Purchasing from a distant dealer

Save your money and go for the less expensive price. 2.5 hours sounds like 125 or so miles. Maybe 12 gal of fuel each way or $48 here in CA plus return, say $100 in fuel maybe. You can make many many trips with the money saved. I bought from a distant dealer. The first warranty call will take care of most things. After that you will decide whether to get it done at any local RV shop. I had a water leak that flooded the basement. Thought I had a major problem. I called manufacturer warranty dept and they said to bring it to my local RV repair and have them call them defining the problem. I did that and 15 minutes later the problem was fixed! It was a loose fitting letting water run down the Pex piping. I just paid the service fee out of my pocket. I called the manufacturer back and advised the problem and solution and advised that I'll just pay it. Not worth the problem of warranty.

So it's all a trade-off. And, Lifetime Warranty?? Who's backing that up? I would really be cautious about that one.

Good luck on your decision.