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?

wrktfsh
Explorer
Mar 18, 2019
The sale price would have to be a screaming deal to consider a 300 mi trip for warranty work or pickup
valhalla360
Navigator
Mar 18, 2019
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.
RobWNY
Explorer
Mar 18, 2019
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.
goducks10
Explorer
Mar 17, 2019
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.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Mar 17, 2019
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.
wildtoad
Explorer II
Mar 17, 2019
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.

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Buying travel trailer by phone w/o visiting dealership?

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