Is this normal?

Riduculous!

I have never heard of that, but I have not financed an RV for quite some time.

Yes it is normal, BUT DON'T FALL FOR IT.

No money should exchange hands unless you have a signed purchase contract that you have fully read and agree to all terms. A nominal deposit might be needed if you order an RV rather than purchase an in-stock unit.

$200 just to apply - Run the other way.

Crooked dealers never cease to amaze me with their schemes to rip off customers. I would run out of that dealership. I encountered that at a car dealership. Turned out it was a salesman scam not the dealship policy. Salesman way of applying pressure.

Do your homework, make an offer. Be prepared to walk. You need to be a good poker player. Don't show how much you like an RV.

They want the $200.00 before applying for credit then another $1000.00 to order which I understand. And obviously have no problem with. But thanks everyone.

Why would you be applying for financing at the dealer's?

I would never pay to have someone run my credit. If they are like that, maybe that company is having some serious financial problems themselves. I'd tell them to go "take a hike!" Go to the other dealer.

It is a way to keep you coming back to them rather than the other dealer. If you give them $200 initially you are less apt to walk away from it.
Sounds unscrupulous to me, but it is a way to keep you dealing with them.
I would walk away, but that is just me.

Marine By Choice wrote:
It is a way to keep you coming back to them rather than the other dealer. If you give them $200 initially you are less apt to walk away from it.
Sounds unscrupulous to me, but it is a way to keep you dealing with them.
I would walk away, but that is just me.

I agree. Walk away from that dealer.