First TT buyer

Ok, I think I found the right one for me and the better half. 2009 Nash 22H, private deal for $11k. Going to see if I can get him down to $10,700, basically splitting the costs of a new set of tires, still has the original tires. Very clean inside and out. Concerns are 1) left rear tire (as seen from the front of the TT) has balding about an inch or so in from the edge of the tire. He says, and I verified, it is the only one that did that. Problem at all? Big problem at all? 2) walked the entire roof, seems very solid except in a few areas near sky light, may have been stepping between joists. The caulk is applied very thick, just short of a gloppy bead, but has some surface splitting, doesn't look like it goes all the way through. Just have it re-applied or just re-coated? No signs at all of interior leaking. 3) frame below the Diamond plate on front has what looks like some surface rust, doesn't appear to be eating in, yet. Concern or just grind or clean it off and re-paint? He moved from Colorado down to Phoenix a year ago so was in a moist environment for most of it's life. 4) my truck has a payload capacity of 1380 lbs. I'm using a conservative 1200 lbs. due to add ons. Am I figuring this right:
1200 payload
- 130 the better half
- 50 the rest of me
- 150 2 Honda generators, 5 gal fuel, cabling for gens
- 100 ice chest, assorted things you need in the truck
- 200 fire wood
- 50 WD hitch and shank
- 520 dry tongue weight (I know, the TW will be more when TT is loaded to go)
= 0 payload cushion

Would greatly appreciate any and all advice. Thank you in advance

Thanks RedRocket. Excellent advice. That is pretty much the tactic I take when buying vehicles, just wasn't sure how it would work in the RV world. When buying vehicles, negotiate the price of new vehicle, negotiate price of trade in, negotiate interest rate. Don't ever do the "how much monthly payment do you want?" Your pretty much behind the 8 ball at that point.

my2twins wrote:
I haven't really started negotiating with them yet. Based on the numbers I've stated, what would you estimate would be a figure I should go in asking for? I should be able to go in with $4k to $5k as a down but no trade in since this would be my first RV purchase.

If you read up, there are RV'rs who will tell you that you should be able to get a new RV at 30% off of list price. Then you will see others stating somewhere at 20% - 30% off of list price.

I would offer them at 65% - 70% of the list price and see where it goes from there. Negotiate on the vehicle price first to where you are comfortable. Then you can negotiate on finance pricing...or come to the table with your own pre-arranged financing. You do not need to tell them how much down you have until you start talking financing.

A standard tactic will be, "How much do you want your payments to be". From that point on your numbers will be mixed...so stop them and tell them you are only interested in negotiations on the final price of the RV.

Any dealer worth their weight understands that they should not be trying to rape you on the sale of the RV you are buying but instead should be looking to build a trusted relationship with you as a life-long customer. Then they can be selling you higher margin items because you trust their business.

Yeah, I know...a perfect world. :)

BTW, I'm very thankful for everyone's input. I started researching these things about 6 months before I bought my Tundra and have continued on with everything from the RV all the way down to the hitch. Want to have an idea what all the appropriate components should be so as not to be caught by to much surprise. With all the research though, nothing replaces the real experiences that you all have been through that I have not. So thank you again for all you advice.

I haven't really started negotiating with them yet. Based on the numbers I've stated, what would you estimate would be a figure I should go in asking for? I should be able to go in with $4k to $5k as a down but no trade in since this would be my first RV purchase.

my2twins wrote:
Actually, the listed price on the internet is $37,923 reduced to $32,551.

That is only a 15% discount off of the list price. They should be able to do better if they want your business.

Just checked Google Earth to see where Fairfield, CA is from Phoenix. Your up by Frisco, 762 miles, one way, from Phoenix. With the lower price though, might be worth the trip. Just have never had to go that far away from home to buy anything but this is my first TT so guess that is not to far out of line to get a good deal. Wish they where more available down here.

Actually, the listed price on the internet is $37,923 reduced to $32,551. Keep in mind, SST RV is the only Northwood dealer that is in metro Phoenix area, maybe all of Arizona. If I lived in the Pacific NW, probably would have my choice of places to go. Can find Jayco all over the place down here but when an AF goes up for sale as a private sale or a used one, their gone in a few days at the most. Outside of the Nash trailers, almost impossible to find a smaller used AF.

Here's one for $25,490. No Onan though so that needs to be figured in.
http://www.cordeliarv.com/inventory/view/7491600?2014-Northwood-Arctic-Fox-22G-Fairfield-CA

my2twins wrote:
Our one and only Northwood dealer is advertising a AF 22G with an Onan 2500 LP generator on the trailer for $32551. Thoughts on that generator and it's use? Have a small Honda portable 2k generator and am comfortable with it and love it but not useful for a TT.

I don't know anything about Northwood but $32K seems really high. What is the sticker on the TT? My TT stickered at $30K but we bought for $22K.