What is the buying procedure?

Used:
Know the "market".......(private party sales are best)
What are (whatever you are looking for) - selling for?
Negotiate a price that is acceptable to you.

New:
1. If you're buying from dealer inventory - as above: negotiate.
(Too many variables to have a "cast in concrete" system.)


2. Ordering.
*Excellent* opportunity for the *BEST* deal on EXACTLY what you want.
NO negotiating necessary!

Line up your own financing.
Know *exactly* what you want - brand, floor plan, options.
Shop that around - *nationwide* for the best price.
Internet is your friend.
Don't forget to add shipping from mfgr to the dealer and sales tax.

Get the price in writing.
The best price is now your "benchmark".

Re-check with dealers close (closer) to you.
Will they meet - or come close to the benchmark price?

Now - YOU decide.
Will you travel (and how far) for the best price?..:@

~

WyoTraveler wrote:
If used I would go through it completely. Knock off the asking price things that need repairs. Run away if it has signs of leakage. Maintenance logs are a plus.

New? Still look it over closely. Just make a low offer 30-35% off offer and walk on to the next dealer.

Ever play poker? Don't let them know how much you like it.

You've got to know when to hold'em and know when to fold'em


The person who acted disinterested and wanted an offer way below book on our unit should have folded. We just ended up trading in our unit at the dealership. And we folded too at the dealership on a trade, but ended up well on a price of another unit. There is a bit of give and take. Sellers/dealerships has their bottom line price.

P.S. With new units, the written advertised price is inflated by a few thousand anyway. You can compare dealership prices online as already posted. But, IMO, the way to go is buy used.

When you find the one you like, go online and checkout other dealers that carry the model you want. I di this on my current 5ver and it saved me about $5K.

Also don't be afraid to walk out. if they want you business they will come after you with a better deal.

With experience on the buying and selling camping units, I feel I could write a book. IMO, it is much easier to be a buyer than a seller.

During the first buying process at a dealership for a new 5th wheel, I was young and naive. I have also bought and then later sold two pop-up units. A year ago, we bought a new travel trailer at a dealership and then traded this for a larger 5th wheel.

If I had to do it all over again, I would buy a used unit that is not very old, like 1-3 yr. old. New units depreciate too quickly.

Also, do your homework! I can't stress that enough. Decide what you want in your unit. Weekend trips? Lots of distance traveling?

If buying used: Know what to look for as far as defects, what is worn, what is working or not. Ask questions, even if it is a dealership or private party. With a private party, it usually, "as is." Don't be afraid to negotiate a price. Know the NADA book value, which is not written in stone, but will give you a guideline.

Be sure to be pre-approved by your bank if you are going to be buying through a private party. Going through a dealership, may make it easier as far as paperwork for a loan, but it can be quite smooth with a private party, if you have the sales price and deposit written down and dated. Do NOT put a deposit down unless you are sure you are going to buy. There will always be more units.

And don't be pressured. IMO, it is like buying a car, but with a little more to inspect. Good luck!

If used I would go through it completely. Knock off the asking price things that need repairs. Run away if it has signs of leakage. Maintenance logs are a plus.

New? Still look it over closely. Just make a low offer 30-35% off offer and walk on to the next dealer.

Ever play poker? Don't let them know how much you like it.

It's pretty easy -

Write check
Buy tools
Go camping :)


No serious, narrow down a little what you are talking about. Not much different than buying a car.