In this post, you’re going to get lots of RV Buying Advice and Tips (and some previews of upcoming posts detailing my exploration of the Silver Valley here in North Idaho!)
Today’s post will help us to learn from a buying experience shared by an RV owner in this Liz Amazing video. After careful review, you may conclude (as I have) that they could have avoided lots of pain and aggravation with a few simple actions PRIOR to their actual closing on their new camper. Instead they “invested” in a rolling RV Camper junkyard.
Let’s set the stage: These folks purchased a brand new (often a MISTAKE) Class A motorhome manufactured by Entegra. Shortly, we will learn who Entegra REALLY is.
Early in the video, they state they are long time RV’ers. To me, as an RV Consultant and Concierge, their experience as RV travelers does NOT necessarily mean they know much about how to purchase a quality camper!
Certainly, as experienced RV travelers, I would assume they know how to RV camp and travel. They do state they’ve owned RV’s before. This usually means less than a “handful.” So, their buying experience is still very limited. Further, as with most consumers, they demonstrate no idea of the corporate structure of the RV industry when it comes to who builds what and who owns whom.
First mistake… buying brand new
Buying a new RV camper is most often (though not always) a costly mistake. The depreciation curve with most campers is VERY steep, especially during the first two years of the life of the camper. As a result, it is most often best to purchase a relatively new but USED RV that is still in great condition.
Often, buyers plans seem to change right after a purchase. They then want to sell their camper – or it sits for a few years with minimal to no use and then they sell it for a fraction of what they paid. There are plenty of campers like these available – especially these days!
The end result? The second owner purchases at a significantly lower cost than the first buyer paid. Not to sound headstrong, but that is something I ensure for my Concierge RV clients!
Know who (REALLY) made the camper – and AVOID brands KNOWN to be TROUBLE – and NO, they’re NOT “all the same”!
Who is Entegra… really?
Entegra is a Jayco company. Ask any salesman, they’re happy to tell you that. Jayco still has a good name. You see, it takes the American buying public a long time to wise up to changes in construction quality. Fact: The Jayco name does NOT mean what it once was!
You see, Jayco was bought out by THOR about a decade ago. Since then, Thor controls the purse-strings and overall quality (or lack there-of.) So… Entegra, a Jayco company is ACTUALLY controlled by Thor! And if you do your homework on Thor, you’ll find out just what that means when it comes to build quality! Needless to say, I don’t recommend many Thor owned campers. Currently, there are about 15 well known brands owned by Thor. When it comes to any Thor brand I love to quote Nancy Reagan. “Just say NO!”
Of interest and relevance, I saw the issues with Thor’s ownership of Jayco firsthand. When the 2018 Jayco’s were delivered to the dealer I was working for in 2017. Their campers looked just like the (highly reliable and well built) 2017’s from the prior year, but virtually ALL the campers we received had SERIOUS issues that were detected upon arrival (or unfortunately, shortly after we sold them.)
Yep, you guessed it, just after the 2017 Jayco’s were built and shipped, Thor took over!
THE most important moment for RV buyers during the ENTIRE purchase process…
The fatal flaw for this couple occurred during their walk-through on their new Class A RV. Your walk-through is your LAST chance to check the “soon to be your” camper AND deal with issues BEFORE YOU OWN IT!
I advise all my Concierge RV Clients to NOT go into the finance managers office and sign anything until they complete the walk-through and… Their “soon to be their” camper is performing TO THEIR SATISFACTION.
It is AT THIS TIME that the dealer is super motivated to fix anything that you identify as faulty. Remember, you have not yet “closed” on the camper you’re purchasing! Also note there are limits to what a dealer will agree to fix if you’re buying a used camper, although it is generally accepted that all components MUST be in good working order.
It was during the walk-through this couple indicated they composed a “punch-list.” This is a list of all the things that need to be fixed. As with most lemmings, errr… buyers, they made their list, finished the walk-through, and like good little drones, apparently marched off to the massacre in the finance managers office for the massacre! This is where they likely signed a loan note obligating them to one or more DECADES of payments on something that will be worth virtually nothing by the time they’ve paid it off. Great deal, huh?
Instead of closing on their camper with known problems, they SHOULD have “stopped the clock” and insisted that ALL issues be resolved before closing. IF the dealer won’t accomodate at that time, WALK! There’s ALWAYS another camper!
Important Side-note… WHY would ANYONE want to own an RV?
I’ve often read “advice” on Facebook to never take a loan out on an RV. Yes, I agree that RV’s are NOT a financial investment, but they ARE an investment in lifestyle, quality of life, and recreation.
Here’s a classic “case in point.” If you’re a parent with young kids, there’s a limited period of time during which your kids are old enough to appreciate the places you can travel to and camp with them AND they are young enough to still WANT to travel with you. To me, it makes sense to take a loan to get an RV to enjoy at this stage in your families growth even if it requires a loan. Incidentally, I have tips and insights on RV loans HERE.
For older folks, it’s a great way to “get out and see the USA!” (Sorry for stealing that phrase.) Traveling with your own kitchen, fridge, bed and bathroom (in my view) is infinitely preferable to traveling from motel to motel and eating at “greasy spoons.” And again, if an RV loan helps make that dream come true, then I endorse it!
So… in my humble view, there ARE reasons to take out an RV loan to get an camper, BUT, you need to be SMART about what you buy and how much you pay! And… by all that is holy in the Universe, do NOT overpay for it! Again, I wrote an article with tips and tricks for RV loans HERE.
Ok, back to the BIG RV Walk-through mistake
First, when you do a walk-through, in addition to learning about the big, expensive machine you’re buying, TEST EVERYTHING! The buyers mentioned discovering delamination shortly after purchase. This was likely there when they did their walk-through. Further, while they do not get into specifics of what was on their “punch list”, they should have stopped the walk-through right then and there and told the dealer, “we will close on this after you fix the things we’ve discovered” – and NOT until!
Further, did they test drive it? They did not mention this fact and it sounds like they did not. Did they look for any signs of water intrusion? Doesn’t sound like it. Some folks even believe it is wise to hire a tech to inspect their camper – even if its brand new. I tend to take this on a case-by-case basis with my Concierge RV clients.
Remember again, during your walk-through THEY (the dealer) owns it. THEY are highly motivated AT THIS TIME to do whatever it takes to get that camper off their lot! YOU are in control – UNTIL you sign the docs and drive off their lot. THEN the “fun” begins IF you didn’t do your job!
Post Purchase Motorhome Problems…
After hearing their story via Liz’s video, I have a few questions…
- When they encountered issues, why not use a local mobile rv tech (IF it is within their scope?) To do so, generally you contact the manufacturer to get warranty approval in advance. Mobile RV tech’s are often more qualified and skilled than techs who work at an RV dealer.
- Once they traveled to Jayco, why not put your foot down to get it fully fixed? I’m a BIG believer in the “squeaky wheel gets greased” – and no better time than once your camper is AT the factory! I was blown away that they traveled with it out west on an extended trip after minimal repairs – and KNOWING there was more to be done!?
- Ultimately the water leak sounds like a QUALITY CONTROL ISSUE. The end result? A complete failure & loss of this camper.
- This case is a GREAT argument for buying USED and a quality build.
- Pay close attention to what they say about BLACK MOLD – black mold can be a SERIOUS health hazard.
- “Coach is more or less repaired now” – REALLY?! After all this! I don’t even know how to react to this statement.
Concluding Thoughts
When it comes to RV purchases, let the buyer beware! RV ownership, RV travel and RV life can be very fulfilling and fun. It can also be a complete bust. Choosing the RIGHT camper (of any type) is a great start to ensuring a successful experience. Assessing its condition BEFORE you “sign on the dotted line” is vital. If you want a “guide by your side, who also has your back, you can see what I do HERE and contact me if you wish to explore the possibilities.
For those who already own an RV and are perhaps venturing out for the season… I have a recommended and “personally tested” RV Accessories section to my website…
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