new RVer, need some insight

Have it inspected but be sure you look it over for water damage. If the dealer takes your money and does a half lame inspection it will be on you. They will weasel out. Water leak is your biggest risk and a disaster if you find out it has it. Your other biggest risk is the refrigerator, then ac, furnace and water heater. You can replace the frig for $1,000 to $1.500, you then have a fresh frig in a decent rig. If it has water damage and you fix it, you now have a patched up rig.

As artum said, pay attention to the bed as some are odd sizes. I would strongly consider a slide. It makes a huge difference. Take the family along to look at slide vs non slide and pretend you are all stuck inside because it's raining. You will love a big slide. Dad could even have his lazy boy in there. If it's strictly weekend sleeping maybe you would be ok without it.

Take a tarp and flashlight and crawl under it and look for and damage. Have them fire it up and run everything. Run hot water, see the frig cool down (overnight or several hours), run the furnace and air. Get on the roof and feel everywhere for any bucking or ripples in the plywood under the membrane.

Tire date codes. Dont get in a hurry. Go back a couple times to look. You will see different things the second and third times.

Good advice above. To reiterate some of the main points:

* Make sure the layout works for your family. Really think about where everyone will be while hanging out, cooking, sleeping, etc. One thing I found lacking in many TT's is lack of kitchen counter space, for example.

* Check EVERYTHING. Open every drawer, turn on every light switch, try every faucet, etc.

* Since this is your first TT, pay some money and have it inspected. The investment is well worth avoiding a money pit.

Good advice. Thanks. If I can't take it to an RV dealer for an inspection, do most offer it as a service to look at the RV on location for a fee?

Regardless how much the original owner used it for camping, it's still exposed to the elements. Sun can deteriorate tires (dry rot them), and hail, snow, a shovel used on the roof, can cause roof damage, regardless if it ever moved or not.

Both brands (when they were brand new), were pretty good and pretty comparable. 7 years later, it all depends upon how the original owner took care of them.

Word of caution ... no matter how honest and upfront the original owner is, you CANNOT believe a word they tell you. They will tell you anything to off load it, especially if its a trailer that they've had problems with. YOU need to inspect it, top to bottom, inside to outside, front to back. Poke, jump, jab, swing, lift, open, climb, dig, pull, push absolutely everything! Any soft spots in the ceiling, roof, walls, floors ... RUN! It's more than likely had water damage, and that will be a nightmare for you. Inspect it yourself, get knowledgeable. Go to a dealership and look at the new models. And although sales dealers lie through their teeth too, they WILL give you an education on what is good and what is not. Then walk away and don't buy. Visit the next dealership, ask questions, stupid or intelligent, doesn't matter, see what the salesmen say. Talk to the service reps too. Educate yourself. Then when you look at your potential purchase, you'll have a MUCH better eye for picking out any problems. If the camper has problems, no matter how much you may like it, don't be afraid to walk. There is Always another trailer out there.

What ever you decide prior to signing or deposit take it to a neutral RV service center for a full evaluation. It is so easy to miss some expensive repair that the seller will have no interest in fixing after the sale. He may not even be aware. There are so many things to look for in a used unit. You will be money ahead to do this and know for sure what you are buying. Also a great price negioting tol. Best of luck

Layout, layout, layout. Which one has the better layout for your anticipated lifestyle?
Can you still use the potti/kitchen when stopped at a Rest Area without extending any slides?

Ont thing to watch for is the length of the main bed. If you are near six feet tall, a mattress that is only 74 or 75 inches long can be a deal breaker.

Yeah I'm not interested in new as this would be my first and don't want to take the depreciation hit. Both of these claim to have only been used a handful of times.

2016 models are right around the corner if they have not already started for some lines. So, you are looking at 6-7 year old RVs. The most important criteria is the condition and how the previous owner(s) maintained it. Water is the enemy so leak detection key.