Looking for used TT in $5000 range

[dnmccoy]

Im in central ohio and looking to buy our first TT for my wife and I to use occasionally through the year. We would like something under 25' and be able to sleep up to 6 or so. I have looked on Craigslist and RV trader, and am wondering if a budget of $5,000 for a used TT is out of line?

I was planning on going to our bank for a loan since private sales may get more bang for the buck, but it seems like dealers have better financing terms and options.

Any insight is appreciated

[dnmccoy]

Thanks all for the help. Just from perusing I think we should be able to fimd something in our budget. Now to educate myself on what to look for and what to stay away from

[ckclgs]

As far as the financing is concerned. Dealers tend to have several banks to choose from that specialize in RV financing. They tend to offer better terms and rates due to the bulk of business they provide. I know from selling my previous travel trailer for $5500 the rates were higher because it was under $10,000. I ended up steering my buyer to Check marketing who handles both dealer financing and private sales. They handled my new one also! They offered my buyer a better rate than his credit union could offer. I am sure there are a ton of factors involved, but they knew what they were talking about. You can contact them if you need any help or guidance. Charlie 812-786-6545 and Chris at 419-582-6000.

[Gsragtop]

This is what I can tell you, my wife and I looked on CL for weeks.. Called on a few and always found a reason not to see the unit.. We finally found one 3hrs away that sounded perfect. We asked all the right questions and even borrowed a truck for a friend to go get it. After looking it over, it was exactly as described but we were still disappointed and left it there., my point is cheap is expensive, sometimes it pays to spend a little more to get what you want (condition, flair plan, etc)

Best of luck !!

[myredracer]

A lot of owners don't do routine maintenance like checking exterior caulking and they let their TTs sit outside 365 days a year without a cover. Then if water gets in, it's the kiss of death for an RV. It may look nice and the price may be attractive but their could be serious damage lurking within the structure.

It might be wise to find an experienced tech at an independent RV repair shop and pay him/her to inspect one you are interested in. If you are new to RV-ing, there's a LOT of things to look at that you may never think of. As said, now is about the worst time to be looking for a unit, new or used.

If you want to use it "through the year" as in the winter, you'd be a lot better off finding a true 4-seasons TT that has upgraded insulation (more costly though). A "standard" TT can be flippin' cold even with the furnace going full-blast. And if you seal up a TT to try and keep heat in, you can end up with condensation that can cause serious damage unless you keep the roof vents and a couple of windows cracked open. A lot of newer TTs have enclosed and heated underbellies which helps but one that isn't enclosed and heated would be very hard to heat in the winter or even off-season.

[fla-gypsy]

All brands have their good and bad. Wait until fall for a better deal. $5k is very much doable for a nice used trailer. Plenty of junk trailers also available at that price. Buying from a private party will yield best results and price.

[Francesca_Knowl]

Frankly, I think you're getting into the market at the worst possible time of the year. Everybody wants a trailer right now, and those folks who've been hanging on to junk know that.

Best bang for the buck is when the season is over. If you want to make that five grand work as hard as it should, shop in the fall- lots of good deals on well maintained units that folks who've decided to move up or on don't want to store anymore.

[dnmccoy]

What are some good brands to steer towards?

[Artum_Snowbird]

Seriously, have a look at the section about first time RV'ing. There is so much great information there, and $5000 could get you a pretty nice TT, or a real bag of s--t almost just as easy.

When I sold mine, I sold it in prime season, and I had it loaded with water too. I showed the buyers that every single item in the unit worked, and the fridge and furnace were all ok, the hot water tank gave hot water, and the fans and lights all worked too. You have to be so careful, and even if you are not careful, and decide to trust someone.. it's still a big******shoot.

There is tons of good advice on the beginning RV forum, check lists and such. Enjoy the hunt, and you will have fun looking. Just don't jump at the first one, because almost everyone has already made that mistake.

Some seem newer, but are very poorly built with cardboard and foams, others are a lot older, show their age, but are built to last a lot longer yet. Know the brands before you shop for a floor plan, or even consider a unit. Always remember, you want to buy something that appeals to others for it's quality and features, because there is always a time when you want to sell it and move on.

Good luck!

[Golden_HVAC]

Hi,

Yes you should be able to find something in that price range.

Dealerships do have a longer and closer relationship with the banks and finance companies than a private buyer who probably only finances a car once every 3-4 years.

But also they tend to take in a RV for say $3,500 and mark it up to $5,000. Then the potential buyer might ask for a 20% reduction from $5,000 to only $4,000. To many of these deals, and they would not be able to pay the $2000 - $8,000 monthly rent on the property and would go out of business. So the mark up on each unit needs to be fairly high.

You can also ask private sellers for a reduction as well. 10% off is pretty common. You can also check with your local bank or credit union, tell them the RV you are looking at, and they will look up the bluebook and tell you the maximum loan value they will normally allow. That is normally the trade in value.

So a trailer that is worth about $10,000 might have 3 or more values. The maximum trade in value to a dealer trying to make a profit selling it would be about $7,500. That dealer will clean it up, then mark the price on it around $12,500. Then the customer will offer around $10,000 to actually buy it, and the dealer will say "I have to get $11,000" and the value goes from there.

The credit union might say the same trailer is going to have a maximum loan value around $8,000. They will loan anywhere from 70% to 90% of the maximum loan value, based on your credit rating and how reliable they think you will be in making the payments on time.

So don't be afraid to look at $7,500 units. You might be able to buy it for close to $5,000.

Fred.