Purchase Process for an out of state fifth wheel?

SinanEmRV wrote:
Rhagfo - Yes, we are looking at either a ford F350-450 or RAM 3500 dually.

That's why, cart before horse....got it.
Why would you do that? There are a zillion trucks for sale every day, new and used. And you could even over pay on the truck by a few grand and still be even money if you didn't have to hire an inspection AND pay to have it delivered.

SinanEmRV wrote:
The latest quote I got was a 6-8 hour inspection, 500-point checklist, quoted at $600. I guess that sounds appropriate? Thanks for your input about buying sight unseen, that is helpful to hear!

Even that better come with a happy ending at a minimum!
I guess if it seems acceptable, then you may need someone to inspect it...

Rhagfo - Yes, we are looking at either a ford F350-450 or RAM 3500 dually.

A1ARealtorRick - Thanks for your insight. I looked up a few inspectors nearby and got quotes up to $1500 (I'm guessing those are for motorhomes). The latest quote I got was a 6-8 hour inspection, 500-point checklist, quoted at $600. I guess that sounds appropriate? Thanks for your input about buying sight unseen, that is helpful to hear!

Wow, $1500 for an inspection? I never would have thought it would cost so much, especially for a non-motorized unit. (I must be in the wrong business!). I set up home inspections on a regular basis that cost my clients about 1/3 that amount, and that can be on a very large sticks & bricks home, and they are VERY thorough (too thorough sometimes).

As far as buying sight-unseen, if the right precautions are taken, you should have no problem. I have bought no less than 5 vehicles (cars, trucks) sight unseen and never had a problem. Look at Carvana and Vroom -- they're setting the woods on fire, and they're in the 'sight unseen business'.

$1500 inspection? Rofl
Apparently I’m in the wrong business...
If it’s in WA, I’ll do it for half that much, seriously.
How far away is it? Why not just hop in the truck with a backpack full of Benjis and go see it yourself? It’s gotta get towed back somehow.

SinanEmRV wrote:
Hi all - thanks for the responses so far. We were thinking that if we were there in person, there is not much we would personally see that an inspector wouldn't. So as long as we have a good, thorough inspection then we thought it could suffice. What do you think?

Lwiddis - Now that I've taken another look at quotes, I agree that the $400 inspection price is too low (Just made a quick estimate earlier). We will need to take the full inspection packages which can be up to $1500.

Rhagfo - we are aware of the tow requirements and will get the necessary permits before we pick it up (or have it shipped).

For the transfers etc, we were thinking to use a service like escrow.com, which presumably would take care of any risk in the cash and title transfer. Any other thoughts appreciated.

For further background: It's a grand design momentum and the extended warranty will be included (transferrable).

That is a heavy 5er about 15,500# DRY 20,000# GVWR, do you have a DRW TV?

Hi all - thanks for the responses so far. We were thinking that if we were there in person, there is not much we would personally see that an inspector wouldn't. So as long as we have a good, thorough inspection then we thought it could suffice. What do you think?

Lwiddis - Now that I've taken another look at quotes, I agree that the $400 inspection price is too low (Just made a quick estimate earlier). We will need to take the full inspection packages which can be up to $1500.

Rhagfo - we are aware of the tow requirements and will get the necessary permits before we pick it up (or have it shipped).

For the transfers etc, we were thinking to use a service like escrow.com, which presumably would take care of any risk in the cash and title transfer. Any other thoughts appreciated.

For further background: It's a grand design momentum and the extended warranty will be included (transferrable).

I would never buy sight unseen!
Have it inspected, work out between your bank and the sellers bank a funds transfer no large amount of cash to carry.
Check to see if currently licensed in current state, otherwise see about getting a CA trip permit.
Is it over 15,000# GVWR, you will need an endorsement in CA to tow.

Purchase an RV without personally viewing? Not me. No how, no way.

What kind of annual maintenance? You think you’ll a correct answer? No substitute for a professional inspection. None. Offer to pay more for the inspection. $400 isn’t enough. You want that guy/gal to use a fine tooth comb.