Buying an RV camper? Help is here!
Camping is LOTS of fun and a great family (or individual) lifestyle – whether as a weekend warrior or as a full time traveler, but lets face it, the process of selecting and buying a camper has many potential pitfalls.
In an industry where MOST RV campers (trailers and motorhomes) are built to very low standards and many dealers resort to actions that are designed to simply extract more of your hard earned money from you there has to be a better way!
RV Buying Guide…
RV Across America(.net) Concierge RV Buying (and selling) Service
Allow me to introduce you to our Concierge RV Buying (and Selling) Service. Looking to buy a camper (trailer or motorhome) but you’re not sure which brands (manufacturers) are best to go with, what length is optimal for your use, and the relative attributes of various floor plans?
RV Concierge Service – Have an RV Buying Guide “by your side”…
We’re here to help you with the process by becoming your “guide by your side” and when it comes to identifying “the one” that meets your needs (and budget), we’re here to act as your negotiator and more!
Simply put, with our RV Buying Service we will assist you at all stages of the purchase – including navigating the myriad of fees some dealers try to charge and… advising you on what offers the dealer may present at your closing that you should consider or reject outright – and what these offers should cost. (Be sure to check our reviews at the end of this post.)
During our initial conversation, we will discuss your wants, needs and budget, along with the geographic reach of our search for your new (or used) camper. We will have a frank discussion about which campers (brands) are well made and which are worth avoiding with no bias of having inventory on one particular lot that’s “gotta go.”
You see, when it comes to finding the RIGHT camper for you, we’re not limited to any one dealer and the campers on their lot – our search for your ideal camper can be nationwide if you like! We’re also going to have a talk about “new” vs. “used” campers and which path may be best for you.
When it comes to camping and RV campers – we have experience
Alan, the developer of our RV Buying Service has been a full time traveler since December 2011 and has been active in RV Consulting and Sales for the past 9 years now. He knows which campers are worth your hard earned money – and which are not AND what you should be paying for it – whether new or used.
To learn more about the camper Alan selected for himself AND what he looked at in its design and engineering that matters – click HERE. To gain a sense of who Alan is and his depth of knowledge and experience, please review the posts right here on RV Across America.net
Through our RV Buying Service, we WILL negotiate the BEST deal for you on the camper YOU want.
We will contact the seller (whether it’s a dealer OR private individual) on your behalf and simply put, get you the BEST possible deal. We will also advise you on after-market options – you know, the ones you’re hit with in the dealers finance office. Some are worth considering, some are not. We can also provide advice on obtaining a RV loan and what a good loan looks like.
Our Concierge Buying (and Selling) Service can literally save you thousands.
Quoting Alan, “Effectively, what I do is become your advisor and your advocate. Unlike an rv salesman, I do not have any inventory staring at me outside my office – so when we talk, I help you identify the right camper for YOUR needs – and in doing so, avoid all the absolute JUNK made in this industry (especially in the towable world.)
Our Concierge RV Buying Service Fee…
Our fee? Its simple – $625. one time fee and we become your consultant, ‘your guide by your side, who also has your back’, and negotiator through the entire buying process! Interested? Contact us at traveler@rvacrossamerica.net or text us at 307 269 2546 and we will call you back.
Selling a Camper?
Lastly, if you have a camper and want to sell it, don’t trade it in and lose big time on a dealer’s offer. Dealers often “hide” what they’re really giving you for your trade!) We will get you far more by selling it privately.
Here’s how it works – you supply us photos of your camper, we will have a frank discussion to set a realistic price for your camper and then we will proceed to post effectively worded and structured ads for you to get it sold.
The prospective buyers initial contact will come to us. We will answer the prospective buyers questions and screen them to insure they’re serious AND qualified – and NOT scammers! For those who are, we will pass them onto you to let them see the camper. When it comes to negotiation, we’re there to assist right up to the point where the buyer is handing you cash! Our fee for selling your camper is a one time $850. fee (may be less depending upon the type of advertising required to sell your camper.)
A special offer if you’re SELLING then BUYING…
If you’re looking to sell your camper and then buy a new camper, we will handle both transactions for a fee of $1350. (may be less depending upon the type of advertising required to sell your camper.)
Does our Concierge Buying and Selling service sound fair to you?
Feel free to contact us at traveler@rvacrossamerica.net or via text at 307 269 2546.
I enlisted Al’s help with the purchase of a new (to me) travel trailer. While I have pretty good mechanical skills, this was my first camper. Al, with his years of experience in the RV industry, helped me out a great deal. He interviewed owners on my behalf, asking questions I wouldn’t even have thought of. Regarding price, he conveyed what realistic values are to the owners and set proper expectations to me based on the market and valuation services.
Overall, the process from beginning to end was about three months. Al responded to my correspondence promptly and professionally. Every RV newbie should definitely use this service. Even seasoned RV’ers should too, because he takes a lot of the hassle out of the whole process.
Thanks Al.
Richard
Thank you Richard, it was a pleasure helping to find you THE best camper for your needs.
Trying to find the right RV on my own was completely overwhelming—comparing different years, models, mileage, floorplans, and features felt like an endless nightmare of a task.
That’s where Alan came in and saved the day! His start-to-finish RV concierge buying service was a total game-changer. He not only helped me narrow down my options but also educated me along the way, making sure I felt confident about my decisions. Alan’s knowledge and expertise made the process so much easier, and he even negotiated an amazing deal for me. I can’t thank him enough for his guidance and support. If you’re feeling lost in the RV-buying process, or even if you’re not, but just want to bounce ideas of an expert, Alan is absolutely the person to call. Highly recommend without hesitation!
Thanks for your kind words Amy. Enjoy your “new to you” motorhome in good health – especially after the south texas snow melts! Al
Thinking about downsizing. I currently have a 28RKS Timberridge 2016. Would like to have a 21-24 foot trailer. Outdoors RV does not have any floor plans in that range except for the 24 foot. many other brands do have a floor plan in the21-23 foot range-front bedroom with a king bed slide and wardrobe opposite the bed. Rear kitchen and mid living room with recliners. Heartland North Trail has a floor plan that I like. Northwood (Nash) also has a floor plan I like. I have a 2023 Ram 2500 diesel. Should I stay put for now with my Outdoors RV?
John,
Feel free to call me to discuss (307 269 2546) – the market right now is great for buyers; really poor for sellers. The 280RKS has a “niche” market that’s interested in it. IF we get the right buyer, you may do “ok”, but more likely, it will not go for anywhere near book value. The camper you purchase is another story – on that we will do well. (I say “we” if you want me working with you via my Concierge RV Service.)
The North Trail is in no way anywhere near the same quality or substantial build as any Northwood or Outdoors RV. NASH is a well made product and if its about 2019 or newer, it will be a fine choice.
As to staying put for now… while selling a camper is tough right now, it may be just as tough in a few months. I’m not convinced the economy is going to turn around quickly. I wrote a post on this topic recently – https://rvacrossamerica.net/rv-industry-buying-selling-outlook-2025/
Alan Sills
Being a total Newbie to owning a trailer, I found it very intimidating to get past the standard dealer websites and RV Trader and get the real picture on 5th Wheels I was interested in. I had been to a couple RV Dealers in my area, but always felt I was getting the big sales pitch, not so much the information and honest recommendations I was searching for. I came across one of Alan’s articles while researching, and after seeing reviews of his concierge service, and realizing my lack of knowledge about RVs in general, considered his service fee to be part of my purchase cost. I’m so glad I did!
Al reach out almost immediately after I requested information. We then spent over an hour going over my questions, concerns, and desires with regard to purchasing an RV. With his experience in the industry and insight on market trends I realized I might just find a new, unused, late model RV instead of a used trailer.
Through his contacts at dealers throughout the Northwest, he negotiated a further $3,000 discount on the asking price of a brand new 2023 Arctic Fox 5er. I couldn’t be happier. The discounted price I paid is great, no doubt, but the real value for me as a first time RV Owner was having a “Coach” along the way to help me cut through the chaff and find what I wanted and at the same time defining what I needed. The Concierge Fee was absolutely money well spent.
Over a period of three months Al guided me the whole way, answering numerous e-mails and lengthy phone conversations. If you’re already a Pro in the RV industry, you may not need Al’s expertise. For me, it was absolutely essential, and a big reason I got off the sidelines of wanting an RV, to actually owning one. Thank you, Al!
Ian,
Thanks so much for your kind words. Enjoy your new camper and please do stay in touch!
I want to give a huge SHOUT OUT and THANK YOU to Alan Sills of RVAcrossAmerica.net
For several years now I’ve been contemplating the RV lifestyle.
I’ve been to a small number of shows, many dealerships and have watched hundreds of videos.
About 3 years ago I discovered Outdoors RV and was really impressed with their product line; as well as their ORV Ownership FB page.
But it wasn’t until I stumbled upon a video of Alan affirming the quality and value of ORV, to the point that he actually traded in a high end 5th wheel for one of their Glacier Peak 5th wheels. At that point I was convinced.
I actually called Alan regarding his choice and concierge service, and it was quite an encouraging conversation.
That was in 2021. Flash forward to 2024, and I no sooner called Alan and told him what I was looking for, and within 3 days he had 4 trailers for me to review. 3 of the exact model and one variation.
He really is “a guide by your side”. Before the week was over he’d connected me with the seller and an RV Inspector.
Up to this point, this was just a dream for me; especially being clear across the country; N Y to California.
But with Alan’s insight, experience and encouragement I was empowered to do the deal with confidence.
I can’t emphasize enough, the importance and benefits of having a concierge service like this.
Within days I was on the road, repeating to myself: I can’t believe I’m driving across the country.
Using Alan’s concierge service made this transaction seamless. Because of his knowledge and professionalism, the communications were clear.
With all the fraud going on out there, I probably wouldn’t have done this. But dealing with a knowledgeable professional who knows how to vet the player’s, I’m now the satisfied owner of a new to me 32′ Outdoors RV Creekside 27BHS
Thank you Alan; I really don’t think I would have accomplished this without you. I thank you and my kids thank you, for the best back to school story in the whole school: Driving Across The Country To Achieve Our Dream.
Be well my friend, until next time,
Callin
Callin,
Good luck with your ORV trailer. May you and your family make many happy memories!
Al
We’d highly recommend Alan’s service to help with buying an RV. Although we are experienced seasonal RVers, when we decided to buy a bigger rig we were overwhelmed by the choices. Alan helped us narrow down our choices to a few models, picked the best time to buy, and then found several good rigs for sale. He then contacted the rigs on our short list and negotiated a good deal. The dealer also spoke very highly of working with Alan on the negotiation.
Chris and Randy,
Thanks so much for your kind words. Enjoy your new camper in good health and have many happy journeys!
Al
Hi Alan,
I am a independent insurance claim adjuster helping a friend who’s grandparents (in their 90’s) are in the process of trying to settle a claim on their totaled travel trailer with their insurance company.
The insurance company’s offer appears very low, but there is not way to properly and accurately verify a fair value.
The adjuster said they contacted 3 travel trailer dealers in their area to come up with their offer.
What advice or help can you offer?
Thank you so much.
Tim
Tim,
I hope that all works out for you and your clients on the 1993 camper we discussed. It was a pleasure speaking with you. I hope my suggestions proved helpful.
Al
If you’re reading this you’re thinking you don’t want to pay someone because you can find the best price. No you can’t. Al Sills helped us find the brand and model that suited our needs. He then went to work to help us understand the market. Then we got lists to review. After we decided on the camper and the seller, Al calls them to work the deal with our agreed upon price/offer. Most dealers know Al (private sellers may not). When Al calls they know he has a buyer lined up. So easy! In our case the internet price was easily a great deal. Al got the dealership to offer us a price that easily paid for the concierge service (3X over). Amazing. Easy. Stress-free. He was a sounding board, answering our questions, telling us what to expect at the dealer (he nailed it!)
Thanks for your kind words Rick. Best wishes as you travel in your new ORV!
Alan assisted us to sell our travel trailer after we had attempted to do so on our own without success. The ad he created was very descriptive and he assisted us with improved pictures oof the trailer. He was quick to respond to all my questions and guided us through the process in detail to sale completion.
Rhonda,
I’m glad it all worked out. Best wishes for the future!
Al
This was my first time selling a vehicle. A friend recommended Alan. Working with Alan to sell my campervan was one of my best decisions. He did research, all of the advertising, vetting of potential buyers, and quickly answering all of my questions about the process. All of it was stress free for me. I highly recommend working with him.
Jeannie,
Thanks so much and best wishes as you move forward.
Al
Alan recently helped me sell my RV, and it was such a relief to have someone help me through the process. Despite the process taking several months, he was always very attentive and supportive. Alan made the process of selling my RV smooth and almost effortless. Thank you so very much!
Julie, thanks and best wishes for the future. Alan
Used Alan twice. Once to buy our rig and once to sell it. Worked great both times, particularly the selling part. It is a tough market right now but he sorted the wheat from the chaff. Deal closed in short order. Well done
Mike
Thanks Mike, enjoy your next stage with your bride. Al
Dear Alan, I simply do not have words to express my gratitude for your help. You did everything and even more so that I could buy an RV that was created especially for me. Your understanding of the market, simply enormous knowledge of RVs of almost all models and the best years of manufacture, is incredible!!!!! Your great patience and your wisdom with which you never tired continued to answer my endless silly and not quite questions. The right decision, which you do not imposed, but simply recommended to me from the bottom of your heart. Dear Alan, thank you very much, without you, I would not have been able to find exactly right RVwhat suited me. Your phone number is now on my speed dial list.
I RECOMMEND Alana Sills to anyone looking to buy, trade, or just learn more about RVs in particular, as well as the RV lifestyle.
Thank you very much again and all the best to you Alan.
Safe Travels to you my Friend
Sincerely
Galina
3/17/2024
Galina,
Thanks so much for your kind words. Enjoy your Arctic Fox in good health and enjoy the RV lifestyle!
Al
I used the concierge service and it worked great for me. Alan negotiated a deal that everyone was happy with. I would use the service again.
Tim,
Thanks so much for your kind words. Best wishes as you move forward.
Al
Alan’s concierge selling service was worth every penny. He made the process of selling our toy hauler easy. In this difficult selling market, he guided us to a swift and successful sale. Seems like cheating!
Ha! Thanks for the kind words Justen. Best wishes as you move forward now sans the camper! Al
Alan helped me over the course of many months and MANY questions to determine what would be the best purchase for me. He is very knowledgeable and while I didn’t use him as a broker per se, he helped me decide what kind of truck and trailer would be best to suit my needs. He patiently answered all of my questions from a place of great experience. I’m glad to have him on my side!
Thanks Moshe! Enjoy your “AF” in good health and if you find yourself in Montana – look me up! Al
Alan has an immense amount of expertise while also providing support in a very personal way throughout the buying process. His knowledge and time was absolutely invaluable for us when buying our first RV; especially when it was out of state . It’s hard to imagine having gone through the whole process of buying without his support. Thank you Alan!!
Dawn & Steve,
Thanks so much for your kind words. Enjoy your Newmar motorhome in good health and exciting travels.
Al
Alan just helped us buy a very nice Outdoors RV. We are particularly appreciative for all of Alan’s knowledge and help. He understands every aspect of the buy and sell process.
We will always reach out to Alan to buy or sell our RV’s because we will simply have had a much better, cost effective experience with his guidance, insights and support.
Alan deserves the recognition of being the best in the industry.
Alan, Thank you again! Robert and Elizabeth.
Robert,
Thanks for your kind words, enjoy your trailer and I know you’ll gain many years of use and memories from it.
Al
I might be interested in your help.
Great, I think we just spoke Tim, however if not, feel free to call me at 307 269 2546
Al
A Big thankyou to Alan for successfully finding a solid buyer for my RV. Could I have sold it on my own…yes. BUT here is way it was so worth it.
1. His expertise in the market…He gave me a realistic view of where we were NOW for buying and selling.
2. A well written straight forward and honest Ad that attacted buyers.
3. Worked with me to looking at “my trailer” with the positives and negatives.
4. Most of all the stress of Alan work made the process just about non-existant. Weeding out scammers and finding serious buyers.
Thank You
Alan
Thanks Barbara for an open and honest assessment. Al
We used Al’s services for buying our first travel trailer. Could not have been a better investment-worth every penny. He was readily available to answer all our newbie questions. We are 6000 miles in and are confident he steered us right!
Laura, thanks so much for your kind words! Enjoy your trailer. Safe travels. Al
We so much appreciated all the information and assistance in finding the right 5th wheel RV for our needs. Alan has such a vast knowledge of the buying process as well as quality and options of models available. He was able to help us acquire a higher quality product that even was under our total budget. It was so nice to have his calm voice to help us when anxiety built up in us. With the whole process behind us, we have the confidence that we have exactly what we were looking for. Whether it’s your first purchase, (like us) or you are an experienced RV’r, I would absolutely recommend Alan’s services to anyone buying any type of RV!
Matt and Sara,
Thanks and best wishes in your travels and with your band!
Al
Ditto!
Alan helped us with the purchase and sale of our RV. We needed a RV to live in while we built our new house. Knowing very little about RVs we would have spent lots of time trying to figure out what to buy. Alan took all the frustration out of the equation for us. We had a telephone conversation to discuss our needs, then very quickly Alan sent us 14 potential RVs to review for purchase. We picked the one we wanted and Alan negotiated the purchase for us. A little over a year later it was time to sell. I contacted Alan, we discussed the sales price, Alan placed ads for the sale of the RV. A short time later Alan contacted us with a potential purchaser and we completed the sale of our RV. I don’t think there is a better way to buy or sell a RV. I 100% recommend using Alan. Everything worked out extremely well. Alan made things very easy for us and we very much appreciate it.
Kurt,
Thanks for your kind words. I’m glad it was the right camper for your needs and we were able to recover most of your investment when the camper sold. Al
Alan’s expertise and personalized support were invaluable for me in getting a camper that I’m very happy with. I was not the easiest client, frequently changing my plans and goals. Alan hung in with me and helped me zero in on the unit that is right for me. And he not only helped me buy the right unit. He also helped me work through many challenging details that arose in my first weeks of ownership. It’s hard to imagine having gone through the whole process of buying my first RV without his support. He’s a great guy–very knowledgeable and truly enjoys helping people get into the RV life. Thank you Alan!!
Paul, right back at ya! Enjoy your camper in good health and stay in touch. Al
We used the sell/buy service Al offers and it is well worth it. We would recommend it to anyone who is interested in either or both services. Thanks Al!
Gary & Bev,
Thanks, and best wishes as you move forward!
Al
Do you need this service? It can’t hurt. Is it worth it? 100% You’re ready to lay down some serious coin; get what you want for the price you want.
About us: We have had several RVs. We, like most families, find ourselves busy with life. We were in the market for a new Class A MH. Diesel? Gasser? Bunks for the kids (under 15)? Office space for work (we are not full-timers)? There is so much out there. I try to steer clear of Thor products. Sorry Thor, past experiences lead me to that conclusion. Are we ready for a diesel? Do we need a diesel? I am a fan of the F53 chassis because I can actually work on it, if needed.
Needless, to say, We passed along our wish list to Alan and said, “give us a recommendation”. Alan, took the information and came up with more questions and then, recommended a few coaches. We also conducted our own research and asked him to contact the sellers.
He does the leg work and writes a thorough report. We were able to read at our own pace. Additional questions? No problem. Time is money and Alan gives us that time back.
Did I annoy Alan? Probably. However, he took it in stride. I have a lot of questions and do a lot of research. I also talk a lot. Alan is informative and a good listener. He also challenges you when you get too “pie in the sky”.
We actually purchased the first RV he recommended. Why? Because it fit our needs today. Would we use Alan again? Without a doubt. He knows RVs and will zealously represent you through the close.
In short, you would be hard-pressed not to use his services. This small investment could save you thousands down the road. If nothing else, Alan knows the industry and is a joy to speak with.
Happy (new) coach owners,
The Millers
*As we speak, the coach is packed, the motorcycle loaded, the Jeep in tow. All I need now is to load up the family and go!
Hank,
thanks so much for such a thorough analysis of the process. enjoy your travels!
Al
We used Allan’s buying and selling Concierge Service both to purchase our, new to us, fifth wheel and to sell our travel trailer. I have followed the rvacrossamerica website for years and always knew that if and when I was able to upgrade to a fifth wheel, I would utilize the buying and selling concierge service. I did, and I was not disappointed. As anticipated, Al is a virtual cornucopia of RV buying and selling knowledge. He was laser focused on our interests and eliminated the stress that is typically experienced by a novice like me when buying/selling an RV. In terms of “the bottom line”, the fee for Al’s services was nowhere near the economic gain we realized as a result of Al’s efforts. We highly recommend Allan’s buying and selling concierge service. Thank you Al.
Phil and Cathy,
Thanks so much for your kind words. I truly hope you have years of good health and travel in your current 5th wheel that we negotiated for you. Feel free to stay in touch and know that I’m here should issues arise. Al
Using Alan’s service to sell my fifth wheel simplified the process. I liked that he screened all interested buyers and I didn’t have to worry if they were qualified for a larger purchase. He gave timely updates as to the status of listings and further outreach efforts to get the camper sold. I also liked that the fee was ‘indefinite’ until the camper sells. Take the hassle out of selling a camper RV yourself and hire Alan.
Thanks so much Bo for your kind words and assessment of my service!
We were referred to Al by a friend who also used his services. As beginners to RV life we knew absolutely nothing and Al was patient, knowledgeable, and kind throughout the process. He did an immense amount of research to find us the PERFECT 5th wheel and then he was able to secure it for us at an extremely reasonable price. I cannot recommend Al’s services enough. If you are on the fence, give him a shot. He will certainly WOW you.
Andrew,
Thanks for your kind words. Best wishes to you and your wife as you travel and enjoy your ‘new to you’ 5th wheel.
Al
Alan Sills is truly a subject matter expert, when it comes to all things RV and the RV life-style. He was very helpful in helping us to get our RV sold. His experience; sage advice and guidance proved very help in navigating the uncharted waters of selling our RV. We highly recommend using Alan’s RVAcrossAmerica.net concierge service for buying, or selling your RV.
Thank you, Alan
Mike and Sherry W.
Florida
Mike,
Thank you for your kind words. Best wishes for your future plans.
Al
As a newcomer to the travel trailer world, I couldn’t figure out what the best option among thousands might be. Alan provided exactly that direction — and voice of experience — that I needed to make a good buying decision. And that’s exactly what happened. My wife and I have been very pleased with the choice we made with Alan’s help — for a very reasonable fee. Thank you, sir!
Dale, you’re a scholar and a gentleman! Enjoy your camper with your family in good health. Al
Alan posted my Class B on Nov 23, we had a buyer in one week. This was to an out of state buyer so some logistics and paperwork was involved. Alan, was attentive during the whole process. If you are buying or selling an RV I recommend that you give Alan a call.
Ron, best wishes for your future plans and thanks for your kind words.
Al
Alan was such a big help on helping us find our Arctic Fox 5th wheel. Being newbies to the RV life he provided us important information to consider, consultation, assisted in the search and negotiation with the seller. We got it well below book value I might add. He was very responsive to our needs and couldn’t have done this (with such confidence) without him. His service is a great value!
Lon, Best to you and Theresa as you begin your RV travels. Know that I’m here to assist as questions arise. And… thank you for your kind words. Al
Alan,
Thank you VERY much for finding me an RV that I can use to travel in during the winter months. Having just retired and wanting to get out of snow (Michigan) for the winter, I needed a smaller RV that I could explore the country with AND you found it for me!
Sorry I made you work a little harder on this, but the end result should be what I need for my travels!
Ray
Ray, what matters is you will soon have your dream camper and a phenomenal winter ahead of you!
Al
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart and express my gratitude for finding my dream trailer. Since our very first conversation I felt taken care of not only in locating the trailer, negotiating with the dealership but helping me patiently and with knowledge regarding every question I had for batteries, solar, generator etc. You responded very quickly either in email, text, or phone. Probably because of your preliminary work the dealership treated me very well.
Thank you again for your excellent service.
Babette
Babette,
Thanks so much for your kind words, may you enjoy your new camper for years in good health.
Al
What a pleasure it was to work with Alan to sell my RV.
He is a true professional that promptly returns calls and always seems to have the right answer. I highly recommend him. !!
I would rate this experience an A+.
Thanks Jim, good luck to you in the future. Al
Alan is a pleasure to work with and full of knowledge to help guide you in the right direction. While looking to purchase an RV he helped us keep from making a mistake by purchasing a lessor quality built unit.
Jerry,
Thanks so much for your kind comments and enjoy your camper and travels in good health!
Al
Alan,
Thank you so much for your services. From the info you provide on your website to the multiple phone calls sharing your expertise to guide us in selling our Class A RV, we are grateful. You are a trusted resource for selling and buying, always prompt in your responses, professional and appropriately frank. We appreciate your help and definitely recommend you to others.
Sandra Hess
From Sandi Hess’s iPad
A well-deserved stellar review of your services in addition to my word-of-mouth preaching your truth is the least I could do for the guy who steered me smoothly through the process of purchasing my Winnebago View. I could not have done this without your help and your knowledge. I am humble enough to appreciate other folks’ wisdom and expertise and I hit the jackpot with Alan Sills.
My son says you gave me an enormous return on investment, negotiating a ten thousand dollar lowering of the price, but that is not all. You took my fear and anxiety away and guided the search with great patience and intelligence, and I will never forget that.
Forget doing it yourself. Hire an expert and relax knowing that he’ll likely do a better job than you can.
Sari,
Thanks so much for your kind words. Enjoy your View in good health as you travel our amazing nation.
Al
Alan did a great job advertising and screening inquiries for the sale of my 5th wheel trailer. He gave me a great contact in just three days. I sold it for my asking price. Thanks Alan!
Scott, thanks for your kind words. I’m glad it all worked out well. Al
I’m looking for a 10 yr. old low mileage shuttle bus to convert to a motor home. It is a gas hog for sure, probably around 7 mpg. Your thoughts are welcome about whether this is a wise investment or not. I will be selling it once it is complete. I am estimating a total cost to me of around $50K including upgrades. I will be doing most of the work myself.
Kathleen,
Converting a shuttle bus to a motorhome is a MAJOR project – some (or much) of which you’ll need to hire people to complete the conversion. For example, I assume you’ll want to add plumbing, fresh/grey/black water tanks, propane lines, hot water heater, furnace, refrigerator, etc… If you’re truly that handy and want a “nearly” impossible task to convert it, then sure, why not. BUT – if it were me, I’d just buy a MOTORHOME! At this time, there are MANY available that are about 10 years old, some are in “like new” condition and some are a “project” for you to work on. At least they’ll have the plumbing, wiring, propane, and appliances you’ll need/want to use AND to have to sell it to the next owner.
As you know, I offer a concierge buying service and I can work with you to get a great deal on a camper – and perhaps one that needs some work if you want to save $$ up front. Feel free to call me at 307 269 2546 (mountain time) to discuss things further. Al
I worked with Al to purchase both a truck and a 5th wheel. The process was seamless. Found both in just a couple of weeks in a market that is very difficult to find both quality and affordability. I definitely recommend and will probably use him again when upgrading.
Thanks Renee! Enjoy your new RV lifestyle!! Al
Al saved our marriage! Just kidding, but we couldn’t have sold our motorhome without his help and advice. We tried on our own for a short while. Then tried a consignment dealer. That was a big mistake. Save yourself time, money, and stress, just let Al help you!
Jan, glad we were able to get the job done for you. Best wishes for the future. Al
Thank goodness for Al!!! Al helped us on both ends: buying our first used RV, and then selling it two years later before moving. We had never done either before, and Al made it a breeze. He helped us figure out what kind of camper would work for us, and then helped us find one at a good price–even in a tough market. Just recently, he helped us market and sell our RV, and we had a great outcome. Al was very available and supportive throughout. Can’t recommend him enough. Thank you, Al! Daina
Daina, Best wishes to you and Mich as you move forward. Thanks for the kind words! Al
Al provide the expertise, the judgment, and the experience I needed. Our camper sold and we are buying that fits our family both in layout and quality. It was an adventure I wouldn’t want to attempt without an “RV Realtor”. Thank you for the help!
Brian, it was a pleasure. Thanks for your trust, and enjoy your nearly new Grand Design trailer! Al
Al was great to work with. I was looking for a motorhome for me and my son. As a first time RV purchaser I was glad to have his knowledge. He helped me refine what I needed and gave me the confidence to negotiate. I ended up finding what I wanted and we’ve already took a trip. Thanks Al.
Deb,
Glad to hear all is working out. It was a pleasure helping you to move forward with this purchase.
Al
After working for 40 years my plan is to RV around America for 2 or more years. Alan’s expertise and knowledge is well worth the fee. He helped me save thousands of dollars on the best way to set up life as a full time RVer. This expertise not only covered suggesting the right type of RV, but extended to the truck and services such as mail / internet/ vehicle registration and insurance options. Highly recommended
Thanks Steve, enjoy your travels! Al
If you are new to the RV game as we, Alan’s expertise and help were invaluable as we navigated the many considerations that go into purchasing an RV. He listened to our needs, gave meaningful advice when considering what RV to purchase, vetted prospective selections, and negotiated with the owners to get us the best deal. This is especially important in this seller’s market and our savings more than compensated for Alan’s very reasonable fee. There is so much inventory out there and getting the best quality for the best price was Alan’s main objective for us. At the end, we ended up purchasing a great Class A well within our budget and look forward to “hitting the road”! Thanks Alan for working with us!
Olav & Carol,
It was a pleasure! Best wishes in your future travels, and if you find yourself in western Wyoming, look me up.
Al
Folks, allow me to recommend Alan’s concierge services. She Who Must Be Obeyed and I live in the Arctic and were looking for a 5th wheel for spending some time in America. Al refined our focus and worked hard to find the right rig, including contacting sellers and updating us. His contacts in the industry allowed also allowed us to back away from what initially appeared to be a good prospect but actually had delamination problems. In the end he negotiated a fair price for a good unit. I have not picked it up yet, but title is in hand and the seller is actually installing new tires I purchased.
Don’t hesitate. Al will treat your right and get you squared away.
Mike
Thanks for your kind words Mike, keep me in the loop when you pick up your “new to you” camper. Al
Alan, thanks so much for all the help selling my truck camper. The add you created for the camper was the reason it sold so fast.. Alan is very knowledgeable he makes the selling experience very painless. From the bill of sale to to the pay off at the bank he is there to help. Thanks a lot Alan it was a pleasure meeting you
Thanks Matt, best of luck in the future. Al
Came across Allen’s blog when trying to sell our 5th wheel. After much consideration we decided to secure his services and I am so glad we did! He vetted all the inquiries and only reached out to us with serious buyers. We sold it to the first person who came to look at it ….for asking price!
Couldn’t have done it without him!
I highly recommend him!
Thanks so much for your kind words RaeShel, glad it all worked out smoothly. Al
As first time RV buyers, our heads were spinning with the vast amount of information out there. We had a good idea of what we wanted but that still left so many options. Alan was very responsive to all of our questions and communications. Straight away he assisted with determining the best options to meet our needs. We were initially set to buy from a dealer with his guidance but ultimately found the perfect, gently used unit. He saved us a great deal of time and we avoided the high pressure sales! I feel sure we avoided some “first-timer mistakes”. He is a great resource and provides an excellent service ! Very happy we worked with him.
Happy Trails, Karen & Clyde
Karen & Clyde,
Enjoy that Momentum and all the adventures you’ll have in it!
Al
I couldn’t have sold my RV without Alan’s expert advice & knowledge. He talked me thru each step of the selling process. Thankfully, he screened each interested party and after only having to show the rv twice I had a buyer.. I highly recommend Alan’s services.
Thanks so much for your kind words Debra, enjoy life sans the camper! Al
If you’ve seen the Seven Samurai or Magnificent Seven, you’ll know what we mean by saying that to hire Alan was like having our very own gunfighter to help us deal with the bandits of the RV marketplace. His insider knowledge of the motorhome business and his skill in conducting the price negotiations for us saved many thousands of dollars and a lot of anxiety. Before that stage, he helped us clarify our thinking about the vehicle we needed, and his advice was invaluable at every step of the way. We plan to leave his name and website address on our review for the dealership where we purchased our Winnebago, and we wholeheartedly recommend his services to any other first-time RV buyers. Warmly, Kathy and Michael
Mike and Kathy, thanks so much for your kind words. May you enjoy your camper for years to come and have many adventures! Al
Doing research for a new Fifth Wheel we came across Allen blog. After interview we decided on his concierge services. We were not quite ready to purchase ourselves but our friends were very much in need. They proceeded and Allen found what they wanted quickly. Shortly after our circumstances change we proceeded with very specific make and model. Amazing but with the lords apparent blessing Allen found an exceptional unit within days.
Short ending within THREE WEEKS he found two exceptional specific hard to find units for us and our friends. Allen works hard and is very much worth his fee.
Tim, thanks so much for your kind words. I trust you and your friends will enjoy your campers for years to come. Al
I have an Outdoors RV:28 RKS Timberridge. I have been looking at Jayco:White Hawk and Eagle HT series only because of the newer floor plan:opposing slides. I know Outdoors RV has a Titanium model with opposing slides and large wardrobe, but the prices is too high for us. I am thinking that I could save around $20,000. Do you think I am making a mistake? My wife and I spend winters in the southwest (home is Alaska). This year we have missionary projects, so hopefully we can travel through Canada. We have had our vaccines.
John,
Thanks for reaching out. Yes, it would be a massive mistake. Jayco was bought out by Thor after the 2017 models were built and IMMEDIATELY everything went downhill – big time. Jayco after 2017 is no longer on my recommended trailer list. I’d sooner see you with a grand design, and they too don’t hold a candle to ORV (or Arctic Fox.) Please feel free to call me to discuss this further (307 269 2546 – Mountain time) as I do have thoughts as to how you can get out of your timber ridge and into another ORV or Arctic Fox – likely for less than you’re thinking.
Alan Sills
Alan did an excellent job for me, handling every aspect of an interstate RV purchase from a private seller. From negotiating a great price to arranging transport, Alan made every step of the process stress free.
If like me, you find the process of finding and purchasing an RV daunting, I highly recommend taking advantage of Alan’s services.
James,
Thanks so much for your kind words. Enjoy your ATC toy hauler in good health for years to come!
Al
Alan,
Have you checked into the new RV company Alliance? They claim to have fifth wheels that are fit for full time living.
From what I’ve researched, they seem to have excellent customer service and to me they seem well built but I’m no expert. Would love to hear you opinion on them.
Terry,
Yes, I’ve investigated Alliance. Please understand I WANT to like Alliance as they’re one of the FEW independent 5th wheel manufacturers around. At this time, I’m still VERY hesitant regarding Alliance. Poor quality tires, no protection above the tires, no shocks, excessive exposed plumbing, and serious sidewall cracking due to poorly supported slides are the issues I’ve identified thus far. Frankly, if I had to buy a 5er today, I’d limit my choices to Arctic Fox, Outdoors RV, and Vanleigh (and they were just acquired by Thor so I don’t know how much longer I’m going to recommend them.) If I can be of assistance, with your interest in a 5er, let me know.
Alan Sills
307 269 2546
We’re yet another set of highly satisfied newbie* customers – we just bought a 2017 Jayco 26XD – with only 10,000 miles on it. We got it at a great price in OH (3 hr drive for us) – all during a “sellers market”.
* if we trade up in the future I’m sure we’ll use Alan’s service again. Sure, we’ll know more by then – but we still won’t know as much. This isn’t just a service for newbies.
Some highlights of how Alan helped:
1) Matching our needs. I started with a specific need – to transport a car to the race track. But, of course, we also want it for traveling and exploring. Alan was great in answering questions on (small) Class As, Class Cs and 5th Wheel Toy Haulers. With the toy hauler the advice even extended to the tow vehicle as well. There was never any pressure to get on to the next stage. Nor was there ever any feeling of being lead to a particular decision. When we decided on a Class C the hunt was on!
2) Searching for something to buy. There are so many brands with many of them owned by larger manufacturers. Alan’s advice on quality really helped. We quickly narrowed down the field to search amongst a few quality manufacturers. It’s really easy for me to get swayed by price and availability – having Alan tell us to not even consider certain brands (or even model years within a brand) was vital. Remember – they all look as good as each other when they leave the factory. In fact some of the lower quality models might even have more “bling” and look better. But, the quality of the construction is hidden away.
3) The buying process & negotiations. The joke in our house is if I (John) negotiate we’ll end up paying more (hey! I have other skills). Having someone both knowledgeable and who knows when to walk away is essential. Alan negotiated the price down further than I expected – and that alone more than covered his fee. He also set the expectations that the sale wasn’t done until the inspection was completed to our satisfaction. He interviewed the seller and there were no red flags. He gave us great guidance of what to check AND what to look for AND how to check. (And to be fair, the private seller was also very helpful and transparent).
4) Before and after the sale Alan was responsive and helpful. He provides not only the really helpful links to the list of stuff to buy on this blog – he also provided additional useful resources and tips.
I don’t know about you – but this is the biggest purchase we’ve ever made (after the house). The investment in expert and truly independent advice is more than worth it.
John & Laurie
MI 2021
Thanks so much for your very comprehensive analysis of my service! Enjoy your camper and please do stay in touch. Alan
Alan’s services are a must for the first time RV purchaser. The RV market is vast and confusing. I just made my first purchase of a travel trailer with Alan’s help and advise. Alan’s services are definitely worth the money by avoiding rookie mistakes. Where Alan’s services helped me:
1. Finding the right size and kind of trailer for my specific needs. 2. Being sure my pickup will pull the Trailer. 3. Check with dealers and negotiate the price. 4. Tips for dealing with the dealer and financing (decline the add-ons they want to sell you). 5. What Accessories you need to get going and the right brands. Alan is super accessible and very responsive. I am amazed at his knowledge of the industry and travel trailers. Give Alan a call you will not regret it.
Thanks for your kind words John. Enjoy that ORV trailer – its the best! Alan
Alan,
I seriously don’t know how we could have done this without you. Your knowledge and support through this adventure was invaluable and appreciated more than you know.
To the newbies (like us), having Alan on your side is the best thing you can do for yourself. Do not go it alone, he knows what he’s doing, and he’s always looking out for YOU! Be ready, because he can find you the perfect RV for you in no time! We reached out less than a month ago, and we have just taken delivery of our new to us “home”.
Thanks so much for your help. Hope to see you at some point in our adventures! In the meantime safe travels, and as you so often say ” Be good”.
thanks for your kind words, enjoy your camper, and yes, our paths will cross along the road! al
A good platform for buying and selling campers. I hope it meets the expectations and needs of RVing community in the states.
Alan is the real deal! We were extremely pleased with the work that he did to find us a new motorhome and so very quickly! We were not sure with this tight market how long it would take to find our ideal motorhome. We are new to RVing and did not know what manufacturers to look at and which ones to avoid. He guided us through the process of the various models and features to consider to meet our needs and wants. After talking with Alan, we narrowed it down to a few models and then he did his magic! Within hours he located the perfect motorhome for us and it was also in the state in which we live. He negotiated the price with the dealer, kept us informed along the way and sealed the deal. All we had to do was contact the dealer and arrange for the purchase. Easy peasy and stress-free!
Alan is very knowledgeable and he was patient and prompt in answering our many questions. We have talked to friends about his great service and passed along his contact information. We highly recommend Alan if you are looking to purchase a RV.
Thank you Alan!!
Tom and Shelby
Thanks Tom and Shelby, enjoy your Wayfarer in good health for years to come. See you on the road! Al
Al helped me tremendously in selling my RV. He was able to guide and educate me on the positive selling points and possible pitfalls of my particular RV. I have a very hectic and busy lifestyle, His service saved me time and money by screening potential buyers. Thank you again for your invaluable and advice! Sold quickly!
Thanks Ann! Glad I was able to be of service in selling your camper. Best wishes for the future.
Alan Sills
Hi, My wife and I are retiring soon and are looking for a fifth wheel. How much do you charge for your service. Thank you.
Rick
Rick,
I replied privately. Did you receive the info?
Al
307 269 2546
Good afternoon, I hope everything goes well. Just looking for RV spot between 12/26-12/30. Just looking something near to ski resorts. Thanks
nice, i have a post about ski resorts on my site – search for it – from there you can locate rv parks near them (discussed in my article) – good luck in your search – also – check for restrictions at the ski areas due to china virus
I have a question about trading in a RV.
We bought a airstream in April, 25 foot. Thing’s have changed in our life and we want to upgrade to 30ft. We went to the airstream and negotiated a trade-in price. But now he found out that we could sell it on are own and actually make money. The Dealer told us we cannot do that. Is this true
Joyann,
I would need some details to specifically answer your question, but allow me to answer you this way – whether you purchased a new or used airstream (in april), now 6 months later (or really at any time) you will do FAR better selling your airstream privately (which IS something I can do for you via my Concierge RV Service (https://rvacrossamerica.net/buysell) than by trading it in.
When you trade a camper to a dealer, THEIR goal is to buy at (or BELOW) wholesale and then resell at RETAIL, so they absolutely will pay you as little as possible for your camper. They often hide the real value they’re placing on your camper by “working a deal” where they simply give you a difference for the tradeup OR they inflate the value of your camper (on paper) and then offer you theirs (the new one) for a higher price than you could negotiate otherwise.
The difference between what they offer you vs. what you can get when you sell it privately is AT LEAST several thousand dollars (again I don’t have any specifics in your case) and possibly TENS of thousands of dollars. With more info I can pinpoint numbers for you. And yes, in this current environment, its possible you could actually make a profit. I recently had a client make about $3000. over his purchase price when he needed to sell his camper shortly after purchasing it.
If you become I client of mine, I would also like to challenge you on whether you want to replace your 25 ft airstream with a 30 ft airstream. I say this because I firmly believe there are BETTER campers available (than airstream) for LESS than the cost of an airstream – but – that contention extends beyond the scope of your original question.
Please DO feel free to call me – 307 269 2546 – now in Central time for the next few months!
Alan Sills
Alan provided incredible peace of mind, expert opinion, and set my expectations negotiating the purchase of a 2016 Snow River recently.
My experience buying boats, and using a Marine Surveyor, led me to believe big ticket recreation items (like RVs, travel trailers, etc) would follow a similar process.
Not so! The dealer we purchased from, 2,436 miles from home on the east coast, said they had NEVER dealt with a broker before. I was shocked! Alan provided MORE than his cost is value, potential savings and educating me on the pitfalls.
EXCELLENT service, communication and expertise. That’s what I paid for and that’s what I got. I HIGHLY recommend Alan’s services as a buyer.
Rad,
Thanks so much for your kind words. I trust that Snow River will serve you and your family well as you travel the nation!
Al
I’m looking 4 a Travel Trailer & Truck and i’m not rich
Phil,
Who is rich Phil? Please feel free to call me at 307 269 2546 (i’m currently in pacific time) – if I don’t answer, please leave a message (and if possible text me), and I WILL get back with you.
Alan Sills
Hi I will contact you shortly about my interest in a gently used Class C Rv.
Mimi,
I’m here to help.
Al
I cannot thank Alan enough for guiding me step by step through the RV buying process! Completely new to RV’s, I did not know where to start. Alan discussed our situation, needs and preferences and came up with the perfect RV for us.
He was so patient explaining the particulars and answering my questions without making me feel like a “pain in the neck”. He steered me away from bad deals and saved me a ton of money even though it is a seller’s market!
We are now the proud owners of a 2019 Vilano 373FB. It looks brand new. Alan made the transaction seamless. I heartily recommend his concierge service.
Thank you, Alan
Lauri,
May you and your husband enjoy many years in your ‘nearly new’ Vanleigh 5th wheel! Thanks for your trust.
Al
We can’t thank Al enough! We were totally new to RVing, and Al was invaluable in our early discussions, to help us figure out what kind of RV we wanted and needed. We really feel now like we got the right size and model, and we would NOT have done that without Al, I’m sure we would have gone way too big. Also, in terms of scoping out RVs, we could not have done this without Al. He gave us the confidence we needed to find a great deal on a quality RV that had some superficial problems. The RV market is super tight right now, and without Al, I’m sure we would still be RV-less. Thanks so much for your help, Al!
Daina,
May you and Mich enjoy your CoachHouse for years to come and may it serve you well! Thanks so much for your kind words.
Al
The best decision I made in buying an RV was to hire Al to help with my purchase. As a first time RV buyer he helped steer me towards quality built trailers with the best layout for my wants and needs. Once we found the right trailer he saved me thousands of dollars off the listed price! Yes thousands!
The best decision you can make is to hire Al
Thanks again,
Dennis Dion
Thanks for your kind words Dennis. Enjoy your “new to you” Arctic Fox trailer! Al
Al was a life saver for us! He found us 7 class C motor homes within a day and when I came time for negotiations on price he slammed it! Got us almost 20% off asking price which was $3k under what I told him my max could be on this specific unit. When I came time to sell it he had that done for us with a day. Could not have gone smoother not easier. Thanks again Al for EVERYTHING!
Zach, I’m glad it all worked out and we were actually able to sell your C at a profit shortly after your purchase! Al
Couldn’t have done it without Al!
He’s literally a walking encyclopedia of well-rounded RV knowledge. We are newbies and buying used to renovate.
We had exactly what we wanted within 2 weeks. He guided & educated us on every aspect.
His experience in the industry, living full time, coupled with his diligent and factual manner got us the VERY best deal & his guidance on the final walkthrough MORE than worth $600.
From our fantastic experience, Al the RV Consultant, is legit and can save you thousands!!
Thanks so much for your kind words Chris and Wendy! Enjoy that Carriage 5er – it was built to last years and serve you well. Al
Working with Alan was a fantastic experience. Even though we were in the midst of a buying frenzy (thanks to the COVID Pandemic) Alan went above and beyond to help me figure out what trailer would meet my criteria. It was quite a challenge to find a trailer since they were literally selling out nearly every day. But he finally did find me one and closed a great money saving deal. Well worth his fee. I highly recommended working with Alan you won’t be disappointed.
Glenn, thanks for your kind words. Enjoy your Lance in good health for many years to come! Al
Alan was AWESOME!!! Sold my 5th Wheel within a day of Alan posting the ad for just above the asking price. He is very easy to deal with and has great advice from his years in the RV business. It was well worth his $600.00 fee, I will be contacting him when ready to buy our next fifth wheel. Thanks again Alan!!!!!
Thanks so much for your kind words Robert. I’m glad we were able to get your price on your camper – and do it quickly! Al
Alan was very helpful in knowing which brands of RV were considered to be “iconic brands“ and which ones are the ones to stay away from.
Also, his recommendation on which is the best extended warranty plan saved me money. The plan that my dealer sells offers half the coverage for twice the price as the plan that Alan recommended. The amount of money I saved on buying the right plan which Alan recommended, more than paid for his $600 fee.
Thanks so much for your kind words Val. Enjoy your Carriage in good health! Al
It was time to upgrade our RV and I was dreading the process of selling our existing unit. So, with much anxiety about hiring “some guy on the internet” that we’d never met, we engaged Alan’s concierge service to help sell our travel trailer Thank goodness we did! Alan’s market knowledge and experience is invaluable!! He gave us prep tips, had us send him pictures, and then wrote and posted ads. SOLD! in just 1 day at a price we hadn’t dreamed possible. You’ve made some true believers here and we highly recommend your services to anyone looking to sell an RV.
Alan, we cant thank you enough and look forward to your assistance as we search for our next RV.
Jeff and Rhonda,
Thanks so much for your kind words. Yep, 1 day impressed even me!
Al
We just spent a great week learning about our new coach we Got on May 28th. A road trip from Iowa to Seatle Wa.
Allen helped us find a RV in a week. We flew out bought it and worked our way back.
He worked well with us. Even putting up with me finding RV and sending him leads of RV he had already looked at.
He was quick to reply when we had a question. Warned us away from bad deals and RV.
In the end we have an amazing 2016 Class A Triumph 31C.
People think it is brand new. He helped us greatly. I would highly recommend him to everyone.
Thanks from the whole family.
Rickey Family
Thanks so much for your kind words. Glad you’re getting familiar with your camper. I look forward towards hearing about your future adventures. Al
Alan made the process painless and as simple as it could have been. Best of all, he steered us away from a camper brand known for poor build quality and into one that is well built. Our family loves it and looking forward to many weekend warrior adventures!
Chris,
Thanks for your kind words and many years of great camping to you and your family with your new camper!
Al
Al’s service is a must for anyone looking for a new RV. Throughout the process he was thorough in gathering our needs and offered practical and thoughtful advice. His experience in the industry helped steer us towards the best brands (and away from the others).
Al’s real value came through in finding the best price and negotiating the deal. This was a huge timesaver for us to not have to play phone tag with seven different dealerships, but that’s not even the best part. Al’s experience on the other side of the table is the secret weapon that cuts through all the sales BS. No having to wait while the sales person has to “talk with my manager” or listen to them tell you about how they would “lose money at that price” or all the other sales tactics. Al handles all of that and helps to separate fact from fiction.
We ended up in a better unit than we had been looking at initially and that would have been worth Al’s fee by itself. As it was, the financial return on our investment in the Concierge Buying Service was over 500%!
Jenn, Fred,
Thanks so much for your kind words! I trust you will enjoy years of great camping in your new camper. It’s been a very busy month! I’ve served several folks, helping them with the purchase of both new and used campers – of all types. Al
Alan has been a pleasure working with you! You got me a great deal on a wonderful unit. Your advice was taken into consideration with my final decision. I know that the extra 5ft would’ve been nice to live in, but a bear to pull amd handle. The 35ft Vanleigh Vilano is just what I thought it was gonna be and nothing less! I get nothing but compliments on it. Thank you for your expertise and your advice. If I know anyone ever in the market for an RV, I will surely send them your way. Hope to see you at a campsite someday.
Thanks Raul! Definitely stay in touch and enjoy that camper. Al
Just made 2 huge rookie in a hurry mistakes. The new truck & new travel trailer.
Been in it 3 weeks, LOVE the camping life and want to do it full time.
Lots went into how we got here, but are immediately thinking we want a bigger 5th wheel and subsequently also a bigger truck.
Wondering how we can minimize the pain or if we should just suck it up and live with what we have.
Hmmm… Evie, Evie, Evie! Well, to offer advice of any real value to you, I need specifics. What is the year/make/model of the truck? Trailer? Is the truck diesel? long bed/short bed? What did you pay for each – the truck and the trailer? When you say you want “bigger” in a 5th wheel – what aspect of your 5th wheel is too small? Storage? Living space? If so, specifically where is the deficiency? With all this I can likely assess how much its going to cost to fix this. Al
Hello , I’m looking to trade my 2019 Forest River brookstone 301R for something that has a bunk house. And thinking about TT instead of 5TH Wheel. I own it out right ,paid cash in October of this year. Only slept in it 2 times. Now that I sold my house I would like to get rid of 5th wheel and get into TT with BH. And something in the 35ft range. my question is I don’t want to come out of pocket for new trailer. What should we do ? I bought a new dodge 2500 3 months ago and don’t even have the hitch in it yet.
Robert,
Thanks for reaching out. I’ll be glad to be of assistance, but I need to ensure I’m looking at the right camper. You state the “Brookstone 301R”, could it be the “Coachmen Brookstone 310RL”? I can’t find a 301, but I did find the 310. Also, is your dodge a diesel or a gas vehicle?
Al
We were not new to RV purchasing as previous owners of a travel trailer and a class C. But for some reason moving into a 40+ foot diesel pusher was very intimidating for us. Prices didn’t match book value, but some were worth a higher price than others. It was confusing.
Then we found Al! His knowledge and experience instantly gave us confidence. He contacted the sellers, got the history on each one, called “B.S.” on some of the dealers, and ultimately found the perfect rig for us. We told him what price we were comfortable with, he talked with the seller, and he got us the deal we hoped for. He recommended this rig after he spoke with the owner and listened to the details on how it was taken care of. Now we own this beautiful Beaver Patriot Thunder!
Thanks Al!
Thanks for your kind words Jim, enjoy your camper in good health.
Thank you Alan and team!!
We should have sent this sooner. We are very ecstatic with how things went so smoothly not only with the sell of our motor home but also the purchase of our fifth wheel, Arctic Fox 35-5Z.
We we’re very impressed with Alan’s product and industry knowledge. A great negotiator on both sells and purchasing. We certainly would have made some bad choices without his help. It took less than two months to have both RV sold and purchase of a fifth wheel that we love. It would have taken less if we hadn’t needed to work with warranty repairs on the motor home. The website rvacrossamerica.net has become a regular routine check. Full of great useful information that we have learned to trust..
Thanks again Alan
George and Cheri Wood
George and Cheri, It was a pleasure being of service to you. Al
We purchased a new travel trailer using Alan. Alan got us a good price and a good dealer. I have bought a lot of equipment over the years as a fleet manager. This was my first RV purchase. Nearest dealers were 900 miles away and I know there are many games played in purchasing a RV from a dealer. I saw quite by accident Alan’s concierge service. I called Alan several times and discussed RV issues. Thought it over and took the plunge with Alan. Best thing I could have done for this purchase. I got a good price, a good dealer and no pressure to buy things I didn’t need. Best money I have spent in a long time.
Thanks Alan!
Randy & Debra Cameron
Randy and Debra,
Thanks for your kind words and enjoy your ORV camper in good health!
Al
I wish I had known about Alan before I bought my first 5th wheel. When I decided it was larger than I needed or wanted to drive and squeeze into camping spots he was there to help. He knows where and how to advertise. He sent me 3 interested parties and the second one to look at it purchased, and were very easy to work with. I wanted something more nimble but well made. He suggested several brands and I did some research on line. He pays attention to what you want and sends listings to check out. The one I chose was a 2006 Coach House Class B with 2 slides, used 4 times with 1,360 miles. He negotiated a great price and the rest was easy.
He was always available to me by e-mail or phone to answer any questions and give advice. He has made selling and buying an enjoyable experience.
Lynne in Astoria OR
Thanks so much for your kind words Lynne. Enjoy your camper in good health!
Al
When joining your buying/selling concierge, does it matter how old our 5th wheel is? We have a 1999 Jayco Eagle 263 ( 28ft. ) 1 slide out, it to has leaf springs and shocks all around and very heavy duty frame. Not sure about the internal walls, as far as insulation, we’ve only had the camper a couple months. We eventually want to upgrade to a 33ft. with at least 1 more slide out, Will be towing atv’s behind us, approx. 10-12ft. additional.
Hello Ward, Leslie,
Yes I can help with the sale of your Jayco 263 (and the subsequent purchase of an upgraded trailer.) Please feel free to call me (307 269 2546) or email me privately at traveler@rvacrossamerica.net I’d like to know how much you would like to get for your current trailer and what kind of budget you’re willing to commit to an upgrade. Also – how many people are going to be traveling with it. And… lastly – what truck you’re planning to use to tow the upgraded trailer. Al
Morning Al, Ward Leslie again, and have a question for you. When it comes time for us to upgrade our fifth wheel and are planning on having you help us with that. It will be just my wife and I 80% of the time and pulling it with a 2010 GMC 2500hd ( gas ) set up for heavier pulling, ( off road package ) what do you think of the Heartland Gateway 3650 BH fifth wheel, the one that has the half bath accessible from outside. I originally sent you a message oct. 30th a little after 8am, ( in case this doesn’t follow that message ) LOL (: Thank you for all you do. You are the bomb!! Ward and Terri-Lynn
Hey Ward,
A few thoughts and a question – first – you say its you two 80% of the time, refresh my recall, who are you planning on traveling with you 20% of the time? Was it the grandkids? If so, what are their ages? (I ask because if they’re tweens or teens they may prefer to sleep outside in a tent – and if so – you’re buying a bunk model that won’t see much use as intended.) My immediate concerns about the Gateway 3650 are the following: 1) its dry weight is 13000 pounds – thats a lot for a 2500 gas truck. 2) the outside kitchen often ends up as wasted space – I’ve seen more folks use the outside kitchen as storage than as an outside kitchen. Further, the fridge in the outside kitchen is 110v only. So…if you’re boondocking its a big paperweight! 3) The 3650BH is 41 ft long – you’re cutting back on where you can camp and you had originally mentioned pulling some atv’s – this will end up with a very LONG total length tow. Your thoughts? Al
Excellent advise Al, that’s why you do what you do, Thank you. 20% is the grandchildren and family. We will keep in contact in the coming future. Ward and Terri
OK Al, one more question, Your thoughts on the Highland Ridge Open Range fifth wheels, I’m thinking in the 36ft range, I’ve checked on a few and like what I see. We pulled a 12,000 lb camper with our truck ( the one I mentioned in other posts, non diesel ) no different than our 9300 lb camper. Couldn’t tell the difference. It was set up aftermarket wise for pulling. Let me know what you think, it will tell a lot. Thank you Ward L. P.S. How’s skiing going for you.
In general, highland ridge is “ok” in the sense its a Jayco company. Since Jayco was bought out by Thor (affected the 2018 and newer models) the quality control has gone way down. I’d be the same is true for highland ridge. When you think of Open Range, think Jayco Eagle. Its about the same level. Now that said… I maintain 12000 pounds is pushing it for a gas 3/4 ton 10 year old truck. You can certainly get away with it most of the time, but there’ll be those mountain passes where I’d be VERY concerned and certainly the transmission will work overtime to do its job. Which specific Highland Ridge model are you looking at?
Oh, and skiing is started. I’ve skied 6 days thus far – just getting into ski-shape for the season. Al
Not concerned about passes, truck is just fine, live in Minnesota and haven’t seen a mountain in years, by then will have updated. I was looking at years between 2009 and 2014 open ranges, 33 to 38ft. We are very set on that fifth wheel regardless floor plan. When we retire, we then will look at the proper equipment ( approx. 10 yrs. ) then we will probably travel the country. Take care and good luck. Ward L.
Ok, if you opt for my Concierge Buying Service, I look forward towards being of assistance. Al
We are in the research stage, our hearts desire is to take our elderly parents on a few journeys, so we are looking for a rv for my husband and I to fulltime and include our parents, so we need a 2 bedroom with access to our own bathrooms, we dont know where to start
Joyce,
Here’s a couple of possibilities – https://www.granddesignrv.com/showroom/2020/fifth-wheel/solitude/floorplans – look at the models 3950BH and 3740BH. These are Grand Design Solitude 5th wheel trailers. Both floor plans are large, spacious, and well built. Depending upon your budget, I can do additional research to find the right camper, so I offer you these two models as “for example” options. In each case, there is a separate “bunk room”, but rather than ask your parents to sleep in bunks, there is a tri-fold sofa which will be about a queen size bed and easily opens / folds out and is actually quite comfortable. Notice, there are two bathrooms, however the bunk room bathroom does not have a shower. I can’t recall ever seeing a 5th wheel (or motorhome) with 2 full bathrooms – its always this arrangement – 1 full and 1 half bath.
Do you think that either of these floor plans could work for your needs?
Al
Alan’s service was invaluable to us and worth many times more than his reasonably small fee.
We sold our home of 21 years (we are newly empty-nested!) and immediately moved into the 5th wheel that Alan found and helped us purchase from a private seller. We are very comfortable and now know that he helped us to avoid a number of potential headaches.
These are the value highpoints of Alan’s process:
1) Assessment — Alan began with questions about what we wanted and how would use our RV and then he listened to us (and very well)
2) Education — we thought we new what we wanted (a travel trailer) and then Alan educated us on why a 5th wheel would likely be a much better fit for our full-time living situation. He was spot-on. We now realize what an important choice this was for us — we love our new home.
3) Make and model identification — Alan has deep knowledge of the industry. This was fascinating to us as he explained industry trends, manufacturer history and build-quality differences. We came away with a clear list of RV’s we wanted and a longer list of those we would be avoiding. This part of the process would have been worth Alan’s fee alone.
4) Search and negotiate — with our target RVs list in hand, Alan sent us info on models for sale as he found them. When we confirmed our interest, he then contacted the sellers to begin the process. It was highly valuable (and a time saver) for us to have Alan working for us as our agent. His experience and style really paid off here.
On top of all this, we really enjoyed working with Alan — like a trusted friend.
That’s a lot of words.
In summary: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Thanks so much for your kind words! Please DO stay in touch. Al
Alan and his team guided us through the entire process of buying an RV. They took the guesswork out of it completely. We purchased a new unit that was in relative high demand so there was no possibility of saving thousands of dollars, however Alan answered every question I had prior to securing his services and was an amazing teacher and guide through the entire process. I would never do it any differently. We were novice rv the folks and really appreciated the wisdom that Alan provided. We are now living in our travel trailer full time and could not be happier with our purchase. I still feel like I could contact Alan at any time and get the same level of care. Thanks again Alan!
Thanks for your kind words Paul!