. However, you need to meet all of the following qualifications:
- Must be homeless for 5+ months with no shelter
- Must be a veteran
- Have a DD214
- No felony charge on your record in the last 2 years
- Have an honorable discharge
- Must have served at least 180 days
- Must be free of drugs, gambling, or other addictions
- You will be responsible for finding an RV spot in Parker County and handling the RV’s maintenance. If you take good care of the RV over a 6-month period, they will transfer the title to you, making it yours.
Visit their Facebook Group to learn more about their FREE RVs.
Homeless Charities and Nonprofits
One of the easiest ways to get a donated RV is through charities that accept campers as gifts. Here are a number of nonprofits that receive and give away used motorhomes and towable campers to people who are experiencing homelessness:
- EmergencyRV.org – Donates RVs to survivors of wildfire and natural disasters who are in need of housing.
- Homes on Wheels Alliance – Assists seniors, the homeless, and the less fortunate with unconventional housing like RVs.
- RV For Homeless – Provides safe and secure homes on wheels for the homeless.
- Hope on Wheels – Restores donated and purchased used RVs to provide housing for families across Lane County, Oregon.
- Angel Resource Connection – Buys used RVs and donates them to the homeless. They also negotiate affordable parking rates with mobile home parks.
- Nomad Alliance: Offers homeless people temporary stays in tiny homes and campers while they get on their feet.
- Homeful Foundation – This NGO builds homes and donates campers to unsheltered homeless people in CA.
- RVs for Veterans – Connects veterans with private owners of unused RVs who want to gift the camper.
Volunteers
There are volunteer groups that specifically restore old recreational vehicles and donate them to people in need. For instance, Find, Feed & Restore volunteers turn donated travel trailers into temporary housing for homeless families with children. They also offer career assistance and mentoring.
Religious Places
Some churches, mosques, and synagogues have programs to accept RV and car donations. Examples include Catholic Charities USA, Salvation Army, and The Door of Hope Mission.
Veteran Affairs Organizations
Some local veteran affairs accept motorhomes and travel trailers and could help you get a new home on wheels. Check out The RVs for Vets Program.
Ask People You Know
An alternative way of getting a donated RV is to tell people you know that you are looking for one. You could be directed to someone who wants to donate theirs or one who wants to get rid of it but doesn’t have the money to tow it away.
Create an Online Advert
Post on Craigslist or social platforms that you’re looking for a livable RV for free. You can also contact an RV forum or group admins and ask them to tip you off when they hear about someone who wants to give away their rig. Craigslist and Freecycle feature ads from people who are giving away campers.
Offer to Work for One
Another great idea worth trying is to search for RV listings in your area. Look for the really cheap ones and propose to the seller that you can work for them in exchange for the RV. You might find someone who loves the idea. Additionally, visit free RV listing sites and post that you are willing to work for an RV. You may get some offers. Also, consider approaching a local used RV dealer and offering to work for them in trade for payments on their cheapest RV.
Talk to Businesses That Have a Fleet of Vehicles
It’s common for fleet businesses and construction companies to retire vehicles after they hit a certain mileage. Find a business that has a fleet of vans and ask if they could donate one of their retired vehicles. The huge tax deductions and promotion in the community might be attractive to them.
Check Reddit Threads
Reddit has lots of threads about people who want to donate their old campers. Many are unsure how and where to donate. Scroll through the threads and comments and reach out to individuals who wish to give away or dispose of their camper. They could gift you their RV.
Visit a Place that Services and Sells Used RVs
Check with local businesses that deal with second-hand RVs. They could tip you off when they have a cheap camper or a free one that needs work.
Try a GoFundMe Campaign
If you have lots of friends, a big family, or a supportive community, you can set a goal and an amount for buying a used RV and ask them to contribute whatever they’s like on GoFundMe.
Note that if you’re getting an RV that was idle for an extended period, you’ll want to inspect it for mold and other health hazards before occupying it. You’ll also want to complete paperwork to transfer ownership. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what is required.
Questions To Answer When Applying for a Donated RV
Every organization that gives away free RVs will want a lot of personal information before offering help. Here are some questions to expect:
- Are you single or married, and how many children do you have?
- Do you have a disability or medical condition?
- For veterans, do you have the Form DD214? (proof that you’ve been discharged from
- the military)
- Did you leave the military honorably or dishonorably?
- Do you have a job?
- Do you suffer from substance use disorder?
- What’s your contact information?
If you qualify, the non-profit organization typically adds you to a waiting list for RV donations. Notably, the wait can be pretty long as the number of people applying to receive a recreational vehicle donation is much higher than those giving away campers.
For Donors: How to Donate an RV
If you have a decent RV in your possession that you don’t intend to use, you can donate it to make a real difference in the community. It can be a safe and affordable home for someone in need. But how do you actually donate your camper? Start by contacting charities and nonprofits that accept RV gifts. Some well-known recreational vehicle charity organizations that have online donation forms are:
- Find, Feed & Restore
- Angel Resource Connection
- Habitat for Humanity
- EmergencyRV.org
- Vehicles for Veterans
- Wheels for Wishes
- Kars4Kids
- Cars2Charities
- Goodwill Car Donation
- Helping Hands of America
- Breast Cancer Car Donations
Many of them accept different types of RVs and offer free pick-up services.
How to Decide Whether to Let Go of Your RV
Not sure whether it’s time to give away your camper? Here are some signs it’s time to donate your recreational vehicle:
- You haven’t been using it for many months, and you still don’t have plans to use it.
- You want to get rid of your unwanted RV, but you aren’t ready to go through the headache of selling the RV to difficult buyers.
- You’ve been trying to sell your old RV for months, but there’s no progress.
- RVing is no longer a pleasurable part of your life, or your kids have all grown up and camping trips without them are no longer fun.
- Your ownership costs are too much of an expensive burden (fuel, insurance, maintenance, facility storage costs.)
- The unwanted camper is taking up valuable space at home.
- There’s an emergency in your local area, and you really want to help and be a part of a great cause.
Tips for Donating an RV
To avoid falling victim to scams, here are some tips on ensuring the RV you give away actually helps someone in need.
- Research the track record of the charity you want to work with and make sure they have a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status with the IRS. This status ensures your generous donation is tax-deductible.
- Once you find a charity of your choice, use a watchdog like CharityWatch to evaluate how efficient a non-profit is in supporting its causes.
- Get a receipt from the charity.
- Even if the charity programs offer free towing, drop it off yourself if it’s in a road-worthy state and remove the license plates once you deliver it.
- Make sure to transfer the camper’s title to the charity and have one of their representatives sign it. This will protect you from future liability.
- Read the IRS publication 4303 (A Donor’s Guide to Car Donations). It explains the rules for vehicle donations.
- If you plan to claim a deduction, consult a tax advisor to avoid running afoul of the IRS. They will guide you on the donation process, help you file federal tax returns, and enable you to get a healthy tax write-off.
- If you want to net tax benefits, look up the fair market value of your RV using NADA guides before donating.
- Keep thorough documentation of an RV donation.
- Thankfully, most charities make the donation process easy. Just give them a phone call or fill out an online donation form. The nonprofit organization will then take care of most of the paperwork. They also accept all classes of RVs, whether in good working condition or not. Plus, you can donate camping gear like tents and sleeping bags.
How Are RV Donations Used?
Not all nonprofit organizations that accept RVs use them to give people a full-time home. Many, in fact, auction off your camper and use the proceeds to fund their charity activities like paying for meals, medical care, and housing. So, if you want your RV to be used by a homeless person, you’ll want to inquire whether the organization does that before donating it.
If you don’t mind having your camper sold, look for a charitable organization that will make improvements to your used RV to increase its selling price. This way, you’ll receive a bigger tax deduction, and the higher selling price means more money will go to benefit the noble cause.
Also, some charities may sell the RV at a discounted price to a person with a low income, while others may utilize it as a food truck or a vehicle to deliver other goods to the less fortunate. If you donate a non-habitable motorhome, they could sell its parts and use the money to fund their activities.
How to Get a Donated RV FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about donated RVs:
Where Can I Park a Donated RV?
Many municipalities have established secure lots with basic amenities to address the rising number of people who live in RVs. Some places that have safe RV parking lots for the homeless are San Jose, CA; Palo Alto, CA; Santa Cruz, CA; Alameda County, CA; Los Angeles, CA; San Diego, CA; Santa Rosa, CA; Eugene; OR, Seattle, WA, and Bellevue, WA.
Can I Park a Donated RV in an RV Park?
Yes, you can rent a spot at an affordable year-round RV park and live there permanently. Some offer sites with rates under $300 per month. Another excellent option is mobile home communities.
Wrapping Up
Any RV can go a long way toward enriching the lives of the needy. Charities accept anything from giant 5th wheels and Class A motorhomes to small pop-up trailers and campervans. Many won’t mind about the model year and condition. So, instead of letting your camper deteriorate in your backyard, let a responsible nonprofit take it off your hands to change the fortune of someone who can put it to good use.
More From RV Top Tips
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About the author:
Cynthia Measom is the founder and main content creator of RV Top Tips. Not just a writer, she’s a dedicated RV owner and enthusiast, alongside her husband, Joe, who is an experienced RV tech. With their joint knowledge, the two are up on the latest trends and technologies in the RV industry, as well as practical camping and lifestyle tips.
The couple own a 2020 Coachmen Chaparral fifth-wheel that they absolutely love. Their secret to being so satisfied? They purchased the model after a solid year of researching different fifth-wheel campers in person and online to find the perfect fit for their family of three.