Need buying tip

[uncledavey75]

Newbie here. I grew up RVing and I'm about to buy my first RV. We're getting a small fifth wheel and were about to do the final paperwork. And of course we're now at the point where the dealership wants to upsell me on everything. They're pitching a sealant ($900) that they say protects the exterior fiberglass and removes the need for a cover. It also includes a scotchguard for the furniture and carpet. In addition they're wanting to sell me a 6 year warranty ($2,600). Thoughts? Thanks for your advice.

[Redsky]

I would approach the dealer from the opposite direction. If they want you to buy the trailer then they should be willing to include the coating and the $10 in Scotchguard at no cost. While you are at it get them to include a LCD TV and include the batteries and an awning and any other extras.

Once a dealer or their salesperson has a live deal and they have already calculated their profit/commission, it is a good time to ask for free items. They are looking at a profit that is a lot larger than what they will lose out on by giving you something.

A $2600 warranty would tell me that the dealer has no confidence in the RV in the first place. I would guess that replacing the furnace electronics and the fridge and inverter would in total cost you less than $2600.

[campigloo]

Wax is cheap. Elbow grease even cheaper!

[rfryer]

uncledavey75 wrote:
I'd like to think I'm fairly capable of doing my own repairs. It's the electrical stuff that I wonder about. You know they always scare you with the line "a new fridge would cost you $$$". Realistically, does anyone really have any issues with their electrical systems?

Electrical problems are fairly common, they’re also fairly simple and cheap to fix. As far as the frig goes, the one in my 1989 TT went out two years ago. So while any mechanical gadget can fail prematurely, it may also last for decades. It depends whether you want to pay for peace of mind or to play the odds, which are in your favor. Another thought. I recently ran across an extensive article on extended warranties. In short, it said you shouldn’t buy a warranty that costs more than half the most expensive repair you could incur or the item. FWIW.

[Grit_dog]

So you will already have a 1-2 yr warranty? Don't buy the extended warranty or any of the other snake oil.
Especially if you are capable of repairing things after the warranty.
I'd expect all the major components to last quite a while or if they are defective will fail under warranty.
Sure you might get bit, small possibility, but if you think of all the $ you will save by not buying extra warranty or add ons with everything you buy over the years, you'll be money ahead.

[uncledavey75]

I'd like to think I'm fairly capable of doing my own repairs. It's the electrical stuff that I wonder about. You know they always scare you with the line "a new fridge would cost you $$$". Realistically, does anyone really have any issues with their electrical systems?

[beemerphile1]

I would laugh in their face and tell them to pound sand.

On the other hand I can do all my own repairs, how about you?

[2012Coleman]

What does the warranty cover? - Is it bumper to hitch? Ask if you could replace your dinette seat covers in 1.5 years when the seams start coming apart or the plastic license plate tabs that will continuously break. Or does it only cover appliances.

If you want scotch guard on the rug and furniture, just get the spray can stuff and DIY. That is what you will be paying for. Then again, that stuff is nonsense.

Protect the outside yourself by waxing 1 or 2 times a year.

[dspencer]

donn0128 wrote:
900 dollar sealant containe about 700 dollars pure profit for the dealer.
2600 dollar extended warrenty cost him maybe a thousand might be a good idea if your not handy or comfortable doing repairs on your trailer. But it is negotiable, so offer him a thousand for it, and plan to walk of he balks at your offer.

Actually that $900 sealant contains more like $850 pure profit for the dealer! 😉

[Vet_Man]

Most things I have found in the extended warranty are already covered by the manufacture, at least the big things. I would say NO

[Ron3rd]

uncledavey75 wrote:
Thanks for all the great advice everyone. Just to clarify...the extended warranty is through Good Sam. Not sure if that changes your thoughts.

GS is a pretty good company now that The Profit took over. You would just have to decide if it's worth it to you. You can also negotiate the price down too, so don't go for the first price offered.

[mlts22]

I'd stick the money you would pay for the warranty into a bank account and use it as a slush fund for repairs. Likely better off that way.

[dons2346]

The magic words are: no, no, and no

[uncledavey75]

Thanks for all the great advice everyone. Just to clarify...the extended warranty is through Good Sam. Not sure if that changes your thoughts.

[MitchF150]

Do you absolutely "need" that stuff? No. Can you apply or get that stuff later on? Yes.

I bought my first brand new truck a couple of months ago and they gave me a check list that I had to initial that I was explained these add ons and that I was knowingly rejecting them...

There was at least 6 or 7 of them..

If I find that I want something later on, I'll look into it.. 🙂

Just what works for me.. If it makes you feel better, get 'em now.. The dealer will LOVE YOU! 😉

Mitch