So, opinions on this MH (our first) for our use

[grey2112]

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2004-Holiday-Rambler-VACATIONER-37PCT-122863584


We had a travel trailer in the past, 31 footer with single slide, towed by a 2500 Suburban. Sold it and got into boating big time, but now are interested in getting back into camping/traveling.

Although we could pull a trailer with our Expedition EL (2015) we'd rather have the family (me and my wife) and our 2 dogs (collies) and one cat all in the same vehicle, together, with space to move around, make a sammich, go to the bathroom, etc. Also want the option for my wife to bring the Expedition and tow one of our boats when we travel.

We live in the Tampa area and will, more than likely, do most if not all of our traveling in Florida, especially down in the Keys, St. Augustine, etc.

Will only be the two of us and the pets.

We're not going to be full-timing it - more likely a few weekends a year and two 1 week trips a year starting out. We are 50 years old, and I've got some decent experience towing and backing trailers, so I feel a 30-40 foot motorhome should be fairly easy for me to drive.


We love to cook, so a good, well-laid out kitchen and decent counterspace, cabinets, and fridge is essential.

[Bruce_Brown]

For MH parking I would go 6" concrete with rebar and mesh in it.

That is what we did back in 2001 and it's still good today.

Rebar and mesh may seem like overkill, they're cheap, you only have one shot to do it right. Don't skimp today and regret it later.

[tropical36]

grey2112 wrote:
Thank you for the advice and help, guys. Sorry this topic and question turned into a bit of a row about pricing, NADA, etc.

Funny how I've sent 3 emails now to the seller and no response - guess my money isn't green enough. But we've got time on our side as we aren't 100% ready just yet for the RV - got to get the parking situation resolved at our house first.

Question - on average, about how heavy is the typical 37 foot gasser, and what requirements would you say is needed for concrete pads for it?

Have you been over to LAZYDAYS for a look around. Might even be able to make a decent deal with them, this time of the year and before the migration begins. Just every once in a while, they take an offer that might surprise most everyone.
As for weight of a 37ft gasser, I'm guessing around 20K lbs or less loaded for the road.
We had a 36ft for years, but now at 34K GVWR, some of our concrete could be a little better.

[grey2112]

We may actually end up sleeping in separate beds due to some snoring issues and diametrically opposed temperature and bed softness/hardness issues. So we're sort of thinking that the bed isn't a big deal.

[CVD]

If you sleep on a king size bed at home, you should think about whether or not you will be happy with a smaller bed in the RV (king bed will be a requirement for my next RV).

[grey2112]

Thank you for the advice and help, guys. Sorry this topic and question turned into a bit of a row about pricing, NADA, etc.

Funny how I've sent 3 emails now to the seller and no response - guess my money isn't green enough. But we've got time on our side as we aren't 100% ready just yet for the RV - got to get the parking situation resolved at our house first.

Question - on average, about how heavy is the typical 37 foot gasser, and what requirements would you say is needed for concrete pads for it?

[Floridastorm]

I find that dealers are the only sellers that stick pretty much to the NADA values. Most private sellers don't have a clue what their unit is really worth. Many overprice them by thousands of dollars. I find that nearly all motor homes for sale by private sellers are overpriced. And the sad part is that there is always some fool out there that will pay them their outrageous price. So many times I have communicated the NADA pricing to these sellers and some of them even get offended.

[mama_sylvia]

> Pro-tip...add Seafoam to every tank of fuel!

What does it do?

[tropical36]

Bruce Brown wrote:

tropical36 wrote:

Bruce Brown wrote:
True. Years ago a friend of mine, who was the GM at a local car dealership, used to say "books don't sell cars, people do". He was right.

On the book price, I think you'll find NADA uses a formula to determine values as much, or more, than true market surveys. In the automotive world most dealers now use real-time auction information instead of NADA. I recently had a car evaluated; they used an app that read my VIN, they punched in my miles, then it did a search for similar vehicles with similar miles and gave a true up-to-date value. It was pretty interesting to me.

And how close to NADA low retail, was this figure and maybe what most interested you?

At the time it was surprisingly above NADA. Now fast forward 6 months and my daughter was looking to buy a car. I don't use the old one much so I thought I may offer it her to help with her down payment. It was a dealership I know and trust (a friend of mine is the owner), they punched specifics in and it came back much lower than NADA. The market had changed, obviously a fair amount.

In 2006 we bought a used Lincoln Aviator from the same dealer mentioned above. They made us a trade offer that was more than we were willing to pay. After a few days they called and accepted our offer. They said the market had dropped on that particular vehicle and they were going to lose money on it so they'd cut their loses now. Again, I know these guys well so I know it wasn't any of the typical dealership games. The market swings effect both consumers and dealers alike.

As with everything, markets have ebbs and flows. The real time stuff most are using today is the most accurate.

I hear ya and then with so many people wanting financing, the banks kill a lot of these private sells, with not wanting to lend all that much and telling the potential buyer what they consider it to be worth. Even saw it happen with a house sale and the bank appraising it lower than what the buyer was initially willing to pay, considering the down payment difference of course. Sure killed that deal and they ended up taking the lesser amount, so we now have new neighbors.

[Bruce_Brown]

tropical36 wrote:

Bruce Brown wrote:
True. Years ago a friend of mine, who was the GM at a local car dealership, used to say "books don't sell cars, people do". He was right.

On the book price, I think you'll find NADA uses a formula to determine values as much, or more, than true market surveys. In the automotive world most dealers now use real-time auction information instead of NADA. I recently had a car evaluated; they used an app that read my VIN, they punched in my miles, then it did a search for similar vehicles with similar miles and gave a true up-to-date value. It was pretty interesting to me.

And how close to NADA low retail, was this figure and maybe what most interested you?

At the time it was surprisingly above NADA. Now fast forward 6 months and my daughter was looking to buy a car. I don't use the old one much so I thought I may offer it her to help with her down payment. It was a dealership I know and trust (a friend of mine is the owner), they punched specifics in and it came back much lower than NADA. The market had changed, obviously a fair amount.

In 2006 we bought a used Lincoln Aviator from the same dealer mentioned above. They made us a trade offer that was more than we were willing to pay. After a few days they called and accepted our offer. They said the market had dropped on that particular vehicle and they were going to lose money on it so they'd cut their loses now. Again, I know these guys well so I know it wasn't any of the typical dealership games. The market swings effect both consumers and dealers alike.

As with everything, markets have ebbs and flows. The real time stuff most are using today is the most accurate.

[tropical36]

Bruce Brown wrote:
True. Years ago a friend of mine, who was the GM at a local car dealership, used to say "books don't sell cars, people do". He was right.

On the book price, I think you'll find NADA uses a formula to determine values as much, or more, than true market surveys. In the automotive world most dealers now use real-time auction information instead of NADA. I recently had a car evaluated; they used an app that read my VIN, they punched in my miles, then it did a search for similar vehicles with similar miles and gave a true up-to-date value. It was pretty interesting to me.

And how close to NADA low retail, was this figure and maybe what most interested you?
Again, a private seller is at a disadvantage and can't be advertising things, like....BUY HERE, PAY HERE...or....NOTHING DOWN AND NO PAYMENTS FOR 45 DAYS...or WE ARRANGE FINANCING AND NO ONE IS TURNED DOWN....
My estimates and valuations are with checkbook or cash in hand and with laying it down on the table and something that usually gets their attention. The last time I made an offer to a consignment dealer, he wouldn't even present it to his client. When I reminded him of his obligation to do so, he demanded $2K and a contract. I said no problem and did the deal with just one counter offer, which surprised this dealer, as well.....or at least he seemed surprised.
Either way and no matter, they made money and more so, on the PDI that was part of the deal, so.........

[Bruce_Brown]

True. Years ago a friend of mine, who was the GM at a local car dealership, used to say "books don't sell cars, people do". He was right.

On the book price, I think you'll find NADA uses a formula to determine values as much, or more, than true market surveys. In the automotive world most dealers now use real-time auction information instead of NADA. I recently had a car evaluated; they used an app that read my VIN, they punched in my miles, then it did a search for similar vehicles with similar miles and gave a true up-to-date value. It was pretty interesting to me.

[rgatijnet1]

Bruce Brown wrote:
I realize the book says the low mileage adds 28% to the value of this unit - IMO this is a perfect example of needing to put the book down and start using some common sense. A 28% increase because of mileage??? I'm thinking that is very unrealistic. Take that to a dealer and ask them if they'd give you 28% more for it because of mileage.

5%, 10% sure, 28%? - This is where I think the book is doing a disservice, to both the buyer and seller.

That is why I said in my post that "The selling price is determined by a mutual agreement between the buyer and the seller. Both should go away feeling that they got a good deal."
The NADA value gives you a place to start the negotiation. It does not mean that the price is set in stone. Since none of us can survey RV prices as well as NADA, then it is the best reference that we have at our fingertips.

[Bruce_Brown]

I realize the book says the low mileage adds 28% to the value of this unit - IMO this is a perfect example of needing to put the book down and start using some common sense. A 28% increase because of mileage??? I'm thinking that is very unrealistic. Take that to a dealer and ask them if they'd give you 28% more for it because of mileage.

5%, 10% sure, 28%? - This is where I think the book is doing a disservice, to both the buyer and seller.

[timmac]

tropical36 wrote:

IMO and even if a WH W chassis, the asking price is outrageous.
Maybe you should try and find a consignment sale or from a private seller for around $27K and this in excellent condition, otherwise, you'll soon have super retail in it and be down underwater after the first year of ownership. Click here for some reference and even though not the bible....
NADA

Good floor plan, new tires, full body paint and only 24,000 miles that's a good price from how I see it.

Offer $39,000 and put a large down payment and you will never be upside down if you pay it off in 6 years or less..