Trading from DP to fifthwheel

[Hedgehog]

My wife and I are considering trading our 2006 Monaco knight to either a Montana or bighorn fifthwheel. We just don't use the motor home enough to justify a engine and other components just sitting. We currently only put about 1,300 miles a year on it. The dealers around here are now insulting me with I consider low offers on my coach and I was looking for some input. First off, I know it's best to sell it outright but I don't have the patience for that. As of right now, two different dealers want around $6,000 plus my motor home for a fifthwheel that stickers for around $83,000. They keep blaming the fact that Monaco and road master are out of business and that drives the price of my coach down. My coach only has 29,000 miles and I have maintained the roof annually. I also replace the engine oil annually even though it on,y has 1,300 miles on it. I just put six new batteries a month ago and my front tires were replaced last year. What do you think a fair price would be? Last year I was offered a similar fifthwheel and $8,000 back in my pocket. I tried getting my wife down to a travel trailer but she's not interested. She still likes the motor home but is starting to see my point with all the maintenance time and cost that goes into it for the amount a use we get out of it. Any input would be appreciated.

[tropical36]

Hedgehog wrote:
Dealer has come up to even trade DP for 2016 Montana fifthwheel. I have a few people coming to look at it this week for out right sale.

With the dealer offer, that in itself should tell you how much more your rig is worth. What's worse, your coach won't take on any more depreciation during an hour or so of transaction, but the fiver is going to become a used unit at that time and make the deal even worse. Now where's the truck to pull it with and hopefully you already own one, that you've had other uses for?

[prstlk]

Yes you need to either have your oil tested or change it every year. Check the owners manual. Even the lawn mower manual will give x hours or 1 year. I find oil changes great insurance for any engine. Yes my manual says my coach can run 15k or 1 year. I change at 10K and use full synthetic. 20 quarts 30 minutes $145.00 with filter.
not saying it's right, it's just how I do it
jw

[Hedgehog]

Dealer has come up to even trade DP for 2016 Montana fifthwheel. I have a few people coming to look at it this week for out right sale.

[tropical36]

Hedgehog wrote:
My wife and I are considering trading our 2006 Monaco knight to either a Montana or bighorn fifthwheel. We just don't use the motor home enough to justify a engine and other components just sitting. We currently only put about 1,300 miles a year on it. The dealers around here are now insulting me with I consider low offers on my coach and I was looking for some input. First off, I know it's best to sell it outright but I don't have the patience for that. As of right now, two different dealers want around $6,000 plus my motor home for a fifthwheel that stickers for around $83,000. They keep blaming the fact that Monaco and road master are out of business and that drives the price of my coach down. My coach only has 29,000 miles and I have maintained the roof annually. I also replace the engine oil annually even though it on,y has 1,300 miles on it. I just put six new batteries a month ago and my front tires were replaced last year. What do you think a fair price would be? Last year I was offered a similar fifthwheel and $8,000 back in my pocket. I tried getting my wife down to a travel trailer but she's not interested. She still likes the motor home but is starting to see my point with all the maintenance time and cost that goes into it for the amount a use we get out of it. Any input would be appreciated.

You're right about what you're saying and with the miles driven, but this was something to consider before the purchase, not after. So, the way it stands now, you're not going to ever be money ahead with whatever your maintenance costs on the coach might be, so you might as well keep it. Unless of course, someone comes along with a fiver that you like and is just dying to trade for a coach like yours. Now, that's more like reality and there should be a lot of people like that around. Here you can make a deal whereas you get a truck as well and it's all set up and ready to go. Sweet and it can't get any better than that... :C
A trade of some sort with a private party can always get you out from under, if you're willing to work at it some.

[dezolen]

Second having a look at Grand Design. Sold 2 friends on them. I would have bought one had I not seen our Tiffin. Yet to find one comparable.

[Ivylog]

Having read all of your posts for the last six months, I have a few comments in order of importance.
1) The DW likes the MH over the fifth wheel you had before.
2) The wife likes the Monaco Knight.
3) Your soon to be Xwife liked the MH better.
4) How are you getting the bike to bike week?
5) A four year old Tundra does not need replacing.
6) It does not hurt a diesel engine to sit, but it does hurt the tires.
7) You do not need to change the oil every year.
😎 $6K for a fiberglass rear cap when you already have one???
9) $6K will repair a lot of broken items, not that they start to break at 10 years.
10) The wife like the MH... what were you thinking?
11) You got a really good deal on the MH, but not on trading it in???
12) In the winter take the MH to Fla and fly down to use when able as it's the easiest way to winterize it.
PM me for a reasonable place to store it in Fla and it's not in WPB.

[John_S_]

I would call Mororhomes of Texas and have them sell it on consignment for you. Then go in with cash to buy the fifth wheel.

[prstlk]

We went the other and traded the big Montana in on a DP. We are now full time. I think given the plans you have outlined you are right on. Loved the tall ceilings in the Montana and how great it drove in high winds and on crappy roads.

As far as fit finish I look at a solitude by grand design. Top notch.

When we traded in our 04 Tradewinds we told "how sad it's an orphan coach not worth much". Wander out on the lot and there was a newer Tradewinds for 179.000.00.

Monaco has a great reputation for build quality. I would look at big dealers within 100 miles that do consignments.

Also there is nothing wrong with craiglist cash or trade. Just ask enough questions so you don't waste your time.
just my 2

[korbe]

2 things: tough to get much as a trade. And I agree totally about having a second engine sitting around..

[Artum_Snowbird]

I did a google search for 2006 Monaco Knight and you should too. Then take the comparisons to your dealer and see what they say.

It seems from what I see they are into serious lowball offers, and you should take the time to try and sell it yourself, or consign it perhaps.

If you have to move on, then figure out what you need from it and get what you want now. They are a good make, and the depreciation is mostly gone. You might even begin to think that even though it costs to maintain, you pull a new fifth away and it drops 25% the first year, and it is hard to sell too.

[Hedgehog]

We plan on possibly putting the fifthwheel on a seasonal site and then towing it out for a vacation. As far as the truck goes, I was do for a upgrade within the year anyway. The only difference is I would be looking at a 3/4 or 1 ton instead of a half ton. I am just worry about all the stuff that's close to 10 years old that will start going wrong.

[gbopp]

I just want to add my 2 cents. I can't help you with the price or opinion on a 5th wheel.

We have a 96 Southwind and are planning to buy something newer.
My wife likes a motorhome and would not be happy in a towed unit.
I like the convenience of a motorhome, everything is available while traveling. No need to stop for her to get something from the fridge or use the toilet.

Maybe trading to a smaller gas Class A or Class C would be an option?
Yes, you still have the engine/driveline to maintain.

But, is your wife willing to give up the convenience?
Especially when you pull into a CG at night when it's raining or you're just tired. Level it and go to bed.
In a 5th wheel or TT you must leave your tow vehicle to get into the RV.

We'll stick with a Class A or C just for the convenience. And, we don't use ours as often as we want to, but it's worth it for us.
JMO.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[BB_TX]

If you google the model numbers of the 5ers you are looking at you will find dealers offering those new "stickered" $85k units offered for sale for any where from near that price to as low as around $60k. Find the lower priced ones, print them out, and take those to your dealer before talking trade.

[donn0128]

IMHO you will be disappointed with the fit and finish of either of those two compared to your Monaco with an 83K sticker either of those should sell for around 70 75K meaning dealer is offering you around 65K for your MH. Is that a good deal? Its your money, so you have to decide. When you add 65K for a dually truck your still into this over 70K.