sell or trade?

When its time to trade for a new a RV I first see what the big discounters are pricing the model I want. This typically is way below "retail". I then check average wholesale book and above average book. I offer the dealer the cash difference between my high book and their coach at the discounters price. If that doesn't work I offer the cash difference between my coach's average book value vs the discounted price. With no need to finance the cash offer, its really hard for a dealer to say no. The last time, 2 days after I left, the dealers sales manager made one more try over the phone to get more, and when I said no again, he said bring your money we have a deal. The dealers often have "hidden money" in the form of factory incentives to play with. It pays not accept their first "deal". But you also have to be realistic about the depreciated value of your trade in. I focus more on the cash difference than what my trade is worth or what the new coach list price is. I don't care if the actual sales contract shows list price vs an inflated trade in allowance because I have done my homework in advance. Most of us probably got hammered on our first new car or rv but it shouldn't happen twice!