So I sell cars for a living and know how they work as far as pricing. So I'm assuming TT are the same?The grand design I'm looking at they are taking about 22% off MSRP.The thing that irritated me is I told him I was price shopping. He informed me if I didn't buy there and needed to have them service it down the road I wouldn't be treated like I purchased it there.In my line off work all our customers are treated equally whether or not they purchased it here.Anyways any insight would be appreciated.

One time I needed a significant repair due to my own negligence. I was about 100 miles from the dealer so I drove down there and because I had purchased my motorhome from such a dealer I was given priority on the repair. This was not a warranty so I paid for it myself.

It's true to a degree...purchase there, service there is priority over those who didn't buy there. At my local RV dealer, I could always get in for service because I bought there. I've seen others walk in (locals) and are upset they can't get an appointment for a month. However, I've also seen folks on the road, passing thru, and got in/out same day because they are travelling. So, you can still get quality work done, but sometimes their own customers are priority.I don't like that mentality, but its there. Also, like a car dealer, I doubt you'd buy a new Chrysler and then go to your local Chevy dealer for service. If you buy a Jayco and want it serviced at the Forest River dealer (most dealers carry many brands, but in this example let's assume they don't sell Jayco), they can do it...but warranty work might be an issue. 22 percent off is a good place to start. Some here will say 30 percent is the norm. Start with 35, or 30, and go from there. Find same model elsewhere to price compare. I found that building a relationship with my local dealer is a big part of it too. They know me by name after 20 years of buying from them. With our current Class C motorhome, I did find the exact same model a few grand cheaper out of state. But, in the end, I felt my local dealer (lower volume vs. the higher volume dealer I just mentioned) would serve me better. And they have.I leave on this point: I've never told a dealer, car, RV or otherwise, that I'm price shopping. If you sell cars for a living, you know it can be a waste of time...unless you make the sale. I guess I go in open minded, get a feel for the dealer and see what best price I can get vs. (in my own words) telling them you are most likely not buying and just want a price.My 2 cents. Others may have better feedback.

That is the current situation in the RV game. I would continue to price shop and forget the warranty. If you have a very major problem, then worry about returning to the selling dealer. With the incredible wait times and poor service, my opinion is that a warranty should be thought of as a sales gimmick.

We have always dealt with a ma and pa Jayco dealer here in Mi. Their store is near our northern house. I was told by an experienced TT owner to never buy from a huge store or one that others have had problems with. I got the better deal and saved a couple thousand on the deal. I have bought 6 trailers from the same dealer and always got great service.

Do not expect warranty and service to be viewed or handled the same way they are with Auto's. Dealers all have their own way of handling/prioritizing service work.Some will tell you they will work on your unit, but then not tell you that it will be months before they even look at it. As to pricing and discounts, my best suggestion on finding something close to actual sales price is to use either RV trader or RVT.com. Use the advanced search function, and then narrow the field to the exact make model you are interested in and see what they are listed for by other dealers. grand design Also be aware that all dealers do not sell the same way. Some will offer what seems a very good price, then when the contracts come, there will be thousands of dollars in add ons. Typical for some would be ,,,Shipping,,,,, $750Prep,,,,,,,, $450-$700Documentation,,,, $399-$799Pre delivery inspection and walkthrough ,,,$450And they may demand that you use their financing to get a certain price. None of these are required, so adjust your offers accordingly.Some dealers price their units straight up, no fees or add ons. When shopping online or on lot, check on how they run their business, as a car salesman, you know what to look for.

When buying a new TT how do you negotiate | Good Sam Community

B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
Feb 05, 2020
ZINGERLITE wrote:
warranty work is only the first year. at that point you don't really need a dealer relationship. I say go where you can get the deal!
X2
B.O.
smarty
Explorer II
Feb 05, 2020
Your targeted discount off of MSRP should be 35%
ZINGERLITE
Explorer
Feb 05, 2020
Lantley wrote:
ZINGERLITE wrote:
warranty work is only the first year. at that point you don't really need a dealer relationship. I say go where you can get the deal!

The life span of the trailer is longer than 1 year. Warranty or not it is beneficial to have a good relationship with the local dealer.
It can be the difference between getting parts efficiently or getting a quick last minute repair.
I have pulled up to the dealer and had the tech do a quick fix on my way to a CG.
I agree don't be held hostage buy the warranty issue but also don't dismiss the value of a good dealer relationship

I guess id depends on mechanical ability as well. Unless its warranty work im going to fix it myself. Probably do a better job as well. If regular dealer trips are something i need to consider then i need to buy something different.
Lantley
Nomad
Feb 05, 2020
ZINGERLITE wrote:
warranty work is only the first year. at that point you don't really need a dealer relationship. I say go where you can get the deal!

The life span of the trailer is longer than 1 year. Warranty or not it is beneficial to have a good relationship with the local dealer.
It can be the difference between getting parts efficiently or getting a quick last minute repair.
I have pulled up to the dealer and had the tech do a quick fix on my way to a CG.
I agree don't be held hostage buy the warranty issue but also don't dismiss the value of a good dealer relationship
Merrykalia
Explorer
Feb 05, 2020
We have bought 4 different RV's, 2 were used and purchased from locals and the other 2 from dealers. I have been the negotiator of all the pricing. I did LOTS and LOTS of research and knew the numbers of all of the options that I am interested in and will pay for. You should be able to "google" the model you want and check out pricing all over the US. Factor in travel to/from wherever to pick it up and THERE is your price. Unless you only get a week of vacation, treat your travel to pick it up as your vacay and camp your way back home.

Our last 2-RVs were purchased 700 miles and 300 miles away from home. There was no warranty work needed on the first one during the first year and on the last one, we did need some, so we drove up, dropped it off, spent a couple days with my sister, picked it up and drove back home. We do most small repairs, so we only need warranty work if it is a big job. We have found that most mobile RV technicians can do a better and quicker job than most dealers.

Put your best price firmly in your mind and start contacting dealers.
CFerguson
Explorer II
Feb 05, 2020
You tell us how to best negotiate our next car/truck and we'll tell you our secrets on how to get the best RV deal.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Feb 05, 2020
X2, Zingerlite. BUT your pre-purchase walk thru testing every system, looking at the roof and underbelly MUST be very careful. Take a powerful flashlight.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Feb 05, 2020
lot of good advice, I never worry about repairs #1 they,ll have your rv for two ,three months for a simple repair. most things I can fix ,just ain,t worth the fight an down time #2 some rv mobil techs do warrenty work. and your stov,frig,heater etc only have a 1year or some 90 days . barter your very best out the dor price and buy from that dealer. most my rv,s have been bought in a different state than my home. much better deal.
opnspaces
Navigator II
Feb 05, 2020
One other thing to remember is the shipping costs if you purchase out of state. I've heard that shipping from Ohio to California is around $2,000. Just something to keep in mind.
opnspaces
Navigator II
Feb 05, 2020
Unfortunately that may very well be the case. Many dealers will do exactly that and put the purchase customers to the front. I have also read on here of other dealers flat out refusing to do work for a unit that wasn't purchased there. And I'm not talking warranty work, I'm talking about refusing to do any and all work.

Unfortunately the RV game is nothing like the automotive game. I have never had an automotive service department refusing service or even asking if I purchased my vehicle from them. But I did call my RV dealer once about a repair I was considering. At a lull in the conversation while looking up a part the service writer nonchalantly asked me if I had purchased my trailer there. I said yes and that was the end of that topic. But I've always wondered what he would have said if I had said no.

I suppose you could try calling the dealer for an imaginary warranty service like the refrigerator is not cooling. If they ask if you purchased it there say no you purchased it from somewhere like RV Wholesalers off the internet and had it shipped to you. That will probably answer your question about what they would do. Link

Another thing you could try. Do a search for mobile RV repair technicians in your local area and call them. I've read on here that some mobile repairs can and will do warranty work. The answers are just a few phone calls away.