Shipping Trailer

I would really convince wifey to find and pick one within driving range (day or so). It will be her choice. You really do have to inspect yourself and not rely on a salesperson. It takes time and some know-how. Problems can be hidden or not easily seen. Pictures won't do it I purchased on e-bay but did not turn over cash until I had seen the unit.

CarlT100 wrote:

IdaD wrote:
Okay you guys have me rethinking things a bit. Maybe I'll wait for the weather to improve and try to focus my search on somewhat closer population centers in the west. It's just frustrating to see trailers out here priced so much higher than you guys back east seem to have available, but I guess that's just a byproduct of the lower population density we have out here.

You have made the right choice. I learned the hard way to never buy a used RV without hiring a good, independent certified RV tech to inspect it.

I won't buy a NEW RV without at least sitting in one example of the exact model I'm interested in. My #1 choice, KZ, is out because there's exactly 1 dealer in the entire state of AZ and they don't stock the entire line I'm interested in, let alone the specific model. Would take a minimum 1,000 mile round trip to find one, just to sit in. So, it goes to #2 and a Jayco goes to #1, simply based on availability.

Lyle

We searched all over the west to find the fiver we wanted online. Made a trip to So Cal and Utah. In Utah just south of SLC there is a used dealer that has a multitude of great units, and that is not that far from Southern Idaho. Do a search on one of the sites and narrow it to Utah, you may find something. We found ours on a weekend trip and picked it up the next weekend. Keep searching, inventory changes quite a bit and you might find just the right one close.

We found a 5th wheel toyhauler that we really liked nearly 900 miles away. It was a new one and we sent them $1000 as earnest money.

We drove down with our old trailer as a trade-in. We did an 8 hour PDI and were prepared to turn around and go home if all didn't go well. We were pretty sure it was all good ahead of time, but we insisted on a thorough PDI before we turned loose of any more cash. They fixed all the minor issues, put on slide toppers at a good price, and we paid for our new trailer. Everybody was happy.

Research will only take you so far, and then you need to see what you're buying. Money is too hard to get to risk $10-15,000 and get burned. Shoot, you hear of people getting burned buying face-to-face from a dealer, I can't imagine buying something sight unseen. Just the way I am. My dad said to never buy a pig in a poke.

Read Transfuelers post carefully. Right on target. I buy and sell all sorts of things on Ebay and Craigslist. Boats, trailers, campers, whatever. My advice to you is don't get emotionally attached to anything until you know its a keeper. Don't rush it. Take your time. I've driven up to 1500 miles one way to get the right deal. To date, I've never lost on a deal yet, but I'm careful.

Don't let the naysayers & old ladies bring you down... ;)

We've bought three big diesel pusher motorhomes on eBay: "sight unseen". Kept each one for a couple years, used them a lot. Sold one for about what we paid for it, one for $5500 more than we paid, and one for $1200 less than we paid.

It's not all that tough to do. Learn the market for what you want to buy. Asking prices are irrelevant, it's selling prices that matter. Very easy to do on eBay. (By the way, if you do have a problem, don't expect eBay to do anything to help you.)

Establish a real value on what you want, then drop that number by several thousand. Example: we've bought motorhomes that are advertised by dealers for $75-80K, real value around $65K, we paid $55K. That allows for the inevitable cosmetic spruce up, etc. Plus a cushion in case there are more serious issues, but you would in reality have to fix those on any used coach.

Secret Tip: In general, RV extended / aftermarket warranties are fundamentally worthless.

In our case, buying motorizedhomes, we flew in and drove home. In your case, you will in all likelihood drive to pick it up. That does make a case for closer rather than further.

My proven technique to scoring exceptional values on eBay RV's:
1. Research and know your market. Thoroughly... Check SOLD listings for reality...
2. Research and vet the seller. Pretty easy to do these days... Be especially interested in past eBay feedback, or worse, if the seller has no feedback which might be because they closed their account with horrible feedback and are reestablishing themselves all fresh & clean.
3. Be willing to make small repairs, clean up, etc. If you want a new coach, buy one...

We're currently looking for a 37-40' fifth-wheel to stay in whilst we build a new home. As usual, the better deals appear to be in Flahrida or some such other far flung locale. I'll probably look more in the AZ area, as there are indeed a lot of used trailers there. I think ye old ancient midwest northerners flock there, and then the old man croaks and granny wants to sell. Great buying opportunities! :C

I would encourage you to search the southwest, as that's an easy drive to pick one up. I also have a good friend in PHX who actually owns a 5th wheel trailer, and at my request would go look at it in person, with no bias... P/M me if interested...

Happy Hunting!:B

The trailer we really wanted was about 200 miles away, the runner up was at a local dealer. I chose the local dealer for a few reasons. 1. I wanted to keep my money in state. 2. The local dealer was actually really nice and responsive. 3. For warranty work, they are just down the road instead of a days travel.

IdaD wrote:
Okay you guys have me rethinking things a bit. Maybe I'll wait for the weather to improve and try to focus my search on somewhat closer population centers in the west. It's just frustrating to see trailers out here priced so much higher than you guys back east seem to have available, but I guess that's just a byproduct of the lower population density we have out here.

You have made the right choice. I learned the hard way to never buy a used RV without hiring a good, independent certified RV tech to inspect it.

IdaD wrote:
Okay you guys have me rethinking things a bit. Maybe I'll wait for the weather to improve and try to focus my search on somewhat closer population centers in the west. It's just frustrating to see trailers out here priced so much higher than you guys back east seem to have available, but I guess that's just a byproduct of the lower population density we have out here.

Good choice! We only traveled about 250 miles each way to get ours. Did a two hour PDI and then towed it home.

Okay you guys have me rethinking things a bit. Maybe I'll wait for the weather to improve and try to focus my search on somewhat closer population centers in the west. It's just frustrating to see trailers out here priced so much higher than you guys back east seem to have available, but I guess that's just a byproduct of the lower population density we have out here.