An acquaintance recently bought a small travel trailer at a dealership 300+ miles away. He is happy with the trailer and happy with the dealership. I've decided I want one too and I know all the desired options. That, said, is there any reason I need to make this overnight trip just to make the deal. Of course I realize I would need to have in hand a copy of the invoice before I sent any payments, but other than that what do I need to watch out for? Would appreciate your insight on both pros and cons. Thanks ahead of time for your wisdom and input. saguaro

I would not commit to buy one until I actually saw it, went through it, and documented all the good/bad and have an agreement they will address any bad. If it’s 300 miles away, getting items corrected after the sale will be a true PIA unless you’re willing to do them yourself. Having been through a purchase of a new MH just 90 miles away I can attest getting warranty work performed at a distance is not something I want to do again. Unless there isn’t a dealer closer selling similar units at a competitive price, I say don’t.

Ive bought three rv,s like this, BUT I send them a e mail saying deal is on my inspection, and 300 mile is a short drive. buying site unseen is a iffy thing.

I bought my current 5th wheel that way. I had already been in a few of the same model on different lots. Called a dealer 250 miles away. Negotiated over the phone. Asked how much deposit was needed. Dealer said none, I have your word.Two weeks latter went in with my trade and did the deal.That was 6 years ago. No regrets.

Last year I negotiated the purchase price of my current 5th wheel and the trade in price of my travel trailer via email but both the dealer and I understood that nothing was binding until I signed on the dotted line and I wouldn't think of doing that without seeing the RV and inspecting everything in person. Agree on purchase price but since you have to go to the dealer to get the trailer anyway, don't sign anything until you're satisfied everything is right.

Give yourself an out...subject to approval based on inspection.Then make sure you are getting enough off the price to justify driving 300miles out and hauling it home...plus any extra hassle getting warranty issues handled.Did similar with 2 boats (one a couple states away and one in Spain). They were used boats so no warranty issues to deal with. Both purchases went fine.

Buying travel trailer by phone w/o visiting dealership?

B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
Dec 01, 2019
I bought my current fiver new from a dealer over the internet. I was about 300 miles away. It was the exact model and had the options I wanted. Made the deal over the computer, went and did a PDI, paid for it and took it home. Whole deal was over in 2-3 hours. 100% satisfied and I saved thousands over the local stealers.
B.O.
Barbwire_Blues
Explorer
Dec 01, 2019
I just bought my new TT though email and text. Leaving Jan 3rd to go full time. The whole transaction was painless. Drove over 600 miles with my trade in and back home the my new one the next day. I didn’t mind the trip because I got exactly what I wanted.
deltabravo
Nomad
Dec 01, 2019
HOLY THREAD resurrection BATMAN.
The original post was: 03/17/19 12:05pm
drsteve
Explorer
Dec 01, 2019
73guna wrote:
Bought my tt 600+ miles away saving around $3000.
Had some minor warranty work local dealers were unwilling to do.
Keep in mind local dealers are not obligated to do your warranty work if not purchased from them.

Somewhat OT, but the reason don't like doing warranty work is that the factory makes it a PITA for the dealer. Any significant repair must be preapproved by the factory, and there is often a wait for parts. The customer wants to go camping, so now they have a guy calling wanting to know what the holdup is. Also, they will get paid what the factory deems sufficient regardless of the time spent... it's not like taking your Ford or Chevy in for warranty work.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Dec 01, 2019
frankgibbons1947 wrote:
A class C motorhome is a perfect option for those who want something roomier than the tiny class B but prefer a truck-like driving experience rather than the bus-like setup of class A.

Here is an article that shared good information about small travel trailer that you can check.

https://rvingreviews.com/smallest-rv-with-shower-toilet/

^ Not a thread ressurection, just an early to rise spammer named frankgibbons.....if that's even your real name "Jake from State Farm!" Lol
Huntindog
Explorer
Dec 01, 2019
drsteve wrote:
73guna wrote:
Bought my tt 600+ miles away saving around $3000.
Had some minor warranty work local dealers were unwilling to do.
Keep in mind local dealers are not obligated to do your warranty work if not purchased from them.

Somewhat OT, but the reason don't like doing warranty work is that the factory makes it a PITA for the dealer. Any significant repair must be preapproved by the factory, and there is often a wait for parts. The customer wants to go camping, so now they have a guy calling wanting to know what the holdup is. Also, they will get paid what the factory deems sufficient regardless of the time spent... it's not like taking your Ford or Chevy in for warranty work.
That wasn't my experience.
When I bought my Sabre (a Forest River Company) in 2010 in Sylvania Ohio. After doing the paperwork, the power jack had a problem. It was a different brand than the Atwood I had on my previous TT, so I asked them if I could upgrade to another Atwood if I paid the difference. They agreed. They did not have what I wanted in stock, so they set me up with a hand crank jack for the trip home, and said they would ship the Atwood to me.
We stopped off to tour the factory, then headed back to Phoenix. at our first nights camp, we were outside looking it over, and noticed a problem with the fridge. I immeadiatly thought we were going to have to return to the selling dealer.. Gave them a call. and they wanted to know our route home, so they could set up the service for us enroute.

IIRC, it was in Springfield IL.
When we arrived, this dealer had an open bay reserved for us. Two techs got right to work, and we were back on the road in 30 minutes!
It really felt like a NASCAR pit stop.
3 days later we made it home, and the Atwood jack arrived 6 hours later.

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