Hey Folks! I've been lurking for a little while, trying to soak up some knowledge. DW and I are getting ready to start looking for our first travel trailer. I've done some research, and have decided that we want an aluminum framed, fiberglass exterior unit, around 25 feet or so. I don't want to spend a fortune, around 10-12K. Our initial plan was to go to several dealerships, and do a lot of looking before we purchased. Problem is, DW fell in love with a 2010 Coachmen Freedom Express 245 RKS which was on the first lot we looked at. The asking price is 16k. I want to keep looking, but DW wants this TT yesterday. I feel like this unit would be a good deal at 12k. Any advice?

Bone up on your negotiating skills. You may actually get it close to your target price, for sure you can get it for less than $16k if that is the asking price. Also be aware that rear kitchen floor plans are available in nearly every TT brand available. I would continue to look and see what the dealer will do price wise on that one at the same time.

Keep in mind, if your wife isn't happy...................nuff said. Good luck with your search.

fla-gypsy wrote:Bone up on your negotiating skills. You may actually get it close to your target price, for sure you can get it for less than $16k if that is the asking price. Also be aware that rear kitchen floor plans are available in nearly every TT brand available. I would continue to look and see what the dealer will do price wise on that one at the same time.Very good advice. There are thousands of used trailers out there and the good news is now you know what floorplan the wife likes. Keep looking and don't get in a hurry. Also keep in mind that dealers "pad" the selling price quite a bit so if you truly what the trailer your wife likes, you should be able to get a few thousand off the asking price. Shop around with sources like RV Trader, etc and see what you can get a comparable model for. Virtually all the major brands make identical floorplans so don't get locked into one brand.

Just make sure you can get to the bathroom when the slide is in.Other than that, if momma ain’t happy……..

A lot of the dealer websites have search features where you can specify number of slides, rear bath, front bedroom, front kitchen, length range, etc. When you enter your criteria, it will bring up all models from all manufacturers that have those criteria. This gives you a great idea of price ranges and also an idea of model numbers you can look at when looking at used RV's.Keep in mind, the dealer website doesn't necessarily have to be in your area, all you are looking for is information.Good luck!

Intro. And seeking advice | Good Sam Community

17 Replies

late_bloomer
Explorer
Jul 19, 2013
Well we got some good news, we are going to pick it up tomorrow. Momma's very excited!
Roads_Less_Trav
Explorer II
Jul 19, 2013
OOPS - I didn't see you got the TT - CONGRATULATIONS... this was my first impulsive response:

If they are asking $16k you should be able to get it for the $12k you think it's worth, or close.

Just get it, enjoy it, learn in it, have a ball... if it isn't the perfect unit, no problem, you can always trade it in for something else down the road.

Run with the excitement you have now and go have a blast...

We paid top dollar for our first pop-up tent trailer -- paid thousands more than it was worth -- but it was the smartest buy we ever made because it opened our eyes to the possibilities open to us in the RV lifestyle, and ultimately changed our lives forever!!!!
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Jul 18, 2013
late bloomer wrote:
Thanks for all the replies! Momma's happy, she got her TT. I'm happy, because I got very close to my offer price, and very far from their asking price! We have camped before, but we always bunked with other family or friends. It's time we got our own. We will take possession on Tuesday. Looking forward to some great adventures!

Good deal and everyone's happy
eabc5454
Explorer
Jul 18, 2013
Congratulations! Sounds like a winner.
late_bloomer
Explorer
Jul 18, 2013
Thanks for all the replies! Momma's happy, she got her TT. I'm happy, because I got very close to my offer price, and very far from their asking price! We have camped before, but we always bunked with other family or friends. It's time we got our own. We will take possession on Tuesday. Looking forward to some great adventures!
CincyGus
Explorer II
Jul 18, 2013
And if you can't get them to budge on price, go for the old bait and switch and ask for some freebie options like a new group 27 battery, a power jack, maxair vent covers over the vents, etc. Stuff you might end up doing and will help in the long run.
1775
Explorer
Jul 17, 2013
Is the dealer giving any warranty for this pre-owned on his lot? If not have it checked out by an independent RV service center. Make sure it is all good and ready to go before you invest - because after it is going to cost you.

I know - if the wife is happy then it is A-OK but when things go wrong after the sale, the wife suddenly wants to know how could you buy this like this!

Check it out now, smile later.
rockportrocket
Explorer
Jul 17, 2013
Iffen it don't have a slide, you don't glide.
John_Wayne
Explorer II
Jul 17, 2013
Have you been camping in a TT before??? have you pulled an RV in the past??? there are other things then floor plan to consider. I'd rent a few models and stay in them for a few days before committing to one if I'd never done it before. Does it have a walk around bed, can I get the job done in the bathroom, can I get to the bathroom with the slide in if it has a slide, can we stop for lunch at a rest stop with out having to put the slide out, etc.
Is there a comfortable place to sit and watch TV for a extended period of time, enough counter space to fix a meal and do the dishes.
bob213
Explorer
Jul 17, 2013
Just a quick look at Nadaguides shows it to be:
List:$19,000+
Low:$10,000+
Average:$12,500+
I don't know what options it had so you can check it yourself here:
Coachmen at Nadaguides
or just go to:NADA