New 5th Wheel (Invoice) Pricing Information

[boonsur]

Looking at new 5th wheels.



Is there a source (such as KBB & Edmunds), where I can find "invoice" pricing for the unit and options? I'd love to know what numbers the dealer(s) are working with when I'm negotiating (do they typically have thousands to work with in the price?).



Thanks.

 

[TowPro]

Not that I have found yet. Let us know if you do. I have heard its at least 20% on higher end models, but don't know for sure. The best thing you can do is shop around, let dealer B know what dealer A wants for the same rig.

Originally posted by boonsur

Looking at new 5th wheels.



Is there a source (such as KBB & Edmunds), where I can find "invoice" pricing for the unit and options? I'd love to know what numbers the dealer(s) are working with when I'm negotiating (do they typically have thousands to work with in the price?).



Thanks.

 

[slo-ryde]

Go to www.rvtraderonline.com and do a search on the trailer you're looking to buy. Unless it's something rare you'll get lots of hits, some of them will be dealers. Do some side by side comparisons of identical trailers to get an idea of the high and low prices.



I've found a dealer in Bakersfield, CA that is very aggressive on pricing (in the buyer's favor). A trailer I'm looking at is selling for $35,000 at the local dealership and $27,000 at the place in Bakersfield. I don't mind driving the extra miles (350) to get the better price!



Also might want to consider waiting until January or February when the RV shows are in full swing. I've seen some really nice deals at the shows, just wasn't in the right place financially to take advantage of them.

 

[RustyJC]

The rule of thumb is that you should be able to deal for approximately 25% off of MSRP. It may be closer to 20% for lower end units and 30% for higher end units. Dealer cost is generally about 66% of MSRP.



Some manufacturers (Jayco, for instance) will let you build an RV on their website and then request them to send you the MSRP, so you'll have a starting point to work from.



Rusty

 

[HBarlow]

I agree with the information Rusty provided. The spread from invoice (dealer cost) to MSRP will vary depending on where in the market the unit is positioned. Low end or entry-level units may have as little as 8% - 10% markup while a top of the line luxury unit may have 35% markup, possibly even more through manufacturer incentives in a slow market.



An RV dealer has a right to earn an honest living just like the rest of us do but if the buyer has some idea of the numbers, he is in a position to negotiate a price that both he and the dealer can live with and have confidence that he wasn't mistreated.



Sometimes it may be in the buyer's best long term interests to pay a little more and have a happy dealer who will welcome him back for warranty or service work. If the dealer is on the buyer's side when possible warranty issues arise, a buyer may be happy that he paid a little more than he wanted to.



Harvey

 

[DLBurns]

Mark up

We recently purchased a new HitchHiker II LS from a dealer in Salinas. He was up front about needing to make 15% over invoice. MSRP with all the add ons was 35% over invoice so I still saved 20%. Very happy with the deal we got.

 

[Vic]

Last January while in the Everglades KOA outside Homestead, FL, a guy from New England came in next to us with a brand new fifth wheel. He told me that he'd used a "bid approach" to buying it. Basically, that he'd faxed several dealers his requirements and asked for their best price, saying that he'd confirm the best offer within the day. He said he'd gotten his rig for something in the upper 30s when its list price was the high 50s. His timing was also the end of the summer season.