Forum Discussion

langelis's avatar
langelis
Explorer
Aug 31, 2013

Truck Camper Value

We have a 2010 Adventure Truck camper, lots of features except air and generator. It's clean and well maintained. The kids are outgrowing it. We were in Portland on vacation and stopped by an RV lot. The wife liked a trailer and the salesman convinced us to hang out while he did some numbers. He said he would take the camper in trade. We were curious, so we hung out.

He came back and said he would offer $11,000. We walked out! Not just for that but his price for the trailer was not flexible and $3000 over comparables via google. Seriously though $11k? Is that all its worth now after 3 years. I checked NADA www.nadaguides.com and it said low retail 18k, average 22k, suggested 28k. Heck new ones with gen are 32k (overpriced).

Now I know asking for mid retail on a trade is bad since they do have to make a profit. We were looking for close to $20 for it. We owe 16k. Am I way off base?

Thanks
Truck Campers

3 Replies

  • 6pac's avatar
    6pac
    Explorer
    Sep 01, 2013
    First we will give you a little back ground . In 2001 EW purchased a Lance 815 for $7K for our first trip to Ak ,upon arriving in Ancorage we found the heater stopped working. While we were waiting for it to be repaired DW saw the Lance 845 and it was all over ! We traded then an there . We were given $7K trade in value an paid $7 K more. We used that Lance 845 until 2006 . Again on our way to Ak an yet again my DW pointed to a Lance dealer in Montana and again we traded for our Lance 881 . This time we were allowed $15K an paid a difference of $14K ! So maybe it depends on the time, the dealer or maybe we're just lucky?? We probably won't be trading any more as we are very happy with things the way they are !
    HAPPY TRAVELING
  • Reddog1's avatar
    Reddog1
    Explorer II
    Aug 31, 2013
    I don't know if it is fair to say you are way off base or not. Keep in mind, low retail 18k, average 22k, suggested 28k is retail. Wholesale is substantially less. Depending on condition, 16k retail for your TC could be reasonable but wholesale much less.

    I have never had much confidence in NADA. I guess it is better than nothing. The same is true with Kelly Blue Book. I see them as nothing but a very loose guide, primarily used by dealers in RVs and other vehicles.

    I do not buy new RVs or vehicles, and have not for over fifty years. With rough numbers, I look at your TC cost, about 30,000 new, three years later worth 20,000. That is $3000 per year cost, minus sales tax. My mind cannot justify that cost. But, that is just me. If you look at the dealers figures, at 31,000 new, worth 11,000 in three years, almost $7,000 per year.

    It is fine if you have and are willing to spend the money.

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