Is there any financial advantage for buying out of state

[scott936]

Here is Texas were so limited on Camper dealers that there is little to no competition so if I travel north would I find better pricing and tax advantage in a different state?

[HMS_Beagle]

jim1632 wrote:
The "service is important" idea for RVs is more an invention of the salesman than the service department in my experience.

I completely agree with this statement. The idea that service is important from the dealer (or even the manufacturer for that matter) also presupposes that they have the ability to fix whatever is wrong. That is certainly outside of my experience, though I suppose it might happen at the extraordinary service department.

[dadwolf2]

I've purchased two truck campers out of state and saved a bunch. Nevada doesn't require the truck camper to be registered.

[Rexsname]

No sales tax in Oregon. In Arizona a truck camper is considered cargo. Take the license plate off of the truck and screw it onto the camper. Done and done.

REX

[mike_kellie]

Kerry4951 is right. My new Host Mammoth purchased in oregon has the disclaimer in bold print on my contract. "FOB Oregon. Purchaser is responsible for all applicable taxes and registration fees". New signature coming soon-

[jimh406]

Be careful about using TCM as the source of the truth. There are several manufacturers who don't advertise there, and so they don't exist there. Furthermore, there are lots of used models of companies that no longer exist. Those manufacturers aren't going to be advertising at TCM either.

Cast a very wide net to find "all" that is available, and that will require you to do a lot of work on your own. This site has a comprehensive list of manufacturers but there might not be websites for those companies any more.

[jim1632]

I use Truck Camper Magazine (free on internet) as a source of model info. Most of the major producers are members of the Mag. There are also dealer-members that offer info about available models. RV Trader or other internet sources also have listing of available models.

Once you know what you want, then you can call the different dealers to get pricing. As to the service issue, I always plan to do the work myself because even my selling dealer has given me the "no appts for at least a month, even for simple stuff" response. Problems with A/c and applicances can be covered by RV repair shops, as most equipment warranty is covered by the equip manufacturer, not the camper manufacturer. Most of my problems occur on the road so I don't have access to the selling dealer anyway. The "service is important" idea for RVs is more an invention of the salesman than the service department in my experience.

If a local dealer can't come within $1000 or so of competing prices, you should plan to purchase elsewhere. Best way to negotiate is to find same model at another dealer with a discount price listed in the ad. Manufacturers are limiting dealer advertising so you may need to get an e-mail from dealer as source of evidence. Having something in writing before you travel!!

I am in VA. No registration is required for campers. Also no property tax.

Camping World has lots of outlets. I don't think prices are the same at all.

[jim1632]

I use Truck Camper Magazine (free on internet) as a source of model info. Most of the major producers are members of the Mag. There are also dealer-members that offer info about available models. RV Trader or other internet sources also have listing of available models.

Once you know what you want, then you can call the different dealers to get pricing. As to the service issue, I always plan to do the work myself because even my selling dealer has given me the "no appts for at least a month, even for simple stuff" response. Problems with A/c and applicances can be covered by RV repair shops, as most equipment warranty is covered by the equip manufacturer, not the camper manufacturer. Most of my problems occur on the road so I don't have access to the selling dealer anyway. The "service is important" idea for RVs is more an invention of the salesman than the service department in my experience.

If a local dealer can't come within $1000 or so of competing prices, you should plan to purchase elsewhere. Best way to negotiate is to find same model at another dealer with a discount price listed in the ad. Manufacturers are limiting dealer advertising so you may need to get an e-mail from dealer as source of evidence. Having something in writing before you travel!!

I am in VA. No registration is required for campers. Also no property tax.

Camping World has lots of outlets. I don't think prices are the same at all.

[kerry4951]

scott936 wrote:

kerry4951 wrote:

guidry wrote:
Do some states require you to DMV register a TC? It never hits the road, so why would you have to register it? Otherwise, buying out of state makes sense, depending on the sales tax. Rolling RVs, I get it it because sales tax is where you live and it has to be registered.

It all depends on the state when it comes to TCs. In Pa there is no registration with TCs so if you buy in a "no sales tax" state and bring it back into Pa you are not subject to pay sales tax. There are other states just like Pa. so its best to check with your state DMV.

Ok I look it up Oregon requires registration and title on a TC however since I'm a Texas resident would I have to register it in Oregon???

Texas has NO registration or title for TC, only wheeled vehicles

No you would not have to register it in Oregon. Just tell them you are a Texas resident. As a Texas resident you are not obligated to pay Oregon registration. You just saved not having to pay any sales tax..............win-win-win!!

[scott936]

kerry4951 wrote:

guidry wrote:
Do some states require you to DMV register a TC? It never hits the road, so why would you have to register it? Otherwise, buying out of state makes sense, depending on the sales tax. Rolling RVs, I get it it because sales tax is where you live and it has to be registered.

It all depends on the state when it comes to TCs. In Pa there is no registration with TCs so if you buy in a "no sales tax" state and bring it back into Pa you are not subject to pay sales tax. There are other states just like Pa. so its best to check with your state DMV.

Ok I look it up Oregon requires registration and title on a TC however since I'm a Texas resident would I have to register it in Oregon???

Texas has NO registration or title for TC, only wheeled vehicles

[K_Mac]

Here in N.Y. we are not required to register a TC with the D.M.V. Therfore buying out of state we save the sales tax. We also get to register our commercial trucks as passenger vehicles when you add a TC, cheaper tolls ,registration, and insurance.

[kerry4951]

guidry wrote:
Do some states require you to DMV register a TC? It never hits the road, so why would you have to register it? Otherwise, buying out of state makes sense, depending on the sales tax. Rolling RVs, I get it it because sales tax is where you live and it has to be registered.

It all depends on the state when it comes to TCs. In Pa there is no registration with TCs so if you buy in a "no sales tax" state and bring it back into Pa you are not subject to pay sales tax. There are other states just like Pa. so its best to check with your state DMV.

[guidry]

Do some states require you to DMV register a TC? It never hits the road, so why would you have to register it? Otherwise, buying out of state makes sense, depending on the sales tax. Rolling RVs, I get it it because sales tax is where you live and it has to be registered.

[kcmoedoe]

Texas will require sales tax to be paid when you register the vehicle. They will charge it on the actual sales price if it is from a dealer. If you purchase from an individual they will use a valuation chart to determine the value. That is to keep you and a seller from a wink wink, nod nod, paperwork showing the purchase price of a $100,000 rig as being $50.00. Your only advantage to an out of state purchase is if you can find the rig you want at a price that is better than what you can get in state, including the costs to go get it and bring it back. If it is a new rig you also need to be aware that buying from an out of state dealer may earn you a lot of ill will at your local dealer when it comes to service. Unlike car dealers, they are not required to perform warranty work on makes they sell. They will often, at best, put you at the end of the line or, at worst, not service your rig at all.

[jimh406]

In WA, you have to pay tax when you register, so no advantage. If your state doesn't require that tax, buying out of state could be an advantage.

[kerry4951]

Well, I love my Northwood product so I would more than likely go right to La Grande and buy from Thunder RV.
Another thing I will also save is the high shipping costs. This dealer is a few minutes from the Northwood factory so they dont charge for shipping since they are so close. I crunched the numbers and I estimate a savings of atleast $8K, maybe more, by taking the trip out west next time. When I bought my first TC in Pa. I paid around $4K just in sales tax and shipping. Its a no brainer for me because I will make a vacation out of it.