Would you...

[laknox]

...order your #1 choice FW, sight unseen, if...:

1. It were of a well-known brand, with a good reputation;
2. You'd seen, in person, similar FWs from the same model line, but not the specific model you're interested in;
3. It met +/- 95% of your preferences;
4. There was only 1 dealer within 500 miles...

OR...

Would you order your #2 choice if...

1. It were of a well-known brand, with a good reputation;
2. You'd seen, and sat in, that specific model, in person;
3. It met +/- 90% of your preferences;
4. There several dealers within 200 miles...

Just fishing for opinions...

Lyle

[tomthyme]

Assuming you don't own the rig until you see it for real, I say don't settle -- unless the want to discount the crappie out of the local one.

Good luck!

[Lantley]

Interestingly enough I had this dilemma. There were no Cameo dealers close to me.
I placed an order for a Cameo Bunkhouse sight unseen other than photos . The dealer did not have one in stock to see either.
As it turns out Cameo went out of business a week later. My deposit was refunded.
I ended up with my 2nd choice, my Open Range bunkhouse. Which was readily available to see locally.

[RVcrazy]

I would see #1 before settling on #2. If it is a well-made unit, you shouldn't need the dealer other than for delivery!

[Joe_Way]

It depends on how lucky you are going to be. Figure that out, and you have your answer.:B

[Grunt4Life]

jnharley wrote:
We ordered our HitchHiker directly from the factory and did not see our particular floor plan. However, we were able to see their construction methods and knew their quality reputation. It was built with modifications we requested and we picked it up directly from the factory after build. We have not been disappointed. The "bones" of the RV are outstanding and the floor plan is perfect for us.

x2 different brand but same approach. You shouldn't settle!

[Dayle1]

I'd do neither, I would find a way to see the #1 unit first, either drive the 500 miles or wait for one to be available closer. Then order the exact unit I wanted with the options. And I wouldn't limit my buying decision to the nearest dealers only.

I've ordered my last 2 units, drove 100 miles to see one in person and 50 miles to see the second one. Would have driven further if necessary. When I was ready to order the current rig, I got quotes from dealer 50 miles away to those near the factory. Got the best deal 120 miles away.

Only way I would go with a second choice floor plan/model is if the first choice failed in person inspection.

[DutchmenSport]

I'd take #1 model, BUT.... I'd drive the 500 miles to go see it first. If it's the one you REALLY want, what's another 300 miles? There's a good possibility you'll be camping distances much farther than this!

[laknox]

Thanks for the info, guys. I think most of you missed the "order" part. I've almost never seen a "lot model" that has =exactly= what I want, and DON'T want. Even if I see something that I like, there are certain things that I want, that are not commonly added to models brought in just for stock; biggest one is probably an auto-level system. A lot of them have solid counter tops, which I couldn't care less about and I'd rather use the $1100-1200 for the leveling system. Just 2 examples of why I'd order a new one unless I "won the lottery" and found my perfect unit used.

Also, the 2 units are near-identical in layout and size.

Lyle

[jnharley]

We ordered our HitchHiker directly from the factory and did not see our particular floor plan. However, we were able to see their construction methods and knew their quality reputation. It was built with modifications we requested and we picked it up directly from the factory after build. We have not been disappointed. The "bones" of the RV are outstanding and the floor plan is perfect for us.

[Devocamper]

How often are you going to buy a new rv it is such a large purchase that it may be worth it to find one that fits your first choice and travel to it at least see it in person then order a new one closer to home and get The one that fits your wants and needs . All of our RV's were purchased out of state .
Good luck
Mike

[RustyJC]

After owning our 2004 DRV Mobile Suites 36RE3 for almost 10 years, we purchased a new 2014.5 DRV Mobile Suites 38RSSA from a dealer over 1000 miles away based strictly on 40+ photos on their website. We haven't been disappointed at all. The 2014.5 has never been back to a service facility for repairs in almost 3 years of ownership, and if service had been required, DRV will typically authorize the use of independent service facilities or mobile RV techs. My experience with buying locally and relying on the selling dealer for service hasn't been that good, and we saved many thousands of dollars by purchasing from the remote dealer.

Again, each purchaser must do what's right for them, but each purchaser's circumstances and ability to maintain his/her own rig are different.

Rusty

[gbopp]

This isn't a question limited to Fifth Wheel RV's.

Personally, I want to see and inspect anything I buy when I'm spending that kind of money.

But, I would also keep looking until I found what I wanted and not automatically settle for my second choice.

Quality control is lacking in the RV industry. I want to see what I'm buying. Maybe your second choice is the best choice. JMO

[MFL]

Too hard of question, can't offer opinion. I will say, I'm not a second choice kind of guy.

Jerry

[Bumpyroad]

I ordered my chieftain MH after seeing one at a dealer in Anchorage or Fairbanks
bumpy