Pricing differences

There are dramatic price differences because the markup is so great. It just depends on what profit the dealership will settle for. If you search the entire country for the lowest advertised price you can find for the model you want, then you will have your bargaining price. It can be $20K to 30K below MSRP.

Some dealers will offer fantastic prices and then when they bring the contract, have numerous add on "fees" and shipping, and prep. Remember, the only price that really matters is the out the door price.
Once in a great while there may be an advantage to paying a higher cost and getting a bigger trade in value to help on the financing. Otherwise, look at the total.

Trading in your vehicle will cost you dollars but the dealer makes it look like you just ripped them off. If the MSRP of a vehicle is 100K and you walk in with cash or will finance it's not unreasonable for them to discount it 20K. So you are paying 80K for the unit. Lets say you have a trade in valued at 20K if you sold it yourself. The dealer often says "I'll give you 20K trade in for your vehicle against the 100K price , you say cool. So you are still paying 80K for the vehicle but you just gave them your trade in basically for free.

When negotiating with a dealer you need to be informed. Go first without a trade in, make no mention of it. See where there numbers are, at how much they discount. Research and find out how much your trade is really worth if you sold it yourself. Armed with facts is where you want to be. Visit the dealer again and bring up the trade. See how fast their numbers change. IF you are ok with those numbers then go for it. Some people trade in to avoid the hassle. The dealer is going to send your unit to auction anyway. Get someone to help you if you feel intimidated by salesman, me I love buying new cars. I help family and friends negotiate and we make great deals.
Yes,dealers need to make money, but not tons of money. Also consider that you may need service from that dealer so you want a good relationship with them. Staying local is a good idea IF the numbers work. Independent RV repairmen is also a consideration.

You are so close to Ft Worth. Check out Motor Home Specialists in Alvarado Texas (south of Ft Worth about 60 miles). You will be amazed at low their prices are. This Hugh dealer in little Alvarado may be the highest volume retailer in the world. www.mhsrv.com

hbillsmith, have you bought from them?

Visited their lot and worked with sales but in the end we went down the 5th wheel path. Should I ever decide to go Motorhome I would not even go anywhere else. You just can't beat their pricing anywhere coast to coast. I did shop and compare.