Unique Usage -- Looking to Buy

[abimarye]

Good evening,

New to the forums.... so thanks in advance to everyone.

I'm an insurance adjuster who travels 200 plus days out of the year that recently did the math and figured out how much she can save with a trailer rather than hotels. Looking to buy a small trailer and saw one I really liked today, a Jayco 2016 White Hawk 23MRB. I"ll be in this thing for a majority of my year, and am looking for a solid investment. I know a lot of people have concerns about ALL types and brands, but is there anything in particular I should be aware of? What are comparable models to this for me to look into? A lot of the advice I've read so far is the dealer is more important than the brand, but since I travel so much all over the nation, I really have to be hopeful that I would find help wherever I might find myself.


Really, any and all insight is helpful. My dad and I just want to make sure I make the best possible decision I can make before dropping 20k+ and we just know so little...

[abimarye]

darsben1 wrote:
I see you are haggling. BAd move please reread my post.
You cannot successfully haggle with a dealer. The deck is stacked.
And again what are you going to do about a hitch? Trust the dealer to install the correct one?? Risky!

By Haggle I mean - I basically used your method and got the price I wanted if I want to move forward with the Grand Design. Thanks!

[webwrangler]

abimarye wrote:
How long does it take you all to set up/hook up/break down? Is an equalizer hitch a good choice?

My wife and I can set up and unhook in about 45 minutes or less. About the same to hook up and be ready to go. Once you've done it a few times, it's not that big of a deal. Of course, we're not staying in it for weeks at a time most trips.

The Equalizer brand is a great choice. If the TT you've chosen has a power tongue jack, the Equalizer will be easy to hook up and unhook. Be aware that to easily hook up with the Equalizer, you'll need to first get the ball and coupler latched, then raise up the tongue and the rear of your truck several inches in order to get the weight distribution bars onto their brackets.

[Gdetrailer]

abimarye wrote:

DownTheAvenue wrote:
Read Jayco's warranty, and you will discover it will be voided for people using the RV full time like you will be doing.

This is the best advice ever. Thank you.

I really appreciate the responses. Turning a closer eye to the Grand Designs models and checking them out now.

I AM going to rule out buying used... I think that having a manufacturer warranty with reasonable expectations is definitely going to give me some piece of mind. While understanding the value of the unit it going to drop drastically, I'll be putting so much use into the unit that I need to make sure that if there was an issue that could possibly be covered under a warranty that I have it to fix it.


I did go speak with someone today about the Grand Designs imagine 2150 and whoever suggested that model, it was a really, really great fit. Seems like the interior has someone superior building materials, and I was able to negotiate from MSRP of 32,999 *approx, I don't have paperwork in front of me*, to $24,310. I read their warranty word for word, no exclusions for someone who is looking at it for a semi-permanent residence.




For those concerned about my business choice in purchasing one of these, I can assure you I've thought long and hard and considered all of the financial aspects of the benefits/cons to both continually staying in hotels vs traveling with a camper. After talking with several people in my industry, there are just too many pros that outweigh the cons.



Please keep the advice on units/haggling/etc coming, they truly are helping-- it's how you helped me get a Grand Designs into an ideal price range for me. How long does it take you all to set up/hook up/break down? Is an equalizer hitch a good choice?

Do what you want..

But you do need to consider in most cases you are taking a risk that the manufacturer could void the warranty.. That would mean that every repair cost will be your burden making an already expensive depreciating asset a even bigger hole in the ground that you simply dump money into.

Even IF you manage to get warranty approval, you WILL lose the use of your "home".. The warranty work is done at a authorized dealer.. Very few dealers will allow anyone to live in their dealer lot (that darn "liability thing").. That would mean you would have to find alternate living quarters while repairs are done..

Often times repairs may take weeks or even months due to dealer's service department work load and or parts..

Once in a while some folks end up having to have their RV hauled back the factory.. This happens when repairs are not able to be done at a dealer (like replacing a side wall or other major parts)..

Buying new and having a warranty does not assure you that it will get fixed right the first time or in a timely manor.

But hey, what do I know? I have only been messing around with RVs for 16 years now..

Often times folks mix up RVs with saving money, not realizing the pitfalls that can be a rather expensive mistake.. Once you sign the papers, you HAVE lost money.. And that is before you even take it off the lot.

Buyers remorse in this game can be one heck of a financial loss.

If you have never towed before, you will have a huge learning curve in front of you..

[pianotuna]

I strongly suggest you rent for one trip.

[darsben1]

I see you are haggling. BAd move please reread my post.
You cannot successfully haggle with a dealer. The deck is stacked.
And again what are you going to do about a hitch? Trust the dealer to install the correct one?? Risky!

[abimarye]

wanderingbob wrote:
Abimarye ,
For over thirty years I also worked on a CAT team , mostly auto . Names you have probably heard of , Sadisco , Manheim ,Total Resource and several more .
I traveled in an RV and parked at police and Red Cross yards for a day or two and then switch to the salvage yards . For Katrina we worked out of Mobile cause there were no services in N.O. for many weeks . After the big storm in Miami we made a compound by stacking autos three high . Hugo I was in Puerto Rico and the V.I.

I was staff for Isaac and Sandy, worked Joaquin remnants in the Carolinas last year.

Do you have any advice specific to what we do? I didn't want to take the time to explain every bit since it's complex, but I really would value your insight. I've talked with several other prop cat adjusters who have gone this same route and love it.

[abimarye]

DownTheAvenue wrote:
Read Jayco's warranty, and you will discover it will be voided for people using the RV full time like you will be doing.

This is the best advice ever. Thank you.

I really appreciate the responses. Turning a closer eye to the Grand Designs models and checking them out now.

I AM going to rule out buying used... I think that having a manufacturer warranty with reasonable expectations is definitely going to give me some piece of mind. While understanding the value of the unit it going to drop drastically, I'll be putting so much use into the unit that I need to make sure that if there was an issue that could possibly be covered under a warranty that I have it to fix it.


I did go speak with someone today about the Grand Designs imagine 2150 and whoever suggested that model, it was a really, really great fit. Seems like the interior has someone superior building materials, and I was able to negotiate from MSRP of 32,999 *approx, I don't have paperwork in front of me*, to $24,310. I read their warranty word for word, no exclusions for someone who is looking at it for a semi-permanent residence.




For those concerned about my business choice in purchasing one of these, I can assure you I've thought long and hard and considered all of the financial aspects of the benefits/cons to both continually staying in hotels vs traveling with a camper. After talking with several people in my industry, there are just too many pros that outweigh the cons.



Please keep the advice on units/haggling/etc coming, they truly are helping-- it's how you helped me get a Grand Designs into an ideal price range for me. How long does it take you all to set up/hook up/break down? Is an equalizer hitch a good choice?

[pianotuna]

Thanks Gdetrailer,

The mods did take a bit of time and thought. I agree with a lot of what you suggest.

I know lots of folks come here for the first time with stars in their eyes--and fulltiming is not necessarily cheaper than hotels. I boondock as much as I can but sometimes the siren song of a hotel draws me in.

Gdetrailer wrote:
pianotuna,

My hat is off to you being able to live and deal with living in a RV full time AND in the much colder Canada too boot.

What the OP may not understand is YOUR RV has been ultra modified to specifically handle cold weather camping.. Those mods are not cheap and took a lot of thought and time in making them.

Camping is not for everyone and living, working and camping can make a difficult situation even harder.

Things to consider before dumping tons of money into something that folks for some reason seem to believe camping is free or cheap.. Often there is a cost and it isn't for everyone.

[tatest]

Similar to that, in lightweights about that size, I would look at Lance (model 1985 has a reasonably large bath). Almost every major manufacturer has at least one model with a similar living arrangement, and there are other arrangements that might make better use of the space. In the model you are looking at, the outdoor kitchen uses up a lot of living or storage space, and this is a feature used primarily for outdoor entertainment, a different use than what you are asking about.

For what you want to do, an issue in my mind is that you have no control over the climate you are going into, and I don't know that any lightweight construction travel trailers are being built with four-season use in mind. You might have to downsize you idea of the space you need to get something more suitable for winter, particularly, at a weight you can handle.

Not lightweight, but well made (molded fiberglass), Bigfoot's 25B25FB has a nice layout for extended living. It may be at about the limits of your tow vehicle, and could stretch the budget, but in terms of construction and long term durability, it approaches the much more expensive Airstreams, and those are not really four-season.

Northwood builds some nice four-season models in conventional framed construction. Look at 22G in Arctic Fox Classic, 22H in their Nash line. Northwood models have an option to be generator ready, if you expect to go into areas where there are no utility services. When I was shopping in 2005, Northwood was selling in Missouri. An Arctic Fox 22H was at the top of our list, until we figured out that the way we would use a RV, a motorhome worked better for us.

[sky_free]

First of all, I see nothing wrong with your idea. A lot of people live almost full time in small TT's. Stories (and blogs) abound. You will adjust to whatever works best for you.

For stick-built I liked the Lance TT's a lot (the 4-season ones at least). The Arctic Fox 22G is also something that is built better and within the capabilities of your tow vehicle.

If you want something you will keep for years, look at the Escape 21. I'll personally never buy another stick-built RV for the reasons mentioned in this thread already: Leaks, variable quality, and weight.

[Old-Biscuit]

SO your truck is a 1500........

[Gdetrailer]

pianotuna wrote:
Hi Gde,

I agree about the asset value. That is why I suggested she go used.

I full time and work from my Class C. There are times when it is harder to do but with some forethought an RV can work in four seasons. Finding one that is four seasons ready is a bit of a trick--and there almost always are modifications that will be needed.

For a beginner the learning curve is going to be pretty steep. That is why I suggested she rent for one trip.

pianotuna,

My hat is off to you being able to live and deal with living in a RV full time AND in the much colder Canada too boot.

What the OP may not understand is YOUR RV has been ultra modified to specifically handle cold weather camping.. Those mods are not cheap and took a lot of thought and time in making them.

Camping is not for everyone and living, working and camping can make a difficult situation even harder.

Things to consider before dumping tons of money into something that folks for some reason seem to believe camping is free or cheap.. Often there is a cost and it isn't for everyone.

[rexlion]

Gdetrailer wrote: "First and foremost, a RV of ANY type, IS NOT AN "INVESTMENT", PERIOD."

I'm glad someone pointed that out! A new TT can depreciate mighty fast. I kept one for 3.5 years and was happy to get 75% of what I paid when I sold it. Some aren't so fortunate.

Have you sat in a TT with the AC running or with the furnace blowing? You need to be aware how loud these things are in the small space of a trailer. And these units are not usually well insulated, so those things will run very often.

There are a few trailers that hold their value. Molded fiberglass body type TTs often sell 5 years down the road for the same amount as what was paid originally because of their superior body integrity. No seams to leak or come apart (although windows, doors, and interior plumbing can still leak). Scamp, Casita, Bigfoot, Oliver, Parkliner, and Lil Snoozy are most of the brands, and all sold factory direct only.

Among the more conventional bodies, I do read plenty of good things about Lance and Arctic Fox/Nash. Most of the other brands are tacked together as quickly and cheaply as possible... but they can sure look pretty on the inside.

[wanderingbob]

Abimarye ,
For over thirty years I also worked on a CAT team , mostly auto . Names you have probably heard of , Sadisco , Manheim ,Total Resource and several more .
I traveled in an RV and parked at police and Red Cross yards for a day or two and then switch to the salvage yards . For Katrina we worked out of Mobile cause there were no services in N.O. for many weeks . After the big storm in Miami we made a compound by stacking autos three high . Hugo I was in Puerto Rico and the V.I.

[Gdetrailer]

AlmostAnOldGuy wrote:
If I were traveling a lot for work I would want a unit that was going to be as reliable as possible, would tow easy and would handle cooler weather well (thermal windows, etc.). I have not owned one but the Bigfoot travel trailers would be one to consider. The 25B25FB may be a floor plan that suits you. You do not get the slide so you will have less room. This will be a more expensive unit but will also recover more when you are done using it and are ready to sell.

Just offering this to make you aware of other options.

Good luck,
Stu

There is no such thing as a "reliable RV".

Things break and they break rather easily, RV appliances are not meant for full time use but yet they often cost MORE than a good name brand home appliance.

The OP as will face added expenses like trailer tires wearing out or blowing out, trailer brake maintenance, bearing maintenance, outside lighting ect.

OP will be adding a lot more strain and stress to the tow vehicle, that means tire wear, bearings, brakes, more frequent oil changes and not to mention possible engine or transmission related break downs..

Op would have to have contingency plans for how to deal with a broken tow vehicle with a trailer attached while on assignment.. One breakdown could be very costly and outfits like AAA will not tow a trailer anywhere and even their RV policy basically only pays for towing hookup..

Living out of a RV is not always cheap or fun..

If I was in the OPs shoes, I would find a cheap 10 or more year old trailer for $2K or less.. If you are going to save any money, that IS the only place you will save..