Shopping for a used TT. Experiences and Opinions

[Brockc]

My boys are grown up now and we don't have a need for a 34 foot bunkhouse anymore. Accordingly, we want to downsize to a used 19-24 foot TT.
I've had a couple of them over the years, but they have been 30 plus.

Any suggestions for older, used, smaller units? Brands, models, etc...

Appreciate any help.

Thanks

[Skibane]

Brockc wrote:
I see several responses saying sell now, due to a flooded market in the near future. Others say I should keep my unit now for the same reason.

Sell your existing one ASAP, while it's still (barely) a seller's market - and then wait a year or so to buy another one (when it'll be a buyer's market).

[Grit_dog]

Brockc wrote:
I see several responses saying sell now, due to a flooded market in the near future. Others say I should keep my unit now for the same reason.
It’s a 2013 Salem Hemisphere 34’ bunkhouse. Model 312QBUD.
I really haven’t looked into it’s current value but see others that are very similar in the $20-25 range.
What resource is best for determining RV values?
I see KBB and NADA, but am wondering g if there are others that are specific to the RV industry.
Thanks

Craigslist and other classifieds. KBB type values are of course based on something, but classified adds are based on what every sled currently thinks it’s worth. Which is on average slightly higher than actual. (Or should be.)

[supercub]

I looked at some new travel trailers the other day. What a bunch of junk. Talk about poor quality. Doors that fit at the bottom but were over lapping by an inch at the top. Doors that wouldn't latch because to much gap between the lock and the striker plate. Trim pulling loose, just really poor quality. I was just looking at floorplans, have no plan to buy new, especially after looking at the garbage that's out there. To much to choose from in the older used market.

[Brockc]

I see several responses saying sell now, due to a flooded market in the near future. Others say I should keep my unit now for the same reason.
It’s a 2013 Salem Hemisphere 34’ bunkhouse. Model 312QBUD.
I really haven’t looked into it’s current value but see others that are very similar in the $20-25 range.
What resource is best for determining RV values?
I see KBB and NADA, but am wondering g if there are others that are specific to the RV industry.
Thanks

[ReneeG]

Brockc wrote:
Thanks for the suggestions. I don't plan on buying anything built in recent years.
I could go as far back as the 90s as far as I'm concerned. I just want a quality unit that does not leak, has AC, and no issues with axles or wheels.
my price range could run from 5-$20,000. It just depends on what it is.

Our first RV back in 1999 was a used Kit Sportsmaster that was 5 years old. Never had a problem with it. I still see this brand around. Nash is also an older brand and a quality-made product for the older models.

[Skibane]

Brockc wrote:
I don't plan on buying anything built in recent years.

Build quality has gotten worse overall, but there are still a few brands cranking out solid products.

Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to buy an almost-new Escape, Bigfoot or Casita.

If money was no object, I'd also add Oliver to that list.

[Brockc]

Thanks for the suggestions. I don't plan on buying anything built in recent years.
I could go as far back as the 90s as far as I'm concerned. I just want a quality unit that does not leak, has AC, and no issues with axles or wheels.
my price range could run from 5-$20,000. It just depends on what it is.

[Bobmontana]

We just did this. Had a 40 foot 5th wheel that we bought new in 2014. Sold it for KBB full market value. Found the perfect little trailer on Craigslist. You have great buying power when you have cash. We bought a 2004 R Vision and really like it alot. Good build quality and super lightweight.

[Durb]

My experience is that buying used quality products (Airstream, Bigfoot, etc.) pays off. The ownership experience is better and the unit is easier to sell on the back end with less depreciation. I find the net cost of ownership is lower with a higher end product. These comments only work if your search yielded you a good, reasonably priced product.

I have to agree with the comment regarding a glut of inventory out there. People can't afford the fuel required for RVs and will need their funds for other necessities. One caveat; rents have gone up 50% in some areas maybe forcing people into trailers to live.

[Grit_dog]

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Do NOT buy from a dealer.

This....
And if not an immediate need and you have a camper that is not worth a ton and not really a big advantage to sell in a hot market, I'd wait too. Use what I got assuming it's depreciated out and not a big $ advantage to sell NOW.
I also believe, 2023 and 2024 will be buyers market.

[ReneeG]

PButler96 wrote:
I would not buy anything with a build date from 12-2019 until now. Covid played havoc with build quality which sucked to begin with and right now they are trying to push as much garbage out the factory door as possible before the sheet hits the fan, which they know is coming.

Agree.

[theoldwizard1]

Do NOT buy from a dealer.

[wanderingaimles]

If you are also selling your current one, try now, With fuel cost still rising, and a likely glut in the future, best off to move your unit now. As to brands, start with Grand Design, KZ, Jayco, Winnebago, and then the upper end units from Gulfstream and the rest. The four I mentioned seem to have loyal followings, indicating something must be right about them. (or at least less wrong)
West coast brands Arctic fox, Lance, ORV are hard to find on the east coast. And generally will draw a premium price if you do run across one.

[PButler96]

I would not buy anything with a build date from 12-2019 until now. Covid played havoc with build quality which sucked to begin with and right now they are trying to push as much garbage out the factory door as possible before the sheet hits the fan, which they know is coming.