Does it Matter WHERE you buy your new (or used) RV?
and… What you SHOULD look for when evaluating that rig!
Part 4 of a 5 part series. Part 1 is HERE.
I learned some interesting facts when I first got into RV consulting in the Spring of 2015. I saw people who lived in Wyoming willing to buy from a dealer in Michigan or Indiana and in some cases travel there to pick up their new RV. A wise move? Well, listen to my thoughts below and then see if you agree with my summary posted below
Important note (updated Nov. 2020): My comments in the “Where to buy” video (NOT updated) were based upon the assumption you purchase from a dealer. I’ll admit right up front, I prefer buying from dealers. At the time, I WAS working for a dealer, but now as an independent RV Consultant, I maintain the SAME position.
When I purchased my first two used Class C motorhomes about 17 years ago, I bought from dealers. Why? A dealer has the obligation (at the least the HONEST ONES DO) to inspect the RV before they put it up for sale – AND you can always ask the Service Manager (who often has NO love for their own sales department) what they found on the camper you’re considering. They will also share that report with you – showing what was wrong with it when they brought it in on trade. They will also show you what they fixed – and what they left for you to deal with.
2019 update: I’m NO LONGER with any individual dealer. I’ve started my own Concierge RV Buying Service – designed to help you through the process and save you TIME, MONEY, and AGGRAVATION – check it out HERE.
A good negotiator (hopefully YOU – or you can always reach out to ME) can not only get the price down to a point where it’s a “great deal”, you may get the dealer (on a used camper) to toss in a 90 day extended service contract. While these contracts are NOT a full warranty, they WILL cover components (hot water heaters, slide motors, landing gear, refrigerators, a/c, etc…) and this can be VERY important to YOU as you drive off with your used RV – and if you’re buying new, extended service contracts that extend coverage out to as much as 7 years are well worth the cost (and if you reach out to me – I can save you some real money on one of these contracts. (Nov. 2020: Currently I’m “in between” ESC providers – but – contact me in any case for recommendations.)
Corona virus update Nov. 2020: Unprecedented demand for campers has reduced inventories and slowed the production of new RV’s, BUT, deals are STILL able to be found and negotiated. Patience is a MAJOR key!
If you buy from a “wholesaler” located near many of the factories in Michigan & Indiana, you may get a “teaser” price, but one BIG pieces missing will be the thorough prep done by many local dealers, and ongoing service and support you will WANT and need from your local dealer.
TIP: Here’s where NOT to buy from… “the BIG retailer“
If you buy from a private party, YOU the buyer assume virtually all the risk. The seller is not obligated to know if there is anything wrong with the RV (roof issues, black mold, etc…), so the responsibility is ENTIRELY yours to ensure you’re getting a good rig. I highly recommend hiring a tech to inspect the camper before purchase.
RV Trader is the #1 site through which used RV’s are now sold. If you’re really lucky, you’ll find a rig that already has an extended service contract applied to it for sale – and then you’ll have greater confidence that you have some level of protection when you drive off after closing the sale.
What to look for when buying a RV…
Summary thoughts on this topic…
- Virtually ALL RV’s require service/repair in their first year (and beyond!) – be sure you know how you’ll get your new rig serviced when you purchase! (And… do NOT believe the wholesalers when they tell you your local dealer will accept your business for warranty work!!)
- Consider the protections you’ll have when you buy from a dealer vs. a private sale
- Is the rig you’re looking at WELL BUILT? (IN MOST CASES the answer is NO – contact me for whom to avoid!)
- how accessible is the furnace for service? (and if you camp in the cold, it WILL need service!)
- any refinements to the frame construction?
- how will the rig drive off-road? do they use shocks on the axles?
- does it have tires or china bombs?
- is there attention to “finishing touches”
- is the plumbing protected/insulated?
- will the countertops hold up?
- Since this original posting, I wrote a review of my own (NEW) 5th wheel – HERE – in that review, I detail WHAT I looked for and WHY it matters. Now, 3 years into owning my camper, I’m convinced more than ever that the design and engineering exhibited by a SMALL NUMBER of camper manufacturers (in each major category of rv’s) DOES matter. AND – I always recommend a well built USED camper than a crappy, poorly build NEW camper (usually by one of the BIG manufacturers who are well represented in many RV dealers across the nation.)
AND… Are you willing to pay for a unit that attends to all or much of the above? Some of the best rigs I’ve seen are NOT the most expensive out there, but they’re also not trying to hit a budget “price point”.
There are several other posts in this How to Buy an RV series. Be sure to check them out HERE. Part 5 – RV LOANS can be found HERE.
Additional resources you may wish to consider include exploring the value of an Extended Service Contract and how to prepare for winter conditions if you live in your RV where winters get COLD!
As always… THANKS for visiting… and COME BACK SOON… y’hear? Please DO leave comments below and SUBSCRIBE to us using the box below to ensure you receive updates of new posts when they get published. Oh, and if you’re looking for great prices on some of my own choices for accessories, click the image below!
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Alan;
The ones i mentioned are from 2019 to 2017 and it is the wife and i only used for weekends etc….I will be towing with 2019 2500HD GMC Diesel. I did read a reply of yours early about Forest River RVs and i was stunned; but after researching deeper, i think you’re right.
r/
Mike
Mike,
With a 2500 GMC diesel, you certainly have enough truck to pull almost anything. Now to your original question – flagstaff, wildcat and chaparall are all forest river – and are JUNK. I would not pay a dime for them and owning them will lead to a miserable rv’ing experience as they gradually fall apart.
The Jayco HT in light of your truck would be a truly poor choice as well. The HT series is made for half-ton trucks. The non-politically correct interpretation of a HT 5th wheel is it has been made super-light at the expense of safety and longevity. Since your truck can handle a “real” 5th wheel, in your region, at a minimum I’d look at the Jayco Eagle 317 (which is NOT an HT) and I’d look at 2017 or earlier. Why? 1) its depreciated extensively from what the 1st owner paid and 2) Jayco was acquired by Thor and the quality control has gone down the toilet – so new Jaycos? I’m not real excited.
Now, if you asked me what do I recommend and you’re willing to travel to get one – I’d recommend an Arctic Fox 29-5 or 32-5. Do you know about my Concierge Buying Service where you get me as your “guide by your side” who also has your back – and negotiates for you (and more.) You can see all details here – rvAcrossAmerica.net/buysell
Feel free to call me at 561 676 1205 with questions or to discuss further. Despite my SE Florida area code, I’m in Idaho (Mountain time), so I’m 2 hours behind you.
Al
Alan;
We are from the Sarasota, Fl area and are looking to purchase a 5th Wheel; we have been looking closely to Jayco “Eagle HT”, Flagstaff, Wildcat, and Chaparral. Since we are in the south, which of these manufactures do you recommend? Also, i am originally from the Ohio area and was thinking of buying in the Indiana area and having shipped to Florida, is this a good idea? Thanks for you information.
Hey Mike,
Thanks for reaching out. I can definitely help you in your search. I need to ask just a few questions first and then I can provide specifics – 1) What vehicle do you plan to use to tow your trailer?
2) What are your needs? That is – is “we” you and your wife? kids? if so, how many?
3) Knowing that trailers depreciate faster than a rock sinking in water, are you open to purchasing a used camper in “like new” condition?
Al
Hi.. single senior female with a subaru forrester that is looking for a tt less than 24ft for full time rv life, mostly boondocking.. looked at a lance model but still looking.. unsure if new or used to purchase yet.. thanks for any info you can give..
Dump the Subaru. It will NOT tow any kind of trailer beyond the SMALLEST possible. If you plan to full time, I’d buy a 5th wheel (which requires a 3/4 ton diesel truck), as a distant second choice, I’d get a travel trailer (and under 24 ft is VERY limiting for full time life), but you’ll STILL need a good vehicle (my choice: a newer F150 Ford ecoboost truck). Lance is ok, I’d go Arctic Fox or Outdoors RV. If you have to go used to afford the best, do it. I do offer a buying service where I can get you the right trailer at the right price (new or used.) Al
Hi Alan,
Just stumbled across your page today and watched some of your videos. Good work. I also like that you are skiing all winter, someday maybe… I saw in more than one place that you are not a fan of Forest River. I can’t disagree as I am not that versed in trailers, but wanted to comment that we purchased a 2006 Sierra about 2 years ago. Great starter RV, bought to see if we like RVing. Although we have had a couple issues that got us to know a local repair shop very well, and they took great care of me even after an entire season – found a roof leak, they fixed it but didn’t fix it all the way, came back 6+ months later and they fixed it for good. The leak was due to a cut in the roof probably from a branch. Anyway, other than that, the 5th wheel has been great. Well built, solid when driving, comfortable and most important it was and is very clean. RV’s typically sit more than they are used so buying used is similar to buying new. We hope to update in the near future but its hard when its paid for and works very very well. The next one will be usable in the winter so we can stay at a ski area for a week or so and have a place to stay. I’m sure we could use this one, but haven’t put that much thought into all the updates necessary to insure it doesn’t freeze.
David, I can’t speak to what FR was doing in 2006, its possible the product was better then. Its also likely the first owner delt with all the issues FR owners seem to encounter. Having been in RV sales & consulting for 4 years now, I’ve seen the “inner guts” of these things – and many aren’t pretty. Many manufacturers take short-cuts that would result in law suits if it happened with a car or a truck. Recently, I saw failures in plumbing lines in a FR and how cheap the materials are that they use & the complete lack of insulation in one of their surveyor 5th wheels – one that claims to be good for cold weather use. When people have issues with FR, I have also seen two consistent issues – it takes FR forever to ship parts & they are not friendly to paying warranty claims. Sorry to be so negative, but its what I’m seeing.
Alan,
I came across you when searching for “where to buy an RV”. My husband and I are planning to buy a 5th wheel in a couple years once he retires and will be living in it full time. Traveling from spring through fall and wintering in FL. Possibly using it in cold temps but probably not very often. We live in Ohio and are new to this whole rv thing. We are currently researching everything and are overwhelmed. I saw that you recommend Outdoors RV & Arctic Fox but they are out west. Where would we get service if needed? Are there any others you would recommend that are high quality? We would buy used to save money but not something real old..maybe within 5 yrs or so. Tentative budget for truck and camper are approx. $100k. Any information you can give us would be helpful.
Karen,
Thanks for reaching out. First, I must say that two years in the RV industry is an eternity, so my recommendations may change from now until then. At this time, as you noted, Outdoors RV and Arctic Fox are the two quality leaders in the industry – at least for a reasonable cost. If your budget is unlimited, there are other options. That said, I’ve had several folks travel out west to buy Outdoors RV travel trailers and fifth wheels from me and they’ve never had an issue with service. Outdoors RV (and Arctic Fox) will work with any legitimate RV service center or mobile service guy to do warranty work on your trailer. They are very available to assist the service center in diagnosing an issue.
For $100k – if you were buying today, I’d recommend a 2011 or 2012 Ford F250 diesel, long bed and a Glacier Peak 30RLS (the one I’ve got) or the 30RKS. Used trailers are hard to come by from them, but you can obtain a new one and a F250 and meet your budget. When the time comes, please feel free to check in with me and I will try to be of greater assistance.
Hi Alan, what do you think of Keystone Everest? 2007, would you recommend?
Which model? What price?
Wow! Very informative. My husband and I are interested in Rv, but have never driven one, yet. We’ve done a lot of research in the pass year. We plan to buy one in 2018. And he need to go to the potty often. Lol at age 77 and I’m 63. So, we’re new to this. But, a trailer is out of the question. I do all the driving. So, who should we talk to, there? We’re in Houston, Texas. Retired and will be full time RVers. Thanks
Thanks for reaching out. I don’t have a specific dealer in mind to recommend, but perhaps I can help you narrow things a bit – first – what kind of budget are you working with? Are you fixed on new or used? (And yes, a motorhome for your situation sounds like the right move.) Al
I can tell you from recent, personal experience buying an Ambition or LUXE would not be in anyone’s best interest. We had an Ambition built (took 8 months) and we had to walk away from taking delivery of it. There was absolutely NO quality control on a 5th wheel that costs over 100k….ludicrous!!!! The coaches look stunning and good materials are used, but that’s it. There was not even a fire extinguisher installed, yet they put the RVIA seal on their units. Plus there was no seal around the gas line coming from the hot water heater…another HUGE safety issue that could cost someone their life. There were areas around front and rear caps that had exposed wires where water could possibly get into the unit, whole in underbelly was found which could allow for who knows what to get inside the unit, sweep/gasket issues around slides didn’t operate properly and water could possibly intrude into the coach, paid for full body paint and the top of front cap was not completely painted, there were items on buyers order that were not installed. Received a detailed, lengthy report from an NRVIA inspector we hired, but not all was bad…just very detailed. Yes, hired an inspector to inspect a brand new, off the line 5th wheel because owners were and still are having many issues with the Ambition and LUXE. I’ve yet to speak to one owner that has not regretted buying one. So glad to have hired an NRVIA inspector. He left The RV Factory scratching his head. Once we left The RV Factory, felt a big sigh of relief!
Wow. This is very damming. A couple of thoughts – 1) I would encourage you to publish here the NRVIA inspector’s report (redact any personal info). This will add voracity to your report above. 2) As I work for a dealer, the only 3 manufacturers I’ve seen that produce a superior product are Outdoors RV (but their longest 5th wheel is 35ft, so knowing you wanted a Luxe, you’re not a likely candidate for it), Arctic Fox and DRV Mobile Suites. (Full disclosure: the dealer I work for carries 2 of the 3 I listed and I personally am buying a Glacier Peak by Outdoors RV – see my other posts, one that specifically compares the Glacier Peak to an Ambition.) Also – FYI – while I LOVE longer trailers, they’re GREAT to live in, out here in the Rockies, I’ve learned that anything over 35 ft will start to seriously limit you in your choice of campsites (particularly National Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Parks) and even some of the roads you can travel. (Just an “FYI”). Have you selected another trailer to settle into?
Allen, thanks for all the great info. I have a 5.4ltr Ford Expedition, and looking for a lite weight TT for weekend trips. Live in NC. What do you recommend? Local dealers only carry Jayco, Outback, Rockwood, Dutchmen. Which of these would you buy?
Hey Ken, Of those you listed, I’d look at Jayco – particularly a fiberglass model on the Jay Flight or WhiteHawk series. If you’re willing to raise your budget (a little) *and travel* – Outdoors RV will not cost much more BUT your nearest dealers are out west. (I work for such a dealer in Casper, Wy and we have had folks travel from Ga. and NY to get these trailers). If you do buy locally, please feel free to contact me for a great deal on an extended service contract.
Ok. Thank you. What’s the name of your dealership?
Stalkups RV in Casper Wyoming – you can reach me at my desk all summer at 307 577 9356
Dear Alan,
Just found your site after watching your Youtube video on what to look for when buying an RV. I am retiring in 2 years (maybe sooner?) and want to be full time. I am a widow retiring from teaching and will be traveling by myself. I am tired of all my stuff and want to be able to be free to travel and see as much of our country as possible. I have been looking at Class C motorhomes 24-28 ft. because of the ease of driving. What are your thoughts on this? I know you are an expert on TTs, but would appreciate any input you might give me. Thanks so much.
Pat,
Welcome to the world of full time RV’ing! Class C trailers are nice and easy to drive, you’re correct there – however – for full timing, 28 ft would be on the smallest end I’d consider (about 34 ft being the largest). I see a few issues with Class C’s for full timing. These include a) limited storage space (when compared to a Fifth Wheel) b) High cost (even when compared to a 5th wheel and a truck) c) you’re going to need to tow a car – and that car will add to your insurance cost on motorized vehicles and will be a “light duty” car (in contrast with a 5th wheel, you pay insurance on only 1 motorized vehicle, when it needs service, your home is not going in for repair, and your truck can go places a light duty car can’t.) You can see where I lean … a fifth wheel is a great way to travel. The only folks I recommend a motor home to are young families with kids who need to pee every 10 minutes! Al
Hi Alan,
Thanks for all of the great info. I’m a total newbie with ADD and the choices in the Class B market are making my head spin. My wife and I plan on doing long weekends, and a few weeks a year. Would you be kind enough to suggest the top 2 Makers in this market, and any tips/suggestions regarding this Class of RV?
Thanks,
Garret
Garret, I’m no expert on Class B’s. I’m a far greater fan of towables (5th wheels and travel trailers). That said, I have a friend (Marlon Knox) – you can see about friending him on Facebook (he’s based out of South Florida (Ft Lauderdale?) and he IS very knowledgeable about Class B’s.
Dear Alan,
Thanks for the information I received on various topics of Motorhomes, Fifth Wheels and Tow Trailers. I have been researching buying a motorhome for sometime, (2 years)and I have narrowed it down to the Winnebago Via 25t. I chose this unit because it is 26th feet in length,my driveway is narrow and curved, is a Mercedes Diesel, seems well built and the best used pricing seems to be model year 2014. We plan to use it during the week get-away, and the occasional extended trip.I can wait until one comes along in the time frame you suggested on you video. Retirement doesn’t start until June 2017. Any suggestions?
The Winnebago Via is a good choice. When you find one, contact me and I’ll get you a quote on the extended service plan – very important in a RV. When you do find one, negotiate with the seller hard – you’ll save thousands. Take it one step at a time and enjoy the process. Al