Commit to Purchase TT- What is expected?

[DTay2014]

We are thinking about driving to OH this weekend, from NC, to purchase a travel trailer.

Question: I'm sure we will be asked for a deposit before arriving and seeing this unit in person. From your experiences, what do you suggest that we commit to before actually inspecting the unit on site?

For example, should we avoid transferring any amount for a deposit before seeing it? Should we commit to purchase via email if the PDI and any fixes are completed to our satisfaction?

[APT]

Dealer will ask for a deposit. $500-1000 should be enough on a credit card, but verify refundability.

[goducks10]

popeyemth wrote:
What's the odds of someone buying a particular unit in the window the OP has before he arrives?
In this market, this time of year, with this weather?
A "holding deposit" or any deposit before the fact is ridiculous.
It's a marketing ploy to get one mentally and emotionally committed to the sale and to create a false sense of urgency.

Exactly.

When we traded in our last TT on our current 5'er from a dealer that was 300 miles away it was done over the phone with both units sight unseen. Never gave them a penny till we signed the papers after the PDI.

[WoodGlue]

I should probably clarify that I special ordered my TT, without graphics and other stuff. There was a deposit situation in my case because who are they going to sell a special order TT to if I decide I didn't like the wheel rims or something!

WoodGlue

[DTay2014]

@Terryallan:

Purchasing this trailer in NC is out of the question- it's not an option for several reasons.

Good news, we are actually getting another mailing address via our mail forwarding service (we will not be living in NC anymore- full time rving). Perhaps we can register the TT in the new state.

[fla-gypsy]

I wouldn't commit a penny before inspecting and very little afterward. There is no rule that states you must put down a deposit. Once you do, getting it back can be troublesome if you decide not to go through with it. If you are ordering a trailer to be made you will have to have a deposit and understandably. If you are concerned they will sell it from under you, then you decide what it is worth to hold. I would never commit more than $500 for a deposit, and would attempt to do much less.

[Terryallan]

IMOP and experience. Don't buy out of state. Getting all the paper work to get a NC tag is a great BIG Pain in the rear. Ask me how I know.

No matter how much you think you will save by getting it out of state. It's not worth the hassle you get at the DMV. And then there are the costs that you have to pay upfront at the DMV. Costs that are taken care of by a in state dealer.

Then there is the warranty. Good long ride back to OH to get a small problem fixed.
Is there not a dealer in NC that sells the same RV, or can order you one. It's had to think there is not.
Have you tried Tom Johnson, Bill Plemmins, Terril Camping, Bumgarners, Carolina Coach. Country Camping Corner, Sunlight, Even Statesville Camping World. In other words. There are a TON of reputable RV dealers in NC. All those I mentioned are near you. And some more in Gastonia, Mocksville, and Lexington You should be able to find the one you want.

I would advise you to look here first. It's way easier.

[tbred]

loulou57 wrote:
Since you are are driving quite a distance to go and see it, the dealer is wanting something to hold it, not sell it before you get there. I can understand that. You may get there and not like the unit but they may have lost a sale to someone else by saving it for you. They have not suggested yet that they even want a "holding fee". If they do it should be a small amount. Do not sign an offer to purchase agreement or give them a lge down payment without seeing it.

A holding fee and a down payment on a purchase are two different things.

Agree! We also purchased our tt from an out of state dealer in Ohio, all they asked for was a 500.00 deposit on a cc until we could get there to inspect, sign paperwork and drive it home. Nothing was signed in advance and our deposit was strictly to hold it for us, and they actually never even ran the cc.

A reputable dealer should be easy to deal with and require nothing signed/promised in advance.

[popeyemth]

.

[loulou57]

Since you are are driving quite a distance to go and see it, the dealer is wanting something to hold it, not sell it before you get there. I can understand that. You may get there and not like the unit but they may have lost a sale to someone else by saving it for you. They have not suggested yet that they even want a "holding fee". If they do it should be a small amount. Do not sign an offer to purchase agreement or give them a lge down payment without seeing it.

A holding fee and a down payment on a purchase are two different things.

[WoodGlue]

I was referring to Class A's and Class C's in my answer as to the amount of the deposit showing good faith, etc. The amount is less with a $30,000 TT or a $12,000 TT.

WoodGlue

[Jack_Diane_Free]

I would not deposit anything more than $500.00. When we purchased our 2012 Open Range Roamer, factory order, we only put $500.00 deposit on a $30k + trailer.

[AirForceAngler]

I don't know why they'd make you make a deposit before arriving. I wouldn't before looking at the trailer anyhow. We went to the RV show in St. Louis this year and saw a model we liked but that particular trailer was already sold. We did give a $500 deposit for them to order another one for us, but that was after we inspected on and liked the layout. When the trailer comes in and it's not everything we wanted, I"ll respectfully ask for my deposit back or some other deal. No way would I pay money for one I haven't seen yet and no reason anyone should have to. As popeye said, there are too many dealers and trailers out there for sale to have to do that. Don't let your emotions get too involved and get too excited about one particular trailer.

[On_the_Lam]

Assuming it's a dealership, the deposit should be refundable if the trailer does not substantially meet the overall condition/appearance as represented by the seller including model number, VIN, written description, pictures, etc. Make sure you can get your money back if the trailer isn't what they advertise it to be, or what you thought you were committing to.

[popeyemth]

.

[DTay2014]

@az350x:


Yes, we are buying a new trailer from a dealer (that seems to have a great reputation via online research). Thanks for the info.