Need advice 5th wheel size
I'm brand new at this and maybe I'm intimidated but while looking at 5th wheels, they just seem to be too nice (well most of them), too big, and awfully expensive. I'm 62, retiring with a wife and ...
Forum Discussion
On the pricing of them seeming lower in the central states, a couple of likely points.
1. Less shipping cost, since it's closer to Indiani where they are built.
2.Cost of living in an area. In areas where the cost of land and living is lower, the dealers overhead tends to be aa little lower.
Also, no matter where you buy, either research the dealer first, check reviews, look at their website to see what they charge as "fees". An honest dealer should disclose those items up front, Some dealers price their units "out the door" meaning there are few if any surprises. Some will offer what seems a wonderful price, but when the final contract comes, your actual selling price is different than what had been agree to, sometimes by thousands.
Basic Travel trailers can 20% or more.
Example,
Shipping = 1600.00
Dealer prep = 750.00
Documentation fee = 399.00
PDI fee = $300.00
Total added fees = $3049.00
Every dealer has to make a profit, but if they dont disclose all the add ons until the moment of signing, you have to wonder, what else they may be concealing.
Also as important is to look at their service department, again by reviews as well as looking at units on their lot. Are a lot of relatively new units there but have expired plates, are they dust covered?
Some dealers are known for extended repair times, warranty repairs being the slowest. (they already know they are getting paid for that job, although not as much as the guy walking in the door paying cash today)
Locally owned dealers also give you the chance to deal directly with a decision maker with a vested interest in your transaction.
Nationwide or chain dealers are often more interested in becoming the "Wal Mart" of camping, which could, but often doesn't help pricing, but does get you back to lower customer service levels like Wal Mart.
1. Less shipping cost, since it's closer to Indiani where they are built.
2.Cost of living in an area. In areas where the cost of land and living is lower, the dealers overhead tends to be aa little lower.
Also, no matter where you buy, either research the dealer first, check reviews, look at their website to see what they charge as "fees". An honest dealer should disclose those items up front, Some dealers price their units "out the door" meaning there are few if any surprises. Some will offer what seems a wonderful price, but when the final contract comes, your actual selling price is different than what had been agree to, sometimes by thousands.
Basic Travel trailers can 20% or more.
Example,
Shipping = 1600.00
Dealer prep = 750.00
Documentation fee = 399.00
PDI fee = $300.00
Total added fees = $3049.00
Every dealer has to make a profit, but if they dont disclose all the add ons until the moment of signing, you have to wonder, what else they may be concealing.
Also as important is to look at their service department, again by reviews as well as looking at units on their lot. Are a lot of relatively new units there but have expired plates, are they dust covered?
Some dealers are known for extended repair times, warranty repairs being the slowest. (they already know they are getting paid for that job, although not as much as the guy walking in the door paying cash today)
Locally owned dealers also give you the chance to deal directly with a decision maker with a vested interest in your transaction.
Nationwide or chain dealers are often more interested in becoming the "Wal Mart" of camping, which could, but often doesn't help pricing, but does get you back to lower customer service levels like Wal Mart.
