How much wiggle room on a new trailer?

[Glowrdr]

First all, I'll say Good Afternoon everyone! Been lurking around here for quite some time, and figured it was time to register. I almost but the bullet and picked up my first trailer this past Saturday, but I wanted to do a little more research to make sure I'm getting the right one for us.

My main question being - What can one expect to negotiate off of a price? i.e. We are looking at a (new) trailer that's $29k, on sale for 22.5. Should I expect to do better on that? Or is that a reasonable price? I've read enough to know that if I can't get at least 25-30% off, I'm a sucker. But what can I offer without getting laughed off the lot? Is 40% asking too much?

We are looking between 2 styles. I don't have the models handy, but both are very similar. Once is a 21 ft Jayco, rear living with a murphy bed, single slide. Tons of room, since its basically a one room trailer with a 3/4 bath. The other is a 24 ft StarCraft(?) that has the "traditional" rear living > bathroom > bedroom setup. Its a little more closed off because of the bathroom in the middle, not the front - but it has tons more storage with the under-bed option. (I think the wife and I have a difference in opinion when it comes to how much stuff you actually need to store - I think the more room the better)

Thanks in advance - hoping to pull the trigger in the next week or two for sure!

[Glowrdr]

darsben1 wrote:
I found a checklist
http://www.angelfire.com/trek/buenavistas/

Thanks for all of the info! I found another checklist over at another RV site, but these are a little more cut and dry. I've been printing out a lot of information, and plan on keeping a 3 ring binder for trailer related stuff.

Until we're a little more 'seasoned' - little stuff like this helps a lot.

[98coachman]

Congrats, it sounds like you found a nice unit! Hope it works out fine, I'm sure it will. We expect pictures when you get it home.
Happy camping,
Bill

[Community Alumni]

The pre-delivery checklist in the link above is a pretty good list. I've used it before and it works very well. It's very thorough and takes a couple of hours to complete. Our most recent unit was a factory order, so we modified the list to include items that were specific to the trailer. The dealer already knew we were going to come in and do a detailed inspection so they had it hooked up and ready to test in the shop when we arrived. It's nice to have the dealer help because they can show quickly show where things are or explain how they work. Don't take their word for it when they say, "Oh, we already checked that for you." You really need to put your own eyes on it. Darsben1 is right. Things get fixed without hassle and quicker before you sign.

[darsben1]

I found a checklist
http://www.angelfire.com/trek/buenavistas/

[darsben1]

Glowrdr wrote:

darsben1 wrote:


YOU ARE doing your own inspection before delivery aren't you?
You got to make sure everything works BEFORE YOU PAY.
BECAUSE THE SALE is almost certainly AS IS when you take it from the lot.
When you get there the fridge should be on and cold. Do not take "OH we just plugged it in for an answer" If the fridge is broke that could be a $1000 or more item.
Water tank should have water in it and hot water heater should be made to come on and produce hot water.
Roof need to be checked by you for rips, tears etc. DO NOT TRUST THE DEALER.
Awning needs to be unfurled and checked and then put way.
Other items need to be checked but I cannot find the online checklist perhaps someone will post it.

I believe I have heard of people referencing the checklist, so I will try to locate that. But, I have an appointment this Friday for my "orientation" or whatever you want to call it. They are supposed to go over everything with me then. But I do agree, that I should probably make it my own responsibility to check everything over beforehand before I give them the check. They currently only have a $200 deposit, I have the check still.

Once you give them the check you will stand in line for an needed repairs. If you force repairs before you pay you will be amazed at how fast you go to the front of the line

[Glowrdr]

darsben1 wrote:


YOU ARE doing your own inspection before delivery aren't you?
You got to make sure everything works BEFORE YOU PAY.
BECAUSE THE SALE is almost certainly AS IS when you take it from the lot.
When you get there the fridge should be on and cold. Do not take "OH we just plugged it in for an answer" If the fridge is broke that could be a $1000 or more item.
Water tank should have water in it and hot water heater should be made to come on and produce hot water.
Roof need to be checked by you for rips, tears etc. DO NOT TRUST THE DEALER.
Awning needs to be unfurled and checked and then put way.
Other items need to be checked but I cannot find the online checklist perhaps someone will post it.

I believe I have heard of people referencing the checklist, so I will try to locate that. But, I have an appointment this Friday for my "orientation" or whatever you want to call it. They are supposed to go over everything with me then. But I do agree, that I should probably make it my own responsibility to check everything over beforehand before I give them the check. They currently only have a $200 deposit, I have the check still.

[snowedin]

There is a website showing the dealer cost, just go to www.seedealercost.com Then you have to add freight or delivery costs to that as well as batteries or anything the dealer adds to the unit after they get it.

[darsben1]

Glowrdr wrote:
Thanks for the information and advice everyone! The wife and I 'thought' we had found the one. Went Wednesday night, checked out a few, and put a deposit down. She found another, and we decided to go and look at it. Well, we pulled the trigger and bought it last night. They still have to do the PDI, but I should pick it up next Friday.

Its a 2010 Dutchmen 24RB-SL. Its a little older than we were anticipating, but you know what? We don't really mind. This is our first trailer, so it will allow us time to consider what we like, and what we don't for the next one. Was a heck of a deal (to me at least - and that's what counts!). Under $9k, mint condition, and it came with everything we need. It was actually on consignment at the dealer - and the owners upgraded to a 5'er. So we ended up with all sorts of extras. Wire racks, shelves, drawer organizers, totes, extension cords, hoses, extra parts of some sort, wheel chocks - all of it! Even had a WD hitch included.

Very excited to pick it up and start living the RV life. Getting too old for this tenting stuff! Thanks again for all of the insite, and I will definitely be a regular around here. Lots to learn I imagine, and I'm sure you all have a thing or two that I could learn from.

YOU ARE doing your own inspection before delivery aren't you?
You got to make sure everything works BEFORE YOU PAY.
BECAUSE THE SALE is almost certainly AS IS when you take it from the lot.
When you get there the fridge should be on and cold. Do not take "OH we just plugged it in for an answer" If the fridge is broke that could be a $1000 or more item.
Water tank should have water in it and hot water heater should be made to come on and produce hot water.
Roof need to be checked by you for rips, tears etc. DO NOT TRUST THE DEALER.
Awning needs to be unfurled and checked and then put way.
Other items need to be checked but I cannot find the online checklist perhaps someone will post it.

[Glowrdr]

Thanks for the information and advice everyone! The wife and I 'thought' we had found the one. Went Wednesday night, checked out a few, and put a deposit down. She found another, and we decided to go and look at it. Well, we pulled the trigger and bought it last night. They still have to do the PDI, but I should pick it up next Friday.

Its a 2010 Dutchmen 24RB-SL. Its a little older than we were anticipating, but you know what? We don't really mind. This is our first trailer, so it will allow us time to consider what we like, and what we don't for the next one. Was a heck of a deal (to me at least - and that's what counts!). Under $9k, mint condition, and it came with everything we need. It was actually on consignment at the dealer - and the owners upgraded to a 5'er. So we ended up with all sorts of extras. Wire racks, shelves, drawer organizers, totes, extension cords, hoses, extra parts of some sort, wheel chocks - all of it! Even had a WD hitch included.

Very excited to pick it up and start living the RV life. Getting too old for this tenting stuff! Thanks again for all of the insite, and I will definitely be a regular around here. Lots to learn I imagine, and I'm sure you all have a thing or two that I could learn from.

[darsben1]

WNYBob wrote:
I bought a used car that way once, I even got a bank check made out to the dealer. Needless to say I walked out with the keys, sales managers have sticky finger when it comes to cash.

Bought 2 new cars from the HUGE man this way

[NanciL]

What we did.
We recently bought a brand new 37 footer.

We were not going to buy for another year, but we just happened to find a trailer that had the exact layout that we wanted.
After getting the dealers "bottom price" we sat down that night and decided what our high end would be and if we couldn't get it for that we would just walk.
The next day we went back and offered 5K below his "bottom price".
He countered with 1K below his "bottom price". We countered with 1K above our first offer which was 1K below his last offer.
He said that was as low as he would go.
We thank him and said that was a tad too high and walked out the door. Before we got to our truck he came running out and said Ok.

The final out door price was $500 lower then the price our goal was, and we are happy owners of our new trailer.

I think the key is to have a reasonable figure as to what you want to pay, and make up your mind that you are not going any higher.
Then stick with it and what ever the outcome, you are a winner.

We bought our last two new vehicles the same way.

Jack L

[WNYBob]

I bought a used car that way once, I even got a bank check made out to the dealer. Needless to say I walked out with the keys, sales managers have sticky finger when it comes to cash.

[Sinton4616]

darsben1 wrote:

I agree you should be looking at an out the door price. NO ADD ONS.
dealers like to add stuff on after you negotiate a price
I agree with midnightsadie in that if they will agree too $20000 out the door no add ons you are doing okay. I would not hesitate to go back to the dealer with your name, phone number and address on a 3x5 card. Hand your card to the salesman and say the following words.
" I want to purchase this trailer I am prepared to pay $20,000 dollars total for the trailer that means the final bottom line price including tax,title, registration, PDI and any other fees you can dream up are included in the $20,000. Go talk to whoever you need to and let me know I will be waiting right here. If you come back with anything other than YES I will be walking out the door. My offer is a no dicker offer and I am not prepared to spend anymore than I have offered."
If he comes back with a yes you are good to go unless you need financing from the dealer. Get your own financing if needed.
Your words to the dealer will be 'I have obtained my own financing from __________ at an APR of _______ for _____ months if you can beat that I will finance through you."
If he comes back with a counter listen politely and state " I told you I would not dicker you have my particulars if you decide you want to sell the rig give me a call..

Then walk out the door. If your offer is reasonable ( and I think you are in the ballpark at $20,0000) they will call you.

Good advice there. It's mid-year and most folks that were looking for a camper have already purchased.

I'm holding out till Sep or Oct before I go shopping due to the extended camping season in South Texas. Taking the chance the 2016 models will be gone, but if the deal isn't to my liking, I can walk away. Betting there will be a follow up call mid Nov when sales are really slow.

[darsben1]

midnightsadie wrote:
on sale at 22k offer 20k out the door. thats tax title prep and any thing else they dream up.not a penny more ,start walking ,they should call you soon. if not they loose. its getting to the end of the yr 2017 are showing up.

I agree you should be looking at an out the door price. NO ADD ONS.
dealers like to add stuff on after you negotiate a price
I agree with midnightsadie in that if they will agree too $20000 out the door no add ons you are doing okay. I would not hesitate to go back to the dealer with your name, phone number and address on a 3x5 card. Hand your card to the salesman and say the following words.
" I want to purchase this trailer I am prepared to pay $20,000 dollars total for the trailer that means the final bottom line price including tax,title, registration, PDI and any other fees you can dream up are included in the $20,000. Go talk to whoever you need to and let me know I will be waiting right here. If you come back with anything other than YES I will be walking out the door. My offer is a no dicker offer and I am not prepared to spend anymore than I have offered."
If he comes back with a yes you are good to go unless you need financing from the dealer. Get your own financing if needed.
Your words to the dealer will be 'I have obtained my own financing from __________ at an APR of _______ for _____ months if you can beat that I will finance through you."
If he comes back with a counter listen politely and state " I told you I would not dicker you have my particulars if you decide you want to sell the rig give me a call..

Then walk out the door. If your offer is reasonable ( and I think you are in the ballpark at $20,0000) they will call you.