"Don't Buy New"

[Jayla]

I notice a lot of you say not to buy a brand new rv unit. I'm "assuming" this is because it takes a while to shake all the right-out-of-the-factory bugs out of it and locate all the problems associated with the newness. Today, however, I went on my first real shopping expedition for a fifth-wheeler and most of the warranties on brand new units are only for the first year. Wouldn't that be the wise time to buy - when stuff is still under warranty and you don't have to pay out of pocket for repairs? Thanks for your thoughts.

[Bobbo]

I always buy new. For everything. I don't want to risk buying someone else's problems. You have to wonder the REAL reason they are selling.

[NC_Roamer]

The Greyhawk is our first RV and we bought it new which is also how we buy other vehicles. We tend to buy new, maintain things properly and drive them a long time so the initial depreciation is not much of a factor.

For example, I rode my previous motorcycle for 25 years and my current one is an '07. The CR-V is an '02. Our newest vehicle is a 2012 Tacoma but it replaced a '98 Ford Ranger.

Heck, my wife and I were together in high school 45 years ago. That's another area where frequent turnover can be quite expensive. 🙂

[Terryallan]

jplante4 wrote:

Terryallan wrote:
Maybe, maybe not. On your second hand RV. How was the roof cared for?

No, but easily fixed for about $40

Was it properly waxed?

The clear coat was in good shape with the exception of the front cap and the mural on the back.

Did it come with new tires?

$2500 for 6 Yokohamas

Were the hubs greased regularly?

Had all the service records for 20 years. The first owner was OCD about Mx.

Were the tanks cleaned correctly after each use?

Came with a wand and the sensors are working, so I'd say yeah.

You get the idea. I paid $20k for the Sahara. There was some work to do, and if you can't do that yourself, then by all means, buy new. As a previous poster said, that just puts more inventory on my market.

Lets think. My roof, and all the roof top fittings are perfect, My paint is perfect, My tires are new. And I didn't pay 20K for a 20 year old RV.
As I said. It is all in what you want. I go camping to relax, not to work on the RV.

[Terryallan]

1

[APT]

NMDriver wrote:
The reason to buy used when you are first starting into RVing is you do not know what you really want in an RV.

You may find you like to move each day so a motorhome is a better choice than a 5er or you may like staying put for months at at time and so a 5er is a better option. Maybe you want to boonedock and need a generator or Toyhauler, or bunk house, or prefer resort camping and want a luxury unit with great graphics.

The point is that when you are starting you may think you know what you need or want but as time goes by you change your mind. Buying used to begin with allows you to try it without taking a big financial hit or being upside down on a loan and stuck with a unit that does not work well for your type of RVing.

This is why most people say buy used for the first time. It goes along with the buy your 2nd or 4th RV first. The depreciation in the first 3 years is significant compared to the next 10 years. There are a lot of options and floorplans that RVers need to learn for themselves what's best for them and how they camp. Until they gain some experience, what they think they know changes.

If keeping long term, the depreciation is not as important. We all think we'll keep our RV for 5+ years, but many people do not after they realize thew shortcomings of their first RV. If someone is financing 100% over 15 years and wants to change it within 7 years, it will cost some money out of pocket.

[tomman58]

We buy Jayco in Tawas Michigan and have had 3 new ones from them. The first thing is they come with a 2 year warranty. The other reason is we use our trailer for 6 months or more a year. We go and go.
If you plan to be like many and only use it for 2 weeks a year then it really doesn't matter as they should stay together that long.
We currently haul a 40' TT and have had little problems with it but it is large and we don't like 5th wheels. I am sure many here can tell you the 5ers to stay away from, listen to the people that use them not just own them.

[Vulcan_Rider]

Jayla wrote:
I notice a lot of you say not to buy a brand new rv unit. I'm "assuming" this is because it takes a while to shake all the right-out-of-the-factory bugs out of it and locate all the problems associated with the newness.

No I don't think that's the reason at all....since that would be covered under warranty....and used units have their own problems too, some of which might have been induced by the previous owner(s).

The real reason is: Depending on the market you are in, you take a HUGE hit on the value the minute you drive it off the lot. With some models and in some places, that can approach 30%.

IF you can pay cash up front, you might not care about that.
If you are taking out a loan, you probably SHOULD care about it....a lot.

[scbwr]

We've owned 3 popups and 2 travel trailers. We bought the first popup used. After that, we've purchased new units. Since we plan to keep an RV for 8-10 years, I prefer to buy new. But, if I would never rule out buying a used unit if it was a unit we really wanted.

There's no question that you can save buying used, so the decision depends on the purchaser's personal financial status. If I were looking to buy a much more expensive RV such as a motor home, I'd definitely look for a used unit due to financial considerations. And, it's why I bought a used truck....almost like new at a lot less cost.

Once again..."different jokes for different folks!"

[jplante4]

Terryallan wrote:
Maybe, maybe not. On your second hand RV. How was the roof cared for?

No, but easily fixed for about $40

Was it properly waxed?

The clear coat was in good shape with the exception of the front cap and the mural on the back.

Did it come with new tires?

$2500 for 6 Yokohamas

Were the hubs greased regularly?

Had all the service records for 20 years. The first owner was OCD about Mx.

Were the tanks cleaned correctly after each use?

Came with a wand and the sensors are working, so I'd say yeah.

You get the idea. I paid $20k for the Sahara. There was some work to do, and if you can't do that yourself, then by all means, buy new. As a previous poster said, that just puts more inventory on my market.

[Golden_HVAC]

Look at the trailers on a day that is raining! My buddy did this once, and found that about 1 in 6 had leaks! Many where locked up, I guess because the dealership already knew about the leaks? However this was back in the 80's and now most manufactures have a rain test, where each unit is put through a paint booth looking structure, with water sprinklers all around it, collecting and re-spraying the water on the top, sides and under the RV looking for leaks.

Yes they will work out all the water leaks when the unit is 1-4 years old, but on older units, look for water leaks and stains on the ceilings, indicating the current owner did not seal up the sidewall seams very well. . . .

Some owners go over the entire RV with Eternabond, a tape that is waterproof, and very stick, so they will not have to deal with seam leaks again.

Good luck finding something!

Fred.

[Farmhawk]

We buy new, we look for year old never used rigs. if you pay attention you can get some really good deals. Our last fifth wheel was a year old and got it for 22,000 under the dealer price. We just took delivery of our new 5th wheel this week and again knowing what prices to look for, we picked up a 2016 5th wheel for the same price as a new 2014. So deals are out there on news rigs that erase the steep deprecation of new rigs.

[poppin_fresh]

I think a lot of it has to do with the market you are in.

Around here (for some reason), used 2010-ish trailers are being offered at prices within $2k of a brand new unit. Why would I even consider paying $19k for a 6 year old trailer I could buy new for $21k?

[Terryallan]

IAMICHABOD wrote:

Terryallan wrote:

Buying used. you never know HOW it was treated, and abused. On your second hand RV. How was the roof cared for? Was it properly waxed? Did it come with new tires? Were the hubs greased regularly? Were the tanks cleaned correctly after each use? Is the interior in perfect condition? Meaning NO loose threads, no worn fabric, all blinds, and shades in new condition? Is the plastic still on the front of the microwave, and TV? Was it ever cooked in? are there any scratches on the exterior, and dull spots, is the top clean, and white, are the decales in new condition? No cracks, no peeling? Were there any scratches, or stains in the storage areas, or pass thrus? Any rust on the tongue, or bumper? None on mine. Did you have to sanitize your plumbing? I didn't

And then there is the smell. How does it smell? A little musty maybe? All, or most all used campers / RVs / TTs / 5ers, smell a little musty, have that closed up smell. My new one smells .. Well new. No musty smell, only the new smell.

Next thing to question. how often do you buy?

I asked myself these same questions,when I wanted to get into my next RV.For the price I would prefer used. I found some of the problems that you describe in that market.

Until I found This
All those misconceptions and myths were just that,innuendo and opinions with no basis in fact.

There are many of us that found that out and are extremely happy with our choice.

As always there is a choice, but be well informed when making that choice. Most of the time you will get good information on this forum at other times you will get what other people think you should do or have.

All used RVs will have "some" wear. It is just the nature of a used vehicle, or anything used. and that is fine, If a person are Ok with it. I just like new. New is a wonderful thing. IMOP. Nothing like that new smell.

As I said. If it is going to have a scratch. It is going to be me that scratches it. However if used is what some want. That is good as well. Some one has to buy it when we are done with it. And who ever gets my stuff. Gets a well taken care of TT, that will look like new. But it will more than likely be 9 or 10 years old.

BTW. I like new cars too. I grew up have everything second hand. Now I don't have to. so I buy new. Although I can't afford a new truck. So I'll stay with my 12 year old truck, that also looks like new, and runs like new.

[lj2654]

Buying new is great if you have to have new! I purchased used as I got a higher end MH for the money I had to buy outright. If I had bought new I would have to finance and didn't want the monthly payment.

With payments running from $500- $1000 monthly I figured I would put at least $500 monthly away to fix problems on buying used. In three years it has worked out ok with the money I put away each month except for the 6 new tires I had to buy right away, but they were already 9 years old and a time bomb to me for safety.

My decision made me happy, I would like to buy new but doubt that it will happen.

[Jayla]

You guys are great! There are so many good ideas on this thread to think about. The issue of depreciation had never even occurred to me and I am usually a stickler about that kind of thing (although I have bought some things new without worrying about depreciation). So many other things to think about as well. Thank you all.