Advice in buying a used fifth wheel requested

[DaveInVA]

Greetings everyone,

I have decided to go with a used Bighorn or Big Country for full-timing in Northern Virginia and have found a few on the lot within a reasonable distance of my home. On average, if a dealer is close to NADA guide values, can you expect to haggle them below the asking price or is that generally the target price you want? What is reasonable to expect them to fix if I find issues during a close inspection? I realize that when buying used trailers or trucks for that matter it is what it is, but I don't wish to be an unreasonable buyer, since I would use them for future service. I have seen the checklists for buying a new fifth wheel, but would appreciate anyone's insight into buying used and any points I should consider. Thanks in advance for any comments posted.

[TXiceman]

I would not consider a Big Horn as suited for full time use in Northern Virginia. I'd look for something from Excel, New Horizions, Mobile Suites, Carriage or the likes.

Ken

[DaveInVA]

Thank you for all the replies,

Dave

[Bamaman11]

You might want to check with RVsforless.net in Knoxville for used Big Horn/Big Country units. They have a number in stock right now that need a home. RV's for Less is a fantastic dealership specializing in fifth wheel trailers only--and they're about 100 miles south of Bristol, VA. It'd be worth your trip.

On going with NADA book values: The people setting the values don't know anything about RV's. It's just something banks and credit unions use to substantiate to bank examiners the amount they advanced on loans. You do better by researching (and filtering) prices on RVTrader.com and discounting them slightly.

As far as prices, the RV business is not the car business. Both car and RV dealerships have comparable costs, but one has a 12 month sales season where the other has a 6 month selling season. Comparison shopping is your best way to do business--and hard negotiating doesn't cost you anything.

You should go through a detailed checklist to find any problems. And they should be fixed. Don't be shy about asking for all repairs. On a slightly used unit, they may be in better condition than a new unit as any inherent problems may have already been addressed.

Good luck to you in your search.

[MrVan]

Ask to get the phone number of the previous(current if on consignment) owner and if they won't provide it........RUN..... If you are able to talk to the owner ask what has had to be repaired on the unit over it's lifetime. If the owner doesn't provide a list of at least the number of major items that needed repair/replacement for the number of years of its age then ....RUN..... Ask the owner to walk through whatever repairs have been made and where. If he waffles.... RUN....

[Allworth]

And just as frosting on the cake:

On any trailer (new or used).....

Water damage

Water damage

Water damage

Once is starts you might not ever get entirely rid of it.

//also tires//

[SH]

DaveInVA wrote:
Greetings everyone, I have decided to go with a used Bighorn or Big Country for full-timing in Northern Virginia.

First, I think Heartland makes a good rig and some day may decide to own another one. I also think highly of their Customer Service and their great Owners Club. That being said, I can tell you of a few small issues we had when we purchased a new Big Country.

Ours was gray. The front and rear gel coat caps faded severely within two years. The entire rig was pristine except for the ugly caps. Painting was the only fix. If the one you are getting is gray, don't let anyone tell you it can be buffed out!

All the vinyl insert trim got hard as a rock and had to be replaced within a year. It cracked and fell off. The new stuff lasted fine.

The front bulkhead area under the cap was prone to leaks as was the front storage cargo door wall. Had to pull the trim, replace the butyl, screws, and re-caulk. The aluminum support frame of the front cargo door broke welds. I fixed that with some gussets and pop rivets. Look for ripples in these areas.

The metal wrap around at the roof and wall joint was separating in many areas (lifting from the roof). Didn't have the opportunity to fix that before we replaced the rig. Very easy to see though!

Do a good walk around, climb on the roof etc. Doubtful you will find any interior issues but a lot is determined by how the previous owner cared for it!

Best Wishes!

[midnightsadie]

well yes haggle till the cows come home, and don,t forget IT NEEDS NEW TIRES ,no matter how good they look ,and remember the sales person doesn,t really know anything about the rv ,he just sells them, and haggle some more. know what your bottom line is ,but don,t tell them. walk away a few times. till they agree to your price,, and thats a out the door price ,tax title prep included.

[2oldman]

Youtube.. spotting a lemon

[amandasgramma]

I ALWAYS ALWAYS haggle. You don't know what hidden bargains they made to get the rigs....you don't know what they pay their salesmen. ALWAYS haggle. If you end up paying the advertised price, then that's okay.....but if you can get a dollar or two off, then GREAT!

We always look a rig over good....if we find something wrong, it goes on the list. That's part of the haggling (ie, I'll pay full price if you fix this or that).

Lowballing is not a good idea...because they will just get ticked off. Walking in, knowing what the NADA value is will help YOU decide if you really want the rig at their price or if you want to walk away. 🙂