Thinkg of an Arctic Fox 990 - discount % off new?

[restlessways]

I'm tired of hauling the 5th wheel around. It's massive and it's become much too difficult to find good spots. When I purchased it 7 years ago I could stop by pretty much any RV park/resort on a whim and find a spot at a reasonable rate. Things are upside down now. Can't find any good spots without a reservation, and the prices have gotten nutty. Seems everyone and their mother has decided to buy an RV and hit the road. Such is life in an "everything bubble" of cheap credit, but I digress.

I don't enjoy boondocking with a 5th wheel, so I'm looking to get another truck camper so that I can just camp out wherever. I had a Lance 1030 before, loaded, which was an excellent camper. I bought it off the original owner who had taken very good care of it, stored inside. I thought I'd like another Lance so I went to check them out today. I was not impressed at all with the quality, especially given the price. The brand new 1062 I looked at had really cheap flooring that was already buckling. It was like fake wood vinyl sheet, but felt like rubber. Really junky. The fit and finish inside was very poor, and overall I was shocked at what I was seeing with a price tag of $54,000!

I checked out Arctic Fox, and the quality appeared much, much better. Unfortunately the used one locally had already been sold by the time I showed up to the dealer, and the new 990 was sold, too. I'd prefer to buy a 2-3 year old, gently used unit from a private party, but I am not seeing a lot right now. Further, the private party prices are more than the dealer on used, so I'm not sure what's going on there. I have used Nada guides to check values and the used market seems to be in lalaland right now. So, I'm thinking I may just buy new, which I've never done before.

What sort of discount can I expect to get on a brand new 2020 Arctic Fox 990?

[GeoBoy]

restlessways wrote:
I decided to contact Arctic Fox and am glad I did. They sent me the msrp and a build sheet with all the options and pricing, so I have all that I need.

Don’t forget to add freight, which is not discountable.

[TxGearhead]

You might check Facebook for a Arctic Fox for sale group. If you can't find a "For Sale" group maybe the Arctic Fox facebook group.
I've seen both groups for Bigfoot.
I would say be prepared to drive. I went from Houston to Maryland for my Bigfoot. Be prepared for what you are willing to pay. Sellers should expect to haggle some over their listed price.

[restlessways]

I decided to contact Arctic Fox and am glad I did. They sent me the msrp and a build sheet with all the options and pricing, so I have all that I need.

[av8rds]

restlessways wrote:
I thank you all for the responses. Can somebody answer my question as to how I find the actual msrp? Some of these dealers don't even list a for sale price. It just says "call for price." I don't even know what the msrp is, and the problem is that different campers have different options leading to a lot of confusion.

Dealers are pretty forthcoming with invoices. Just ask.

[restlessways]

I thank you all for the responses. Can somebody answer my question as to how I find the actual msrp? Some of these dealers don't even list a for sale price. It just says "call for price." I don't even know what the msrp is, and the problem is that different campers have different options leading to a lot of confusion.

[jaycocreek]

FireGuard wrote:
That’s a good fight to have. Throw in the towel and go buy a new 990.

Just for kicks and giggles,I typed in 35K in an RV loan estimator and was totally shocked at the payment amount and especially,the total interest paid....Dang...Not in my budget...The interest was like 15K...

[JimK-NY]

I also do not know how it goes in Limbo. I had great success in the NE buying a used TC from a dealer. The dealer sold it on consignment and the buyer paid for all the repairs to put the unit in like new condition. The TC was about 5 years old and hardly ever used. Even the original vent fan in the kitchen was grease free. Anyway I paid about half the new cost and got a unit in near perfect, new condition and the dealer threw in a one year warranty which I did not need to use.

[FireGuard]

That’s a good fight to have. Throw in the towel and go buy a new 990.

[jaycocreek]

FireGuard wrote:
I frequently check Craigslist and have noticed recently that there are many less TCs for sale than in the past.
I’m not sure if newer is better but I also wasn’t impressed with the new Lance campers. Especially with a $35k plus price tag.
I’m in the market for a small class C or leaning toward a DRW and larger TC.
My favorites are still the early Lance Max models like the 981 or 1181/1191 in the 2005-2011 year range. They were well built and had a lot of features. And the best thing is you can find them for as low as $12k up to $20k for a really nice one.
Same with the AF.

I agree with the older Lances vs the new,I look at CL every day in our area or within 200 miles at truck campers and affordable Class C's,if they exist..LOL..Most people are wanting gold for used RV's,dang near the new price.

I had a Class C that just would not hold up to the constant wash boardy dirt roads without breaking a seal in one or two trips so I went back to a TC(not built off the frame)..I didn't want a big one,just super stability for the off canter places I go hunting..The wife won out and we got a 9.6 ft older Lance..I have not had one issue with it since I bought it..

Our new neighbor moved here from Oregon with an AF-990 and the wife now wants more room than our lance has and the fights on..LOL

[av8rds]

I'd start at 25%-30 off invoice price. I'd go somewhere else if I couldnt get 20% off. Or in the case of my last EC 18% and a 170W solar installation valued at $7-800...got me into the 20% range.

[FireGuard]

I frequently check Craigslist and have noticed recently that there are many less TCs for sale than in the past.
I’m not sure if newer is better but I also wasn’t impressed with the new Lance campers. Especially with a $35k plus price tag.
I’m in the market for a small class C or leaning toward a DRW and larger TC.
My favorites are still the early Lance Max models like the 981 or 1181/1191 in the 2005-2011 year range. They were well built and had a lot of features. And the best thing is you can find them for as low as $12k up to $20k for a really nice one.
Same with the AF.

[Grit_dog]

Seen 2 **** near new 811s on Craigslist for $30k asking price. So new 990, $35k depending on options?

[restlessways]

I'm willing to buy anywhere from WA state down to central CA. Where do I find the msrp on these things? Unlike a vehicle, they don't post them. It's hard to negotiate.

I do see some dealers that list a "retail price" then an "our price." What is this "retail price?" Further, the best discount I'm seeing between the two is like 14%. Should I just start lowballing these guys or just ask for their best price?

[GeoBoy]

Look for at least 20% discount. We bought ours at Niemeyer’s In Albertville, MN. If your on the east coast look at Truck Camper Warehouse, NH and no sales tax.

[jimh406]

In the Northwest, the discounts are 20-25% or more. I’m not sure what they are in Limbo. 😄

Where are you looking to buy?

I don’t think there are too many deals for 2-3 year old Arctic Fox TCs. Most people keep them longer and the initial low price and the loan market means that many people will likely be upside down which is not good for getting low prices on used.