TIA for any advice. I plan to purchase a TT soon. I have looked at our only local dealer (CW) and their discounts are incredible. Is that typical? We are looking in the 24' range and the "sales price" is usually around $10,000 off the sticker price.For example, most of the ones we have been looking at are approximately $26k-$28k on sale for $16k-$18k. Since we haven't looked before we don't know if thats something they always do or is it just a really good time to buy. I don't want to rush into the purchase just to "get the good deal" but would also hate to be paying full price on one if we wait and miss the sale. Also, a few other questions if you don't mind: 1. Are any of the brands known to be cheaply made and are any known to be higher quality?2. What length and weight limit would you consider for a 2013 F150 FX4?3. Thoughts on buying 1-2yr old versus new from dealer? Would like it to be very newish, but could do without all of the extra dealer fees and would appreciate any savings. 4. Any other buying tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

For a first ever RV buy used. Start small and used. The cheaper the better. Its not likely you will keep it long enough to pay it off. Most people sell or trade for a number of reasons within the first three years of ownership. So why eat 20% or more in depreciation. Find a floor plan you think you will like and buy it. Go camping and have fun. In a couple of years you will have a better idea of what you want.

somfas wrote:TIA for any advice. I plan to purchase a TT soon. I have looked at our only local dealer (CW) and their discounts are incredible. Is that typical? We are looking in the 24' range and the "sales price" is usually around $10,000 off the sticker price.For example, most of the ones we have been looking at are approximately $26k-$28k on sale for $16k-$18k. Since we haven't looked before we don't know if thats something they always do or is it just a really good time to buy. I don't want to rush into the purchase just to "get the good deal" but would also hate to be paying full price on one if we wait and miss the sale. Also, a few other questions if you don't mind: 1. Are any of the brands known to be cheaply made and are any known to be higher quality?2. What length and weight limit would you consider for a 2013 F150 FX4?3. Thoughts on buying 1-2yr old versus new from dealer? Would like it to be very newish, but could do without all of the extra dealer fees and would appreciate any savings. 4. Any other buying tips would be appreciated. Thanks!Usually you can get 25% to 35% off MSRP anywhere. Of course you can't tell if that MSRP is legit or just a made up number. If you are dealing with CW, just for grins let them run the numbers and get the out the door price, you might be surprised after all the add-ons. Proceed with utmost caution. There is no such thing as a "sale."1. They are all cheaply made and of low quality, just some worse than others.2. My opinion without knowing the options or tires, stay below 24 foot and 5,000 lbs. Give full particulars for better advice.3. Buying used can save a lot of money, but have it inspected and know that many have been mistreated. That mistreatment might be from a novice just doing improper jacking or service.4. Do a lot of homework before buying, this is just the first baby step.

First, most manufacturers build multiple lines, with varying levels of amenities. That said they all use similar internal fixtures and appliances. Appliances, pumps, converter, etc will be of similar quality, the pricing differences will show up in materials and methods. Like a house, cabinets made of pressboard with a shelfpaper type of visual surface is the cheapest, and will deteriorate the fastest, Plywood is better, and hardwood frames are better still. Screwed and glued are better than stapeled. Generally metal sided units are cheaper than glass or Azdel, and are claimed to be better insulated as well as less likely to sustain water damage issues. Cheaper lines will usually have smaller water and waste tanks, not only to save on the tanks, but also to lower the overall weight so they can then use cheaper axles, frames, and tires. Best suggestion is to find a floorplan that you like, then look at several versions of that floorplan, from different lines and determine at what price point you achieve a quality level you desire. Truck, look at the sticker in the door pillar, all your weights should be listed there for your truck. When you look at the trailers, go by the GVWR NOT the empty weight. And then expect the tongue weight to be 12-15% of that GVWR. As to pricing have camping world give you their real price for a starter. The affiliate store here list decent pricing, but then, on a $20,000 unit added a few things Shipping $1700 Dealer Prep $700 PDI $350 Documentation $399 Several local mom and pop dealers had similar prices to CW, but didn't add all the horse hockey fees at the last minute. Most that offer straight up pricing say so on their websites, check them. Check around, you may find that another dealer is actually a better deal. Or you may find that CW overall is the best for you. Hope this helps,Good luck.

30% off "MSRP" is normal in the RV world, any less and the dealer isn't trying very hard (certain brands like Airstream excepted). I agree on buying new unless you're willing to put a lot of time into research and shopping.As far as length and weight for a half ton, general rule of thumb is under 30' and under 6k pounds dry weight at the high end. The first big question is how much payload capacity does your truck have, it's on the yellow sticker on the drivers door jamb. Also how many people will you be hauling with the trailer? My truck has just under 1,700 pounds of payload and with 5 of us in the truck and my little 3k pound trailer and supplies for 3 weeks we're pretty much maxed out but that's 4 adult sized people and a tween.

Welcome to the Forum....some really good advice above already.I'll add: It really helps if you have some tools and are handy with them..I think you'll understand this much better after you own an RV for awhile....a short while.Good luck with your choice..

First TT purchase ?? about Dealer discounts & any advice

somfas
Explorer
Sep 04, 2018
Thanks for all the great advice everyone!! I will definitely plan to look at some dealers in other cities nearby. Also, I have been on RV Trader and have really been able to pick out some features I want in a TT. Used definitely seems like a decent option if I can find what I want close enough to us. Thanks again!!
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Sep 04, 2018
“What length and weight limit would you consider for a 2013 F150 FX4?L

Gee, whiz. With a payload of? Max trailer weight of?
Ralph_Cramden
Explorer II
Sep 04, 2018
The simple answer to question #1...

All of them and no!
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Sep 05, 2018
donn0128 wrote:
For a first ever RV buy used. Start small and used. The cheaper the better.

This is BY FAR the best advice !

After a couple of trips start making a list of things you would want in your next TT, assuming you don't want to just chuck the whole idea !
Mountain_Mama
Explorer
Sep 05, 2018
If you’re on Facebook and haven’t already, check out the FB page "RV Pricing and Values" before deciding and buying. Be sure and read the Pinned Post before asking questions! David may be able to help you save some $$$.
Mountain_Mama
Explorer
Sep 05, 2018
Sorry double post
rbpru
Explorer II
Sep 05, 2018
If you are looking for a TT that is head an shoulders above the rest, at the same price, there are none.

Like buying a Ford, Chevy, Ram or a host of others; each has its features and followers but in the end they all do what they are designed to do.

My advice is to rent a TT similar to what you want to buy for for a week or so. You will learn a lot before you spend the big bucks. Buy a used unit.

That is what we did.

Also, keep in mind that millions of folks use and are quite pleased with the so called "garbage" being built. The industry builds what the public will buy.
Terryallan
Explorer II
Sep 06, 2018
CW? Run away. Just run
GrandpaKip
Explorer II
Sep 07, 2018
Terryallan wrote:
CW? Run away. Just run

Depends on the CW. So far, ours in Hendersonville, NC has done very well for us and our extended family.
That said, I still try to buy stuff for the camper from locally owned businesses.

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