In the process of buying my first trailer, any advice?

I have had two TT's and only considered a new unit each time. The only way I would buy used is if it was a vintage one that I was gutting.

I want something over which I control the maintenance, cleanliness, and hygiene once it has left the factory.

I bought local and from the same dealer each time. I got a great value on the first one and again on the trade in toward my second one. But, I was an informed consumer going into the sale. At least do a Google search on the make and model that interests you, and that should give you some ballpark figures as to what they are selling for around the country.

I have been very happy with my purchases.

We started looking at travel trailers a few years ago..looked at several about 110 miles away. We found a floor plan that we really liked...I found a used one at a dealer 6 miles from home. It was like new inside and half the price of a new one. It pays to know what you want, how much you want to pay, and then look.

crcr wrote:
A number of posters mentioned MSRP. I have bought several trailers, both used and new over the years, and have researched all over the web. I don't know how you find a legitimate MSRP for a new RV. I'd be curious to hear how some are finding what they feel are legitimate MSRP docs.

The manufacturer sites I have looked at don't provide it, and there is no way I would trust an MSRP doc a dealer showed me. Anyone could create a doc on the computer that looks official enough to be a manufacturer MSRP doc, but isn't.

Agreed. MSRP seemed to be quite a moving target in our search. We found that the same number kept showing up across a few different dealer websites. Not entirely sure if is is 100% accurate, but since it offered some modicum of consistency, we based our negotiations on that figure.

A number of posters mentioned MSRP. I have bought several trailers, both used and new over the years, and have researched all over the web. I don't know how you find a legitimate MSRP for a new RV. I'd be curious to hear how some are finding what they feel are legitimate MSRP docs.

The manufacturer sites I have looked at don't provide it, and there is no way I would trust an MSRP doc a dealer showed me. Anyone could create a doc on the computer that looks official enough to be a manufacturer MSRP doc, but isn't.

Do an extensive PDI assume nothing works and test the entire RV. Buying an RV is an exciting time but curb your enthusiasm and thoroughly check the entire RV. A good PDI is the first critical step to avoiding warranty issues

if your not geting 30% off msrp ? run. and make sure all fee,s tax,to is in the price. sales people will promise the moon, all they want is a commision check.

My advice is the same for any new TT buyer. Look at what you want then rent a TT or similar floor plan and size. It is expensive but you will find out a lot in a short time. We took one for a ten day tour of St Louis, MO and the Ozarks.

You not only learn about your future TT purchase, you learn about distance traveled per day, gas mileage, acceleration and stopping and also if you really want to pull that size barn down the road.

Finally, when it comes to buying let the salesperson know you are talking “price out the door” that includes, taxes, fees, prep charges and etc. It is the number you are going to write on the check.

Never buy on the first visit, sleep on it first. It is not a race


Finally, make sure your TV has the cargo capacity to handle family, tongue weight, and the other stuff you intend to take.

Oasisbob wrote:
Try to buy local considering warranty service.

Good point.

THe RV industry is kind of screwy compared to the automotive business.

Local dealers often times will try to deny service on a brand they sell, if the unit was purchased elsewhere.
In fact, in one dealer I've been to recently, they even had a sign posted in the service department that listed what priority they provide service to customers. Unit purchased "at their facility" was at the top of the priority list.

But I'm talking out of both sides of my mouth... I have been RV shopping recently as well, and prices are all over the board for the same model of TT at dealers all over Washington, Oregon, Idaho.
In fact at one dealer, I got two drastically different prices from two salesman, for the same unit! (The sales guy that quoted me the higher price is the same sales guy I bought my truck camper from when he worked at a different dealer.... how's that for screwiness?!?)

Various dealers spec out options differently too. One dealer stands firmly by the belief that all the Northwood units they order will have thermal pane windows. Other dealers don't order them that way.
Part of it could be due to the location and the clientele they serve.

All the dealers I've been contacting via email link on their website, have been very up front about providing a price well below MSRP.

Thanks to everyone for the benefit of your experience. I have some prices now after looking at RV Trader that are probably $4G's less that what the fast talking gentleman suggested as a bottom line price. I am confirming these this week, taking into account the advice above. No cash out of my pocket until I know what the bottom line price is. I understand the comment about going used first but I talked my lovely lady into doing this, and I have the cash to get what I want. I also bought my towing vehicle first and it will easily be able to handle what I am targeting, based not on dry weight but based on GVWR. Will let you know how this all works when the dust settles...

Georgio1955 wrote:
Well I have decided specifically the model of TT that I want and I am ready to take the plunge on my first RV, And quite frankly I would prefer to buy from my local dealer. But I felt like I needed to shop around to get a fair price to make sure I am not paying over market price. One thing I have noted is that it is very difficult to get a dealer to quote a price for a unit. They give you the MSRP and want you to make an offer. One guy I talked to wanted me to put down a refundable down payment to make an offer on a trailer. Anyway it seems to be far less transparent than buying a car, which isn't isn't always the most transparent process either.

Any advice would be appreciated. Since I am looking at a specific company and model, this is a factor as well.

Walk, no RUN from any place that wants money upfront for ANYTHING unless it is a "down payment" for ORDERING which would be understandable.

NO MONEY should ever be exchanged until YOU have personally walked through and inspected the trailer AND then sign the paperwork.

RVs are like boats.. The two happiest days of ownership is the FIRST day and the day you SELL it..

Negotiate as best as you can and be prepared to WALK OUT if you do not feel the dealer is being upfront and fair..

Only when you feel you are getting a fair deal and are OK with it do you sign and hand over money.