new RV purchase?

[ftb87]

I'm thinking about purchasing an RV. However, I have never purchased one before. Any tips?



My father-in-law says that their could be about a 40% mark up on these units?



If the list price is about 24K... what should one expect to purchase one for and would it be better to drive near the factory to get a better deal?



Thanks

Frank

 

[klenger]

Research lots, ... buy once. You are off to a good start. Also check out the forum at http://www.irv2.com.



I noticed that you are from Denver. We bought a travel trailer and a 5th wheel trailer from Ketelsen Campers. We are very pleased with the way they do business and the service they provide. Ask for David Dowling (double D) and mention my name.

 

[Motorhead]

Buying RV

My Wife and I bought a new 28 ft Aljo bunkhouse bumper pull last year. There is alot of mark up in them. We bought ours in the month of February when sales are dead. My Wife really surprised me at how she chiseled these guys down. Basically a $22k trailer plus tax She got for $17k out the door. It must be the Spaniard in her!!! The sales person cried about the deal we got... . I told Him "SPARE ME!" Also look carefully at the construction of the units, alot of P. O. S. out there! Quiz the TDR site for likes and dis-likes of certain Mfg's. Lastly, DON'T BE IN A HURRY! Chris

 

[dodger22]

ftb87 - there are a ton of units out of there and after you've seen a few they all become a blur. Look at as many as you can and write down the features, likes/dislikes etc. It will make it a bit easier down the road. After you've seen a few you'll begin to form an opinion of which ones you liked/disliked.



After you narrow it down, start looking at used ones by the manufacturers you liked, say 3-5 years old. This will give you an idea of wear and construction integrity. I've seen some fairly new fivers with large cracks from the gooseneck area to a window. A definite flaw in construction!



Make sure any unit you do eventually buy has a roof membrane that "rolls" over the side of the unit - usually 3-4 inches or so.



When you check a used one that has the fiberglass siding as opposed to the aluminum ones, sight down the side of the body looking for any bows. This is a sign of separation between the fiberglass and substrata. Again, I saw a trailer that was maybe 3 years old and basically a write-off. Neither the dealer nor mfr would make any allowance, buy back etc.



Hope this helps, take your time and do your homework.



Richard

 

[Barry]

Just keep in mind that for every dollar that you spend on a new unit, that dollar will be worth 50 cents in 36 months... ... ... ...

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by ftb87

I'm thinking about purchasing an RV. However, I have never purchased one before. Any tips?



Give some thought to the temps you're going to camp in. If you're cold weather camping think about a rig with tanks up inside rather than hanging out exposed. Also, you can get double windows which help in both hot and cold weather. Awnings really help in hot weather to lower the heat transfer thru windows. Also look at the drain plumbing, some units are very exposed to road damage. Last but not least, low end units may tend to have minimal axle load capacities. If you plan on pulling on rough roads and long distances avoid units designed for light use... or be extra careful, and repack you wheel bearings every 5000-10000 miles.



Good luck. It's a great life, RVing.

 

[LMautone]

Take your time. Took me and my wife almost two years before we could both agree on the one we wanted. Our New Fiver a Coachmen Chaparral 276rls/fw is on order and should be in near the end of April. Another thing on price--Yes no one pays MSRP. I have seen everything from 15 to 25% off the same units but different dealers. My motto is you get what you pay for so be careful. If one dealer is only going to give you 15% off but has great service and better customer relations then in my book it's probably better to buy from them instead of the dealer with 20% off but poor service. JMHO. Good luck half the fun is shopping for one.

 

[BigMike]

Go to lots of RV shows. It's a lot of fun and helps you understand the variety that's out there. Once you pick your floor plan, then focus on other amenities. Decide whether you want center or rear kitchen. Aluminum frame or wood. Gel Cap or fiberglass. Enclosed heated tanks or not. Full time use or seasonal or occassional. Bathroom was a big deal to my wife. Shower in ours is big enough to dance in. Some have an Artic Package. Generator ready or not. Talk to other owners. Have fun and good luck!