Planned on buying new livin lite from a dealer in June, but found one used only "once" about three hours away. Have not viewed yet. Looks to be a 90% match to what we want, not perfect but we could live with it. Budget $16,000 to $20,000.How much can we expect a dealer to discount off the msrp? I think it was $26800.If this is used just once, a 2013 model, how much off msrp should we expect.Owner says credit union has loan and title, any advice on purchasing this if we want to do This? How to not be ripped off? My new Ridgeline is not broken in yet ,so I will use my dads F150 it bring this home or contract with a transport company to bring this to me. It weighs 2600 #, so the f150 probably cannot tow this on a bumper hitch, right?It also does not have a brake box. If it could tow this, would this be horribly unsafe without a brake box to get this home? The cable hookup on my ridgeline only controls lights, right? It is the aftermarket brake box that activates the rv brakes, right?Owner says the tanks have not even had water in them, can I verify this with a visual inspection?On a $20,000 item, how much savings would you want to "risk" a used rv?Any other advice for a first time buyer would be appreciated.Target rig is my new Honda ridgeline towing a 14db or 16db living lite.Many thanks.

Ok nobody else is brave enough. Nothing you listed sounds safe. Sorry. Bumper hitch is not even good enough to get you unstuck! And if your on the same road as my kids are driving I would not be happy. Use the right hitch and TV please. And get a brake controller please.

Cairn terrier wrote:Planned on buying new livin lite from a dealer in June, but found one used only "once" about three hours away. Have not viewed yet. Looks to be a 90% match to what we want, not perfect but we could live with it. Budget $16,000 to $20,000.How much can we expect a dealer to discount off the msrp? I think it was $26800.If this is used just once, a 2013 model, how much off msrp should we expect.Owner says credit union has loan and title, any advice on purchasing this if we want to do This? How to not be ripped off? New buyers typically can expect about 20-30% discount.My new Ridgeline is not broken in yet ,so I will use my dads F150 it bring this home or contract with a transport company to bring this to me. Broken in? 500 miles is considered broken in now days. It weighs 2600 #, so the f150 probably cannot tow this on a bumper hitch, right? My guess your talking dry weight? No one tow dry, so look at the trailers GVWR. My guess you will be very near or over the Ridgelines towing capacity.It also does not have a brake box. If it could tow this, would this be horribly unsafe without a brake box to get this home? The cable hookup on my ridgeline only controls lights, right? It is the aftermarket brake box that activates the rv brakes, right? Brake controllers are mandatory on any trailer over 2000 pounds in most states. There is no way I would consider towing that much weight without one connected and working.Owner says the tanks have not even had water in them, can I verify this with a visual inspection?NO!On a $20,000 item, how much savings would you want to "risk" a used rv?Any other advice for a first time buyer would be appreciated.Target rig is my new Honda ridgeline towing a 14db or 16db living lite.Many thanks.What is the Ridgelines towing rating per Honda? Remember that the towing rating is based on a stripped vehicle with a 1/4 tank of gas and one 150# driver. Everything above that reduces your real world towing rating. Since no one tows Dry, forget that number. Sadly it seems most brochures show only this number, and adds a cargo carry capacity number. So you really need to dig to find the trailers GVWR number. While you may never reach this number, if you use this as a guide line in matching your truck and trailer you will sure not be disappointed.Bottom line I think you would be far happier looking at a tent trailer for the Ridgeline.

Some bumpers are good to 5,000 lbs. Many states do not require brakes under 3,000 lbs. if your state and truck meet this then it should work. Many pop ups are towed on bumpers. Once loaded the trailer will go over 3,000 so be sure it is empty. As for towing once you are caming then the full hitch and brakes will be needed. Your truck will need more than a 4 prong wire fore the brake controller to work. Good luck.

How many miles on your Ridgeline? As a former Ridgeline owner, I say if it has more than 5k miles, get the brake controller installed, hook it up and bring it home without worrying. You aren't voiding the warranty. Just take it easy. Your ridgeline will be fine. For me, I was using 90% of low nada retail as a good indicator of private party value. Let's face it, not many people are in the market for such an expensive small trailer. Most people getting something that size are looking for something a lot less than the msrp on that rig. You may have a hard time negotiating on that one because the owner paid the high price without anything down and has hardly payed off any of the premium in one year. If so, he will soon find out he will have to pay in to get rid of it. If you opt to go new, there is usually a 20-30% mark up on new rvs. If you can find a wholesaler of that brand, get some quotes for a reference.

donn0128 wrote:Cairn terrier wrote:Planned on buying new livin lite from a dealer in June, but found one used only "once" about three hours away. Have not viewed yet. Looks to be a 90% match to what we want, not perfect but we could live with it. Budget $16,000 to $20,000.How much can we expect a dealer to discount off the msrp? I think it was $26800.If this is used just once, a 2013 model, how much off msrp should we expect.Owner says credit union has loan and title, any advice on purchasing this if we want to do This? How to not be ripped off? New buyers typically can expect about 20-30% discount.My new Ridgeline is not broken in yet ,so I will use my dads F150 it bring this home or contract with a transport company to bring this to me. Broken in? 500 miles is considered broken in now days. It weighs 2600 #, so the f150 probably cannot tow this on a bumper hitch, right? My guess your talking dry weight? No one tow dry, so look at the trailers GVWR. My guess you will be very near or over the Ridgelines towing capacity.It also does not have a brake box. If it could tow this, would this be horribly unsafe without a brake box to get this home? The cable hookup on my ridgeline only controls lights, right? It is the aftermarket brake box that activates the rv brakes, right? Brake controllers are mandatory on any trailer over 2000 pounds in most states. There is no way I would consider towing that much weight without one connected and working.Owner says the tanks have not even had water in them, can I verify this with a visual inspection?NO!On a $20,000 item, how much savings would you want to "risk" a used rv?Any other advice for a first time buyer would be appreciated.Target rig is my new Honda ridgeline towing a 14db or 16db living lite.Many thanks.What is the Ridgelines towing rating per Honda? Remember that the towing rating is based on a stripped vehicle with a 1/4 tank of gas and one 150# driver. Everything above that reduces your real world towing rating. Since no one tows Dry, forget that number. Sadly it seems most brochures show only this number, and adds a cargo carry capacity number. So you really need to dig to find the trailers GVWR number. While you may never reach this number, if you use this as a guide line in matching your truck and trailer you will sure not be disappointed.Bottom line I think you would be far happier looking at a tent trailer for the Ridgeline.The Ridgeline can handle a trailer like that no problem. I think max hitch weight is 500lbs. However, I think that Honda recommends not using a WD hitch for some reason. When I had one, I was looking for something less than 3000 lbs and with a hitch weight around 400lbs.

Help requested for first time rv trailer buyer | Good Sam Community

Cairn_terrier
Explorer
Mar 23, 2014
Lance is very nice, but still had some engineered wood on the inside. It was cut with CNC mills so that the cabinet face,for example, was one piece, and therefore not subject to being shaken loose. We saw an 18 and the smallest at 15 is the only one we would consider.

I have seen so many that are just pressboard, and poorly constructed that I have gone the opposite way with the aluminum framed livin lite with its "cold" industrial interior, which I think My designer wife can overcome.

We will most likely just "backpack" out of this thing, using our small stoves, and go minimalistic like n a backpack trip, except for the food

Finally read my ridgeline book and it advised against a weight distribution hitch. I ll post something about this in a day or so to get some ridgeline owners input.
Speedogomer
Explorer
Mar 23, 2014
Cairn terrier wrote:
Hey Brett, you and my wife have the same idea. Going to wash and put an excellent coat of wax on the Ridgeline today.

The used livin lite possible buy went away, so we will return and stick to our game plan of a June - September purchase, after we both retire in June for our current jobs.

Now back to educating myself more. I'll post another question in the travel trailer section and see if get mostly kind informative responses.

Thanks to a post recommending the Lance, we looked at one yesterday.

How did you like them? I always thought they were very interesting, but never was able to see one in person. They didn't have quite the features we wanted, but I always look twice when I see one. They're sharp units.
Cairn_terrier
Explorer
Mar 22, 2014
Hey Brett, you and my wife have the same idea. Going to wash and put an excellent coat of wax on the Ridgeline today.

The used livin lite possible buy went away, so we will return and stick to our game plan of a June - September purchase, after we both retire in June for our current jobs.

Now back to educating myself more. I'll post another question in the travel trailer section and see if get mostly kind informative responses.

Thanks to a post recommending the Lance, we looked at one yesterday.
Brett_K
Explorer
Mar 21, 2014
Another thought...it sounds like you need to get that new Ridgeline out to break it in. If the camper is a few hours away, i am sure running errands for a few days will get you over 600 miles quick. I think i hit that in my first few days after buying mine.
westend
Explorer
Mar 20, 2014
Cairn terrier wrote:
Thank you speedogomer. I was about to tell most people on this forum .... Well, to just keep their higher than anyone opinions. Are these the people I will be sharing campgrounds with. I might should reconsider this entire thing. Thanks again speedogomer. I appreciate your help and time.
Don't worry, those folks will all be in their rigs, on the internet, and not bothering you.:B

Depending on the weight of the Livinlite (nice choice, BTW) you may just wish to have it towed to your location. You will have your hands full with getting the new Ridgeline all prepared and figuring out what other essentials you'll need for camping and towing.

Maybe there's a sticky thread in the towing section of the Forum that has to do with towing, weights, hitches, etc.. If not, you should do some research so you know how everything works and will benefit your towing experience.

I think the backlash around towing and weight handling may be due to the number of new folks that are trying to pull pretty big weights with their grocery-getter or family SUV. Some of the posters don't like being told their choices are not good.
JJBIRISH
Explorer
Mar 20, 2014
STANDARD TOWING FEATURES of the Ridgeline...
• Integrated closed-box frame with unit-body construction
• Integrated class III trailer hitch
• 5,000-lb. towing capacity
• Trailer harness (RTS and RTL; RT and Sport are pre-wired for a trailer harness)
• Pre-wired for trailer brake controller
• Heavy-duty radiator with dual 160-watt fans
• Heavy-duty power-steering fluid cooler
• Heavy-duty automatic-transmission fluid cooler
• Power-assisted ventilated front disc/solid rear disc brakes

Towing requires the addition of the Honda accessory towing kit, trailer harness and hitch ball. Trailer harness standard on RTS and RTL models. Premium unleaded fuel recommended when towing. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

MSRP of 26800 new trailer should sell for just south of 19000 or 20000, and the same used 2013 trailer should be real close to 17000 +/-, IMO…
Speedogomer
Explorer
Mar 20, 2014
Cairn terrier wrote:
Thank you speedogomer. I was about to tell most people on this forum .... Well, to just keep their higher than anyone opinions. Are these the people I will be sharing campgrounds with. I might should reconsider this entire thing. Thanks again speedogomer. I appreciate your help and time.

This forum is what helped me make a decision on what trailer I wanted, so I'd like to repay the favor whenever I can.

I think sometimes this forum is very quick to judge, however in my experience every forum has "touchy" subjects. This forum seems to be touchy on tow vehicles. Some of it is warranted, and sometimes it's a little harsh.

I think you'll find the trailer that's right for you, but may take a while. An RV show can really help pick out models... It really helped me (I went to 2).

Btw, you may have to share a campground with me some day too. I'll have a cold beer waiting to prove we're not so bad.
Cairn_terrier
Explorer
Mar 20, 2014
Thank you speedogomer. I was about to tell most people on this forum .... Well, to just keep their higher than anyone opinions. Are these the people I will be sharing campgrounds with. I might should reconsider this entire thing. Thanks again speedogomer. I appreciate your help and time.
jimw606
Explorer
Mar 19, 2014
I towed my 2600# trailer 165 miles, without brakes, with an F150.
I took it easy, was on 55 mph roads and I stayed under that. The truck was stopping everything very well. I did however have a receiver hitch.
Just keep your distance and take it EASY.
The trailer is in my Sig.

I know a lot of our friends are going to disagree with me, but if you are on the road,and your trailer brakes quit, are you going to stop there, or tow on to a repair shop?
Montana_Mike
Explorer
Mar 19, 2014
Montana Mike wrote:
Ok nobody else is brave enough. Nothing you listed sounds safe. Sorry. Bumper hitch is not even good enough to get you unstuck! And if your on the same road as my kids are driving I would not be happy. Use the right hitch and TV please. And get a brake controller please.

Ok I apologize I spoke to soon. I still don't like bumper hitches guess I through my personal opinion in there. And I definitely feel safer driving with trailer brakes working for quick stops when somone does somthing stupid in front of you like my kids.

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