Is there a "CarFax" for RV'S

[odinjunior]

I've been looking at a few Toy-Hauler trailers lately and being new at this I'm wondering how to tell if one has been damaged. . Used cars have CarFax and various rating sites. How do I tell the quality ones from the Yugos...

 

[Grizzly]

Try RV Consumer Group Guide. It'll cost you $120 or so, but it's well worth it. Click here

 

[odinjunior]

Try RV Consumer Group Guide. It'll cost you $120 or so, but it's well worth it. Click here

That looks like just the thing. Thanks. .

 

[Grizzly]

I purchased the 07 version of RV Consumer Group Guide and as a result I purchased an 08 Arctic Fox 5th wheel. They report on every 5th wheel, travel trailer and toy hauler (utility RV) made in the last 10 years plus or minus. They also included the truck camper version free of charge. Motor Homes are extra. I can get an upgrade for a small fee, but I haven't. They also include much useful information such as, "How to get the best price from the dealers". It's worth having. I believe I'll upgrade it for 2010.



The RV Consumers Group Guide is also useful if you're interested in a used RV. This is every dealer's bible.

 

[odinjunior]

OK. I just ordered it. The new price is $139 + $13 shipping. I wish I had gotten it sooner. A triple axel 2006 Vortex toy hauler just showed up on Craigs list for what seems like a good price.

 

[Grizzly]

Careful with Vortex. They're not that well rated. When you get your RV Consumer Group Guide look at Mobile Titan, Desert Fox, Nomad Sports Wagon, Rage'n and few others. Desert Fox is made by the same manufacture as Arctic Fox, which is Northwood Mfg. When you find something you like, click on "Report 1" for additional information on that model.



Happy hunting, george

 

[odinjunior]

Yeah, I figured the Vortex was priced kinda low... We looked at a Desert Fox 28KS this week and although it looked substantial My Honey was turned off by the Paper Laminated Cabinet doors. $31K for a 2009 closeout. Was only about 29% off MSRP.



The search continues... ... ... ... ... ... ... . Guess I should start looking at Brake controllers. Dealer said he would throw in a Prodigy.

 

[Mark31]

Tell him to throw in a Maxbrake

 

[Grizzly]

Tell him to throw in a Maxbrake

Agreed, since you can't get the SmartBrake any longer.

 

[odinjunior]

Tell him to throw in a Maxbrake

When I mentioned "Maxbrake" he looked at me like a Deer in the headlights. He never heard of it.

 

[HBarlow]

You probably don't want a dealer who never heard of MaxBrake installing one but don't settle for anything less.

Negotiate the price down low enough to pay for one before you buy whatever unit you decide on and buy the MaxBrake from Southwest Wheel Company Steel and Aluminum Truck Wheels.

 

[LRutigliano]

One more piece of advise... If I may suggest this to save you some grief later on.



If you are anal or have some other attractive trait such as compulsive disorder (like me... ) :-laf



Inspect EVERYTHING in the trailer you are about to purchase. Open every door, make sure everything works (AC, furnace, fridge, radio, etc, etc)



Make a note of everything that may need to be repaired or replaced and if you are like me, if you find enough of these items, you should just walk away.



The salesmen is going to tell you that the dealership will fix these items, but it will be a long and painful process and you will end up getting very frustrated with their abilities and lack of commitment.



If these are items you can take care of yourself, even better because the work will be done with care. Maybe you can negotiate a lower price because of the worn or inoperative items.



One example I have... When I was shopping for a new Ram in 2001, I found what I thought was exactly what I wanted. It was new at the dealership. I inspected everything and found a cigarette burn hole in the carpeting.



The salesmen assured me he would have the carpet replaced. uh huh... I wonder how long carpet is on back order because I'm sure thousands of us order new carpeting for a brand new vehicle... Then, I imagined how many things they would mess up installing the new carpet... I walked away and found a truck that just came off the shipping truck as I walked into the dealer... I requested that they don't touch it...



Sorry for long post... Just be sure you are happy before you give them any money or waste your time.

 

[Grizzly]

Very good advise Louis. I'll add to that to do a complete tour under the trailer, look behind all cabinets and storage areas. Get on the roof and inspect every penetration. Leave no stone unturned. My wife and I actually spent the night in our 5er before we purchased it and tried out everything.



george

 

[odinjunior]

OK. I received my package from the RV Consumer Group. Boy did I have some misconceptions. Time to study up... Gotta remember all I've ever towed is a bike in a 6X10.

Gotta love the Salesman who told me that I could load my GoldWing to one side so that I could leave the Dinette set up... Those guys could kill someone... . #@$%!