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cubscout's avatar
cubscout
Explorer
Jul 04, 2015

Travel trailer Trade-in - what to do?

Went to my local RV Dealer yesterday, to get trade in value of camper.mWe have purchased our last 2 campers from them. I have a 2011 Passport Grand Touring , power hitch, power jacks, power awning, dvd,cd, flat screen tv, outside speakers, attached grill,1 large slide, bunk beds, queen bed, U shaped dinette. This was a special unit back in 2011. Total price $33,000. Had to put down payment $8,000. Total financed $26,000. Now I am told that in 4 yrs, my unit has depreciated so much, that trade in value is in $13,900. Dealership advises per NADA guide, not worth anymore. Apparently they could only sell unit for $20,000. I advised salesperson(whom sold us our last unit) that I am trying to buy new smaller unit, with little money out of pocket. The unit I was interested in buying from them was $18,000, discounted from $24,000. I was told I would need $8,000 out of pocket . I was told that since I was buying an already discounted unit, price for trade in probably couldn't chage much. I was told if I was purchasing $100,000 motor home, that would probably payoff my camper. I was told owner is a business man, and that rv deals are not the same as purchasing/trade in of cars. My payoff of my unit is $22,000. Sales person asked me how much available cash I could put down a new unit. I asked her if they take credit cards, told due to fees, they only would let me charge $1,000. I overheard another salesperson tell a customer that you need to put 10% down. Do most dealerships require customers to have a cash down payment. So, at this point, my unit has lost $19,100 in 4 yrs. Suggestions?.

46 Replies

  • You must have a really long term loan to pay down so little in 4 years. Your best bet is trying to sell it yourself, pay off the shortfall (probably 4K) and start over. As for a 'special unit' that is saleman fluff talking. We bought our 2011 34 foot trailer with all the bells and whistels (power everything plus 2 slides, raised panel cabinetry, grill, flat screen, DVD, outside speakers, etc. etc) in 2010 for 25K. MSRP was 36K. We bought ours in Indiana where they are cheaper, but at 33K it sounds like you overpaid for your unit.
  • RVs are notorious depreciating assets. If you really want to trade it, suck it up take the huge loss and move on. Otherwise keep what you have and run the wheels off it.
  • Dealer has too many units to sell. Does NOT want another.
    Your RV lost 20% the minute it left the lot.
    Welcome to the wonderful world of RVing.
  • With the dealer it is a numbers game. Some would put the $6,000 on the trade and tell you the new trailer has to be full price. I am not one to sell on my own but that might be the best choice for you.
  • Go to your bank or credit union and get a value. And then sell it yourself.