Forum Discussion

Cairn_terrier's avatar
Mar 19, 2014

Help requested for first time rv trailer buyer

Planned on buying new livin lite from a dealer in June, but found one used only "once" about three hours away. Have not viewed yet. Looks to be a 90% match to what we want, not perfect but we could live with it. Budget $16,000 to $20,000.

How much can we expect a dealer to discount off the msrp? I think it was $26800.

If this is used just once, a 2013 model, how much off msrp should we expect.

Owner says credit union has loan and title, any advice on purchasing this if we want to do This? How to not be ripped off?

My new Ridgeline is not broken in yet ,so I will use my dads F150 it bring this home or contract with a transport company to bring this to me.

It weighs 2600 #, so the f150 probably cannot tow this on a bumper hitch, right?

It also does not have a brake box. If it could tow this, would this be horribly unsafe without a brake box to get this home? The cable hookup on my ridgeline only controls lights, right? It is the aftermarket brake box that activates the rv brakes, right?

Owner says the tanks have not even had water in them, can I verify this with a visual inspection?

On a $20,000 item, how much savings would you want to "risk" a used rv?

Any other advice for a first time buyer would be appreciated.

Target rig is my new Honda ridgeline towing a 14db or 16db living lite.

Many thanks.
  • A few things...

    #1. I would think the Rv would be discounted well into your price range. Call other livin lite dealers and get quotes. For reference, my new TT was an MSRP of over $30k... Sale price was $22k.

    #2. Call the credit union and confirm with them that they hold the title. Ask if they have a notary there that can notarize a bill of sale. Find a generic bill of sale form online. The credit union may be able to help you with any concerns.

    #3 If the savings were $4K over a new unit, I'd buy the used. $1k savings .... I'd probably just buy the new unit. That's really whatever your comfortable spending. See how much warranty is left on the unit. If there is plenty of warranty, I wouldn't worry. Another question to ask, why is the current owner selling it after barely using it? Is it because he's moving, a divorce, or because the unit has water damage... All things to consider.

    #4. You'll want a brake controller but not all states require them. My state does not require a controller specifically. Most all boat tailers do not have electric brakes at all, only surge brakes, and most people rarely have problems. Since the trailer has electric and not surge brakes, a ccontrolleris needed to apply them. You would probably make it home just fine, but since you'll want a controller eventually anyways, just get that installed now and not worry later about it. A weight distribution hitch with sway control will really improve your towing experience as well, but see what Honda recommends. I would not be concerned about a break in period but consult your manual.

    #5 Your Ridgeline should tow the unit fine. Sometimes this forum seems quick to denounce a tow vehicle because the GVWR. There is some truth to that, however im your case you'd literally have to more than double the dry weight of the trailer (2300lbs) to reach its GVWR(5000lbs). That's adding more than one and a quarter tons of cargo to a 14ft trailer.... Not sure you'd even be able to if you tried. You should be within your limits.

    #6 You're taking great steps in asking here first, and no one should scold you or belittle you for ASKING. Not everyone is a towing expert, and knowledge is gained through questions that you're asking. Seems like some people want to make you feel bad for even asking questions. Answers to those questions are more appropriate than belittling.

    #7 Have fun with the whole process! It's exciting a and fun in its own Wierd way just researching and buying. We'll need pictures of this beautiful little camper ASAP!
  • Cairn terrier wrote:
    Clarification, without brake box to just get this home..... One time tow, not permanent. Will hire tow service or pay someone properly equipped to get this home, IF we see and like it.


    Factor that into your cost vs. new. You might be able to use that as a bargaining chip if the current owner delivers. Be careful with delivery services and be careful of some of those advertised on craigs list who may not be insured to do what they offer.

    I see a lot of Ridgeline's pulling 18-20ft hybrids.
  • Clarification, without brake box to just get this home..... One time tow, not permanent. Will hire tow service or pay someone properly equipped to get this home, IF we see and like it.
  • Thanks for advice. Will get a brake controller for my ridgeline, that has all if 120 miles on it.

    The reason I was asking these questions was TO BE SAFE and not endanger anyone. You will note that I have not even seen, much less purchased this yet, and the inquiries about one time towing without a brake box was to get input to consider this vs hiring a tow service. Thanks to all the kind advice.
  • donn0128 wrote:
    Cairn terrier wrote:
    Planned on buying new livin lite from a dealer in June, but found one used only "once" about three hours away. Have not viewed yet. Looks to be a 90% match to what we want, not perfect but we could live with it. Budget $16,000 to $20,000.

    How much can we expect a dealer to discount off the msrp? I think it was $26800.

    If this is used just once, a 2013 model, how much off msrp should we expect.

    Owner says credit union has loan and title, any advice on purchasing this if we want to do This? How to not be ripped off? New buyers typically can expect about 20-30% discount.

    My new Ridgeline is not broken in yet ,so I will use my dads F150 it bring this home or contract with a transport company to bring this to me. Broken in? 500 miles is considered broken in now days.

    It weighs 2600 #, so the f150 probably cannot tow this on a bumper hitch, right? My guess your talking dry weight? No one tow dry, so look at the trailers GVWR. My guess you will be very near or over the Ridgelines towing capacity.

    It also does not have a brake box. If it could tow this, would this be horribly unsafe without a brake box to get this home? The cable hookup on my ridgeline only controls lights, right? It is the aftermarket brake box that activates the rv brakes, right? Brake controllers are mandatory on any trailer over 2000 pounds in most states. There is no way I would consider towing that much weight without one connected and working.

    Owner says the tanks have not even had water in them, can I verify this with a visual inspection?NO!

    On a $20,000 item, how much savings would you want to "risk" a used rv?

    Any other advice for a first time buyer would be appreciated.

    Target rig is my new Honda ridgeline towing a 14db or 16db living lite.

    Many thanks.


    What is the Ridgelines towing rating per Honda? Remember that the towing rating is based on a stripped vehicle with a 1/4 tank of gas and one 150# driver. Everything above that reduces your real world towing rating.
    Since no one tows Dry, forget that number. Sadly it seems most brochures show only this number, and adds a cargo carry capacity number. So you really need to dig to find the trailers GVWR number. While you may never reach this number, if you use this as a guide line in matching your truck and trailer you will sure not be disappointed.
    Bottom line I think you would be far happier looking at a tent trailer for the Ridgeline.


    The Ridgeline can handle a trailer like that no problem. I think max hitch weight is 500lbs. However, I think that Honda recommends not using a WD hitch for some reason. When I had one, I was looking for something less than 3000 lbs and with a hitch weight around 400lbs.
  • How many miles on your Ridgeline? As a former Ridgeline owner, I say if it has more than 5k miles, get the brake controller installed, hook it up and bring it home without worrying. You aren't voiding the warranty. Just take it easy. Your ridgeline will be fine.

    For me, I was using 90% of low nada retail as a good indicator of private party value. Let's face it, not many people are in the market for such an expensive small trailer. Most people getting something that size are looking for something a lot less than the msrp on that rig. You may have a hard time negotiating on that one because the owner paid the high price without anything down and has hardly payed off any of the premium in one year. If so, he will soon find out he will have to pay in to get rid of it. If you opt to go new, there is usually a 20-30% mark up on new rvs. If you can find a wholesaler of that brand, get some quotes for a reference.
  • Some bumpers are good to 5,000 lbs. Many states do not require brakes under 3,000 lbs. if your state and truck meet this then it should work. Many pop ups are towed on bumpers. Once loaded the trailer will go over 3,000 so be sure it is empty. As for towing once you are caming then the full hitch and brakes will be needed. Your truck will need more than a 4 prong wire fore the brake controller to work. Good luck.
  • Cairn terrier wrote:
    Planned on buying new livin lite from a dealer in June, but found one used only "once" about three hours away. Have not viewed yet. Looks to be a 90% match to what we want, not perfect but we could live with it. Budget $16,000 to $20,000.

    How much can we expect a dealer to discount off the msrp? I think it was $26800.

    If this is used just once, a 2013 model, how much off msrp should we expect.

    Owner says credit union has loan and title, any advice on purchasing this if we want to do This? How to not be ripped off? New buyers typically can expect about 20-30% discount.

    My new Ridgeline is not broken in yet ,so I will use my dads F150 it bring this home or contract with a transport company to bring this to me. Broken in? 500 miles is considered broken in now days.

    It weighs 2600 #, so the f150 probably cannot tow this on a bumper hitch, right? My guess your talking dry weight? No one tow dry, so look at the trailers GVWR. My guess you will be very near or over the Ridgelines towing capacity.

    It also does not have a brake box. If it could tow this, would this be horribly unsafe without a brake box to get this home? The cable hookup on my ridgeline only controls lights, right? It is the aftermarket brake box that activates the rv brakes, right? Brake controllers are mandatory on any trailer over 2000 pounds in most states. There is no way I would consider towing that much weight without one connected and working.

    Owner says the tanks have not even had water in them, can I verify this with a visual inspection?NO!

    On a $20,000 item, how much savings would you want to "risk" a used rv?

    Any other advice for a first time buyer would be appreciated.

    Target rig is my new Honda ridgeline towing a 14db or 16db living lite.

    Many thanks.


    What is the Ridgelines towing rating per Honda? Remember that the towing rating is based on a stripped vehicle with a 1/4 tank of gas and one 150# driver. Everything above that reduces your real world towing rating.
    Since no one tows Dry, forget that number. Sadly it seems most brochures show only this number, and adds a cargo carry capacity number. So you really need to dig to find the trailers GVWR number. While you may never reach this number, if you use this as a guide line in matching your truck and trailer you will sure not be disappointed.
    Bottom line I think you would be far happier looking at a tent trailer for the Ridgeline.
  • Ok nobody else is brave enough. Nothing you listed sounds safe. Sorry. Bumper hitch is not even good enough to get you unstuck! And if your on the same road as my kids are driving I would not be happy. Use the right hitch and TV please. And get a brake controller please.