Older well built or newer TT

Lantley wrote:

marcsbigfoot20b27 wrote:

rbpru wrote:
One must consider the rather rapid depreciation of a new TT.

From my experience the DW wanted several changes to the interior within the first year. Not easy to do when everything hides something else. Also, however, pleasing the changes might be for my DW, they only reduce the trade in value.

Since I bought the TT used and will eventually trade it in very used, the depreciation factor is of less importance.

Depreciation really sucks if you buy new.
My trailer new in 2000 was $46,000 with all available options.
Bought it used in excellent and condition with upgraded axles/wheels/brakes for $6500 in 2014.


But if you have the money and no repair type skills, then new may fit.

Was 46K MSRP. 14 years later how much more do you think it should be worth?

Thats the problem with used....its only worth what someone is willing to pay for an older TT with no warranty.
I have only seen one other like mine ever on the entire internet(not kidding). It was a 99 and no generator, asking $12,500.

marcsbigfoot20b27 wrote:

rbpru wrote:
One must consider the rather rapid depreciation of a new TT.

From my experience the DW wanted several changes to the interior within the first year. Not easy to do when everything hides something else. Also, however, pleasing the changes might be for my DW, they only reduce the trade in value.

Since I bought the TT used and will eventually trade it in very used, the depreciation factor is of less importance.

Depreciation really sucks if you buy new.
My trailer new in 2000 was $46,000 with all available options.
Bought it used in excellent and condition with upgraded axles/wheels/brakes for $6500 in 2014.


But if you have the money and no repair type skills, then new may fit.

Was 46K MSRP. 14 years later how much more do you think it should be worth?

rbpru wrote:
One must consider the rather rapid depreciation of a new TT.

From my experience the DW wanted several changes to the interior within the first year. Not easy to do when everything hides something else. Also, however, pleasing the changes might be for my DW, they only reduce the trade in value.

Since I bought the TT used and will eventually trade it in very used, the depreciation factor is of less importance.

Depreciation really sucks if you buy new.
My trailer new in 2000 was $46,000 with all available options.
Bought it used in excellent and condition with upgraded axles/wheels/brakes for $6500 in 2014.

But if you have the money and no repair type skills, then new may fit.

One must consider the rather rapid depreciation of a new TT.

From my experience the DW wanted several changes to the interior within the first year. Not easy to do when everything hides something else. Also, however, pleasing the changes might be for my DW, they only reduce the trade in value.

Since I bought the TT used and will eventually trade it in very used, the depreciation factor is of less importance.

DutchmenSport wrote:
For some reason, these thoughts just don't "compute" for me.

A new camper will have problems for the first year or two. I understand that. So the good years are between year 2 and year 7ish. After 7 years, you sell it, or get rid of it, or whatever.

Along comes someone wanting to buy a "used" RV. They look at the used unit, (now 7 years 'ish' old) and now you face normal aging wear and tear repairs. I don't see the any difference between repairs in year 1 or year 7, except during year 1, warranty will foot the bill. After year 7 ... YOU foot the bill.

Um ... it just doesn't compute.

So, Buy new. After the first year, you'll get 6 years out of it trouble free, then sell it.

The answer for me is I don't want flush 40% or more of my money down the toilet.

I will take that 40% and go on vacation and buy fuel for my truck. Even if a few things go out I can buy a lot of stoves or water heaters or whatever for 20 grand!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Auto leveling, quiet A/C with return ducting is just one of the features now standard on the newer units.
THere are bugs and kinks to be found in both new and used. There are gems and lemons both new and used.
I keep my RV's a long time. I prefer new simply because I want the full life expectancy. yes I want years 1-6 when things are new and maintenance is relatively minor. By year 7 things are worn and will need to be replaced and sured up.
By used just puts you farther down the life expectancy curve. I agree there is savings to be had on the used market however it is a trade off in how the unit is equipped. I factory ordered my unit to get the options I wanted and the colors I chose vs. what was available and the compromises involved.
I did not want to compromise on features colors etc.just to say I saved but now have someone else's choices.
There is well built and there is inferior but contrary to what many believe those qualities are not defined/determined by new or used.

I had a couple of reasons for buying used---1)I wanted more insulation, better mechanicals, and a floor plan I liked. 2)I knew I wouldn't have the heart to tear apart a new trailer to accomplish #1. In retrospect, it was a very good decision as I accomplished #1,was able to hold initial cost to a minimum, and the result is a good towing trailer that should last me a long time. Total gut and restoration isn't for most folks but some of the vintage trailers were built when materials didn't need to be skimped on. That results in a better product, IMO.

I was recently in a similar situation and ended up buying a 2007 Nash that was in near mint condition (minor lower exterior damage that I was satisfied in how it was repaired)
We used it for 3 weekends of camping sonce we got it and the biggest issue so far is the bathroom door hinges squeak.
It will be heading on a cross Canada trip next month and the only thing I plan to do before leaving is repack the bearings and check the brakes.

After owning 2 new units I will take a lightly used, better built second hand unit every time now.

FrankShore wrote:
I'd always go with a Lance!

1) Formaldehyde free, none of the overwhelming stench form day 1 onwards
2) CAD designed, and the files are sent to one of their huge CNC Router, so every cut is exactly the same everytime. Lance uses a wood from Spain called Lite Ply, the same kind of wood you find in corporate jets
3) Lance doesn't weld their frames, they huckbolt which is superior.
4) Lance used Azdel in the wall, 2 layers of it - prevents delamination 99% of the tine'
5) Lances uses European Beauflor, sturdy as heck.
6) Lance uses Lamiluxe one the exterior on the RV, and a 12 year warranty on the TPO roof.
7) Lance offer a 2 year warranty on the (bumper to bumper)
8) Lance uses more expensive PEX plumbing
9) Lance offers dovetailing on their drawers, etc

So my answer is Lance

I coudl go on, but clearly Lance is a upscale Travel Trailer

Two recent poster had major trouble with Lance campers and the company did not stand behind their product.

I'd always go with a Lance!

1) Formaldehyde free, none of the overwhelming stench form day 1 onwards
2) CAD designed, and the files are sent to one of their huge CNC Router, so every cut is exactly the same everytime. Lance uses a wood from Spain called Lite Ply, the same kind of wood you find in corporate jets
3) Lance doesn't weld their frames, they huckbolt which is superior.
4) Lance used Azdel in the wall, 2 layers of it - prevents delamination 99% of the tine'
5) Lances uses European Beauflor, sturdy as heck.
6) Lance uses Lamiluxe one the exterior on the RV, and a 12 year warranty on the TPO roof.
7) Lance offer a 2 year warranty on the (bumper to bumper)
8) Lance uses more expensive PEX plumbing
9) Lance offers dovetailing on their drawers, etc

So my answer is Lance

I coudl go on, but clearly Lance is a upscale Travel Trailer