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

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
rockhillmanor
Explorer II
Jul 17, 2013
late bloomer wrote:
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?

Wow. Consider yourself lucky. Usually it takes 20 dealerships and weeks on end for the DW to find that 'just right' layout.

If you want to keep looking based solely on the price and DW wants it because she really likes the layout......go back and start beating up that dealership till you get to the price you want to buy it at. JMHO!
bradnailer
Explorer
Jul 17, 2013
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!
AJR
Explorer
Jul 17, 2013
Just make sure you can get to the bathroom when the slide is in.

Other than that, if momma ain’t happy……..
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Jul 17, 2013
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.
gbopp
Explorer
Jul 17, 2013
Keep in mind, if your wife isn't happy...................nuff said.
Good luck with your search.
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Jul 17, 2013
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.

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