Older well built or newer TT

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

If you had a choice of buying an older well built TT (Artic Fox, Lance etc...) or a newer (not new) TT with less quality for the same price what would you buy?

I'm getting ready to buy a "newer" TT (the one I have is 31 YO)and I'm dismayed at some of the junk I'm seeing. I'm going to be in the 15 to 20 grand range. Also going to be in the 28 to 30' range.

What would you do?

[marcsbigfoot20b]

Lantley wrote:

marcsbigfoot20b27 wrote:

rbpru wrote:
One must consider the rather rapid depreciation of a new TT.

From my experience the DW wanted several changes to the interior within the first year. Not easy to do when everything hides something else. Also, however, pleasing the changes might be for my DW, they only reduce the trade in value.

Since I bought the TT used and will eventually trade it in very used, the depreciation factor is of less importance.

Depreciation really sucks if you buy new.
My trailer new in 2000 was $46,000 with all available options.
Bought it used in excellent and condition with upgraded axles/wheels/brakes for $6500 in 2014.


But if you have the money and no repair type skills, then new may fit.

Was 46K MSRP. 14 years later how much more do you think it should be worth?

Thats the problem with used....its only worth what someone is willing to pay for an older TT with no warranty.
I have only seen one other like mine ever on the entire internet(not kidding). It was a 99 and no generator, asking $12,500.

[Lantley]

marcsbigfoot20b27 wrote:

rbpru wrote:
One must consider the rather rapid depreciation of a new TT.

From my experience the DW wanted several changes to the interior within the first year. Not easy to do when everything hides something else. Also, however, pleasing the changes might be for my DW, they only reduce the trade in value.

Since I bought the TT used and will eventually trade it in very used, the depreciation factor is of less importance.

Depreciation really sucks if you buy new.
My trailer new in 2000 was $46,000 with all available options.
Bought it used in excellent and condition with upgraded axles/wheels/brakes for $6500 in 2014.


But if you have the money and no repair type skills, then new may fit.

Was 46K MSRP. 14 years later how much more do you think it should be worth?

[marcsbigfoot20b]

rbpru wrote:
One must consider the rather rapid depreciation of a new TT.

From my experience the DW wanted several changes to the interior within the first year. Not easy to do when everything hides something else. Also, however, pleasing the changes might be for my DW, they only reduce the trade in value.

Since I bought the TT used and will eventually trade it in very used, the depreciation factor is of less importance.

Depreciation really sucks if you buy new.
My trailer new in 2000 was $46,000 with all available options.
Bought it used in excellent and condition with upgraded axles/wheels/brakes for $6500 in 2014.

But if you have the money and no repair type skills, then new may fit.

[rbpru]

One must consider the rather rapid depreciation of a new TT.

From my experience the DW wanted several changes to the interior within the first year. Not easy to do when everything hides something else. Also, however, pleasing the changes might be for my DW, they only reduce the trade in value.

Since I bought the TT used and will eventually trade it in very used, the depreciation factor is of less importance.

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

DutchmenSport wrote:
For some reason, these thoughts just don't "compute" for me.

A new camper will have problems for the first year or two. I understand that. So the good years are between year 2 and year 7ish. After 7 years, you sell it, or get rid of it, or whatever.

Along comes someone wanting to buy a "used" RV. They look at the used unit, (now 7 years 'ish' old) and now you face normal aging wear and tear repairs. I don't see the any difference between repairs in year 1 or year 7, except during year 1, warranty will foot the bill. After year 7 ... YOU foot the bill.

Um ... it just doesn't compute.

So, Buy new. After the first year, you'll get 6 years out of it trouble free, then sell it.

The answer for me is I don't want flush 40% or more of my money down the toilet.

I will take that 40% and go on vacation and buy fuel for my truck. Even if a few things go out I can buy a lot of stoves or water heaters or whatever for 20 grand!

[Lantley]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Auto leveling, quiet A/C with return ducting is just one of the features now standard on the newer units.
THere are bugs and kinks to be found in both new and used. There are gems and lemons both new and used.
I keep my RV's a long time. I prefer new simply because I want the full life expectancy. yes I want years 1-6 when things are new and maintenance is relatively minor. By year 7 things are worn and will need to be replaced and sured up.
By used just puts you farther down the life expectancy curve. I agree there is savings to be had on the used market however it is a trade off in how the unit is equipped. I factory ordered my unit to get the options I wanted and the colors I chose vs. what was available and the compromises involved.
I did not want to compromise on features colors etc.just to say I saved but now have someone else's choices.
There is well built and there is inferior but contrary to what many believe those qualities are not defined/determined by new or used.

[westend]

I had a couple of reasons for buying used---1)I wanted more insulation, better mechanicals, and a floor plan I liked. 2)I knew I wouldn't have the heart to tear apart a new trailer to accomplish #1. In retrospect, it was a very good decision as I accomplished #1,was able to hold initial cost to a minimum, and the result is a good towing trailer that should last me a long time. Total gut and restoration isn't for most folks but some of the vintage trailers were built when materials didn't need to be skimped on. That results in a better product, IMO.

[Vinman02]

I was recently in a similar situation and ended up buying a 2007 Nash that was in near mint condition (minor lower exterior damage that I was satisfied in how it was repaired)
We used it for 3 weekends of camping sonce we got it and the biggest issue so far is the bathroom door hinges squeak.
It will be heading on a cross Canada trip next month and the only thing I plan to do before leaving is repack the bearings and check the brakes.

After owning 2 new units I will take a lightly used, better built second hand unit every time now.

[colliehauler]

FrankShore wrote:
I'd always go with a Lance!

1) Formaldehyde free, none of the overwhelming stench form day 1 onwards
2) CAD designed, and the files are sent to one of their huge CNC Router, so every cut is exactly the same everytime. Lance uses a wood from Spain called Lite Ply, the same kind of wood you find in corporate jets
3) Lance doesn't weld their frames, they huckbolt which is superior.
4) Lance used Azdel in the wall, 2 layers of it - prevents delamination 99% of the tine'
5) Lances uses European Beauflor, sturdy as heck.
6) Lance uses Lamiluxe one the exterior on the RV, and a 12 year warranty on the TPO roof.
7) Lance offer a 2 year warranty on the (bumper to bumper)
😎 Lance uses more expensive PEX plumbing
9) Lance offers dovetailing on their drawers, etc

So my answer is Lance

I coudl go on, but clearly Lance is a upscale Travel Trailer

Two recent poster had major trouble with Lance campers and the company did not stand behind their product.

[FrankShore]

I'd always go with a Lance!

1) Formaldehyde free, none of the overwhelming stench form day 1 onwards
2) CAD designed, and the files are sent to one of their huge CNC Router, so every cut is exactly the same everytime. Lance uses a wood from Spain called Lite Ply, the same kind of wood you find in corporate jets
3) Lance doesn't weld their frames, they huckbolt which is superior.
4) Lance used Azdel in the wall, 2 layers of it - prevents delamination 99% of the tine'
5) Lances uses European Beauflor, sturdy as heck.
6) Lance uses Lamiluxe one the exterior on the RV, and a 12 year warranty on the TPO roof.
7) Lance offer a 2 year warranty on the (bumper to bumper)
😎 Lance uses more expensive PEX plumbing
9) Lance offers dovetailing on their drawers, etc

So my answer is Lance

I coudl go on, but clearly Lance is a upscale Travel Trailer

[normal_dave]

I believe Outdoors RV or Northwood (Artic Fox/Nash etc.) do stand out in terms of design, construction quality, and backing. Hard to find used.
Outdoors RV construction video

You've been around the industry a little while, and I agree it is frustrating in regards to construction quality. I participated in this thread on another forum, kind of long, but some of it answers your questions I think. This person ended up doing a fly and buy of a used Northwood Snow River, far exceeds quality of most travel trailers new.
1st Travel trailer, needs advice.

Speaking of quality, and a bargain on a used travel trailer, consider this road trip purchase:
2006 Mobile Scout 30FKS

2006 Mobile Scout/Titan LX brochure

Sunnybrook Titan LX was marketed as the Mobile Scout in the West/Southwest, identical trailers.

[BurbMan]

Look for Sunnybrooks made in the early 2000's, they were good quality trailers until about 2006 or so.

Good quality used is definitely the way to go in my book. We bought our TT new and I will never buy another new one. The depreciation is so bad that if you finance you are upside down until the day you pay it off.

Also, consider that some folks mod their RV in one way or another, maybe as simple as some coat hooks or a complete charging system upgrade with inverter and transfer switch like one of my projects. You need to keep a sharp eye for hack work. On the other end of the spectrum are folks that own a screwdriver and mo maintenance work has been done....

The used market includes a mix of trailers that were quality units when they were built, but that have been hacked up during mods or just plan neglected....and units that were cheaply built but have been well-modded by their owners to result in a better camper.

Fall and Spring are best times to look as folks upgrade at camping shows. The biggest issue with used is that there's a whole lot more to look at than a vehicle...so the pics you see may send you on a wild good chase for a unit that's not what it appears to be...not to discourage you, there are killer deals out there for those who find them.

[DutchmenSport]

For some reason, these thoughts just don't "compute" for me.

A new camper will have problems for the first year or two. I understand that. So the good years are between year 2 and year 7ish. After 7 years, you sell it, or get rid of it, or whatever.

Along comes someone wanting to buy a "used" RV. They look at the used unit, (now 7 years 'ish' old) and now you face normal aging wear and tear repairs. I don't see the any difference between repairs in year 1 or year 7, except during year 1, warranty will foot the bill. After year 7 ... YOU foot the bill.

Um ... it just doesn't compute.

So, Buy new. After the first year, you'll get 6 years out of it trouble free, then sell it.

[rockhillmanor]

When I was looking for my first TT I wanted to buy 'new'.

That said, after just one day of looking at the new I decided to buy 'used'.

I opened the door of the first new TT and almost ended up in the hospital from the smell of formaldehyde.

Thought well maybe its just that brand. So off to another dealer lot.

I opened the door of that one and the SAME overpowering smell. BTW I found Forest River Surveyor to be the absolute worst one.

That is all it took to decide to buy used. I was not going to be the one on a respirator for 2 years waiting for the smell to dissipate and/or my friends kids to have brain and lung damage!

And truth be told I changed my plans and bought a MH. No smell of formaldehyde in those. Just saying. :B