Buying a new travel trailer-first time buyer

Bfonner wrote:
Thank you for all your help!
We are pulling it with an SUV with a 5000lb towing capacity. The TT has a dry weight of 3455 lbs. Do you think it is ok?

The gross weight of the camper is more important than the dry weight.
The payload (cargo carrying capacity) is more important than towing capacity.
Make and model of the TV w/ engine and transmission will help.

Mike134 wrote:

A1ARealtorRick wrote:

LadyRVer wrote:
Add on's.... dealer prep fees, tag/title fees, sales tax, GAP insurance if you finance and choose it... someone already mentioned an Extended Warranty ... (think twice or 3 times!)

And, if you finance, certain lenders require GAP insurance.

If you need GAP insurance that tells you the camper is worth less than the loan amount.

Not necessarily. Small down payments will sometimes trigger the GAP insurance requirement. It covers the lender for the duration of the loan. In the event of a total loss, it reimburses the lender for the difference between the actual cash value of the unit and the balance owed on the loan. In the event of a total loss, it has nothing to do with the actual loan value at time of purchase.

Thank you for all your help!
We are pulling it with an SUV with a 5000lb towing capacity. The TT has a dry weight of 3455 lbs. Do you think it is ok?

Hi Bfonner,

I know you asked about price and how to negotiate. Don't feel like you have to rush in. Take your time and find something you are comfortable with. Learn from this community - you'll find a lot of information and opinions that can be helpful.

You may want to consider learning about how to do a walkthrough so you know if the camper you are looking at is a good one. Even with the same brand and model, there can be big differences in how well built each unit is.

At some dealerships, you may find multiples of the one you want. Before starting to negotiate price, do a thorough inspection of the actual unit you are interested in. Does it seem well made? Is the caulk where it should be? Is there rust on any parts?

Price is also not the only consideration. Does the salesperson you are dealing with seem decent. Will you get support after the sale? Some RV salespeople and dealers are actually good to work with. Rather than a specific percentage discount, consider working with your salesperson to get to a mutually agreeable deal.

I tried to capture some of our RV shopping lessons learned in: Seven RV Shopping Warning Signs


Hope that helps.

A1ARealtorRick wrote:

LadyRVer wrote:
Add on's.... dealer prep fees, tag/title fees, sales tax, GAP insurance if you finance and choose it... someone already mentioned an Extended Warranty ... (think twice or 3 times!)

And, if you finance, certain lenders require GAP insurance.

If you need GAP insurance that tells you the camper is worth less than the loan amount.

colliehauler wrote:

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Not sure if this is your first RV (not just first bunkhouse), but I strongly recommend you rent a trailer for a couple of weekends to see if the family really enjoys it.

This more then anything. Countless RV'S are bought and sold for a loss after people find this isn't their thing.

And they find it's to big or to small. We bought a used trailer that was one year old. To small for them perfect for us, plus we'd rented both trailers and Class C motorhomes so we knew what we liked.

Ya'll scared the OP away.

Absolutely get the out the door price. Do not get hung up on dealer prep fees, tax, etc. Do not discuss financing (if going that route) until you have the OTD price.
Start at least at 33% off their MSRP.
Have you considered a used unit?

Along with what others have offered. Look on RV trader Use the advanced search button and select the exact make model, and year you are looking at, and start comparing the deals.
Some dealers on there will add as much as $2500 in fee's and add ons such as transportation, Dealer prep, Walkthrough and administrative fees. Some small mom and pop dealers price theirs out the door with no BS fees. Those are usually clearly marked in their websites, and make comparing a little easier.
You will find a wide range of prices, so compare apples to apples and see what your dealer is actually offering.

LadyRVer wrote:
Add on's.... dealer prep fees, tag/title fees, sales tax, GAP insurance if you finance and choose it... someone already mentioned an Extended Warranty ... (think twice or 3 times!)

Thinking twice, or 3 times, might be a good overall idea, but some of the things you mention aren't really "add-ons". Tax/title fees and sales tax are unavoidable --- no choice --- unless you've found a way around them??. And, if you finance, certain lenders require GAP insurance. You can't paint the topic with such a wide brushstroke.