How to Dispose of an Old Travel Trailer
You can get rid of an old travel trailer by first handling the legal paperwork, then deciding whether to sell, donate, scrap, or haul it to a landfill, and finally choosing the most cost‑effective disposal method. The steps below walk you through every option so you can pick the one that fits your budget and schedule.
1. Take Care of the Paperwork First
Transfer or Cancel the Title
- Check for liens – If a bank or lender still holds a loan, you must pay it off before the title can be transferred.
- Sell or give away – Sign the back of the title, include the buyer’s name, and notarize if your state requires it.
- Cancel – If you’re not selling, you can surrender the title to the DMV and request a “cancellation of registration” form.
Remove License Plates & Notify the DMV
- Plates stay with you – In most states you keep the plates; return them to the DMV to avoid future fees.
- Notify the DMV – File a “notice of disposal” (or similar) within the required timeframe (often 30 days) to stop registration renewal notices.
Check for Outstanding Loans or Liens
- Lien release – Ask the lender for a lien release letter.
- Pay off – If the loan balance exceeds the trailer’s value, consider a short‑sale agreement with the lender.
2. Find Out If Your Trailer Has Value
Private Sale or Online Marketplace
- Typical resale price – Small travel trailers (12–16 ft) often fetch $2,000–$5,000 depending on condition and mileage.
- Prep tips – Clean the interior, fix minor leaks, and take clear photos.
Donation Options
- Charities – Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, and local churches sometimes accept whole trailers for resale or parts.
- Tax deduction – You’ll need a receipt and a Form 1098‑C if the value is over $500.
Scrap Metal Value
- Weight matters – A 10‑ft fiberglass trailer may weigh 1,500–2,000 lb (≈ 0.75–1 ton).
- Current scrap rates – Roughly $150–$250 per ton of steel; fiberglass is usually $0–$30 per ton.
- How to get paid – Call local scrap yards, ask for a “pay‑by‑weight” quote, and bring a scale receipt.
3. Locate a Facility That Will Take the Whole Trailer
What Facilities Accept Whole Trailers?
| Facility Type | Accepts Whole Trailer? | Typical Fee (per load) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal Landfill | Yes, with size/weight limits | $200‑$350 (tipping fee) | May require a permit and pre‑approval. |
| Private Salvage Yard | Yes, often for parts/scrap | $100‑$250 (based on weight) | May pay you for metal. |
| RV Recycling Center | Yes, specialized equipment | $150‑$300 (processing fee) | Handles propane tanks and appliances. |
Weight‑Based Tipping Fees & Prep Work
- Tip fee – Many landfills charge $0.15‑$0.30 per pound for non‑hazardous waste.
- Prep – Drain propane, disconnect batteries, and remove any hazardous fluids (oil, antifreeze).
Regional Differences (Why Prices Vary)
- High‑cost metros (e.g., San Francisco, New York City) → landfill fees at the upper end of the range because of higher tipping fees and stricter environmental rules.
- Midwest & Southern metros (e.g., Indianapolis, Dallas) → fees cluster in the middle or lower end due to lower labor costs and cheaper landfill contracts.
4. DIY Disposal: Tow, Load, and Dump Yourself
Renting a Pickup or Trailer
- Truck rental – U‑Haul, Penske, or Home Depot rent a 10‑ft box truck for $150‑$200 per day (including mileage up to 150 mi).
- Trailer rental – A 10‑ft utility trailer costs $40‑$70 per day.
Loading & Safety Tips
- Secure the trailer on the truck with ratchet straps.
- Use a ramp rated for the trailer’s weight.
- Wear gloves and steel‑toe boots when moving heavy components.
Disposal at a Municipal Landfill
- Call ahead to verify size limits and required permits.
- Pay the tipping fee on site (cash or card).
- Bring proof of ownership (title) in case the landfill asks.
5. When Paid Junk‑Removal Makes Sense
1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK Overview & Pricing
- Volume‑based pricing (prices shown are ranges across the U.S.; local markets may be higher or lower).
| Load Size | Approx. Price Range |
|---|---|
| Minimum (1/8 truck) | $100‑$150 |
| Small load | $107‑$396 |
| Medium load | $396‑$600 |
| Large load | $600‑$1,099 |
| Half truck | $400‑$600 |
| Full truck | $600‑$1,000 |
What’s included: labor, loading from anywhere on your property, hauling, disposal/recycling fees, and cleanup. Crews are licensed and insured. No credit card is required for the free on‑site estimate.
Competitor Pricing Comparison
| Company | Minimum Charge | Volume‑Based Range | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| LoadUp | $89 | $89‑$250 (per item) | Fixed online price, 20‑30 % cheaper on average |
| Junk King | $99 | $389‑$488 (half truck) • $589‑$658 (full truck) | Approx. online estimate, some state gaps |
| College Hunks | $150‑$750 (job) | $99 dispatch fee (often hidden) | Wide service area, but extra fees common |
Worked Dollar Example
You own a 10‑ft travel trailer that fits a half‑truckload (5 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft).
| Option | Cost Breakdown | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK | Half‑truck price $500 (mid‑range) + no extra fees | $500 |
| DIY Rental | Truck rental $180 + fuel $30 + landfill tip $250 | $460 |
| LoadUp (per item) | $120 (item price) + $70 (fuel) + $250 landfill | $440 |
Result: DIY rental is about $40–$60 cheaper, but it requires you to load, drive, and handle the landfill paperwork. If you value convenience and have no time, the 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK estimate is transparent and includes cleanup.
When to Choose a Paid Service
- No truck or trailer – you lack a vehicle large enough to tow the RV.
- Physical limitations – you can’t safely load the trailer yourself.
- Time constraints – you need same‑day removal and don’t want to wait for a rental.
Get a Free Quote from 1-800-GOT-JUNK? →
6. Common Mistakes People Make
| Mistake | Why It Costs You More | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Leaving propane in the tank | Landfills may refuse the load, forcing a second trip. | Fully purge or remove the tank before disposal. |
| Not checking local size limits | The trailer may be too big for a municipal landfill, leading to extra hauling fees. | Call the landfill ahead of time; measure your trailer against their limits. |
| Assuming the title transfer is optional | You could be liable for tickets or taxes after the trailer is gone. | Complete the title cancellation or transfer before removal. |
| Relying on “free” online quotes that change on site | Some services quote low online prices that jump once the crew arrives. | Get a free on‑site estimate (e.g., 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK) and ask for a written quote. |
| Skipping the scrap‑metal check | You lose potential cash for the metal weight. | Weigh the trailer at a scrap yard or use an online weight estimator. |
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I need a special permit to dump a travel trailer?
A: Most landfills require a vehicle‑size permit for large items. Call the landfill to confirm; many will issue a permit on the spot for a small fee.
Q2: Can I donate a trailer that still has a mattress inside?
A: Yes, but the receiving charity must handle the $10.50 mattress recycling fee in California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Verify the charity’s policy before dropping it off.
Q3: How much is a typical scrap‑metal payout for a 2‑ton trailer?
A: At $150‑$250 per ton, you could expect $300‑$500 before any processing fees.
Q4: What happens to the propane tank?
A: Remove it and take it to a certified hazardous‑waste facility or a retailer that accepts empty tanks for recycling. Never leave it attached.
Q5: Is there a discount for military, seniors, or students with 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK?
A: No. The company does not offer official discounts for those groups. The only reliable savings come from joining their email list (which may yield $10‑$25 off) or consolidating loads.
Q6: How far in advance should I schedule a junk‑removal crew?
A: Mid‑week and off‑season dates are usually 1‑2 weeks earlier than peak weekend slots, and they often result in lower labor costs.
Quick Takeaway
- Legal first: Transfer or cancel the title and remove plates.
- Value check: Sell, donate, or scrap before you toss.
- Facility search: Verify size limits and tipping fees at local landfills or salvage yards.
- DIY vs. paid: Renting a truck and hauling yourself is usually cheapest, but paid junk‑removal services like 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK are worth it when you lack equipment or time.
- Avoid pitfalls: Drain propane, get the right permits, and double‑check for hidden fees.
Follow these steps, compare the numbers, and you’ll dispose of your old travel trailer without surprise costs or legal headaches.