Buyers Beware Before Buying RVs
OK, you are going to buy an RV and you want the best deal possible. Whether it is a motor home, fifth wheel, or travel trailer, you know MSRP (Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price) is the baseline in establishing price and your goal is to pay 20% to 30% below MSRP.
If you are buying a used RV, you will be using NADA or Blue Book price guides and you should be aware these guides inflate their internet quotes approximately 10%. In addition, you are aware these prices are arbitrary and are to be used only as a guide.
You also know you’ll save money by securing your own financing rather than using dealer financing and you know it is in your best interests to be wary of any other “add one’s” the dealer may pitch you.
You are now in a position to secure a good deal on that motor home, fifth wheel, or travel trailer except for one tiny matter. You really do not know that much about RV’s and even if you do very few recreational vehicle buyers know how to conduct a thorough inspection. In addition, take it from someone who works on them every day. You have no business taking delivery on any RV, new or used, unless you know exactly what you are getting.
There are a number of guidelines in inspecting an RV and the first one is NEVER ASSUME ANYTHING! There are numerous facets involved on these little “houses on wheels” and considering what they cost today it is only prudent consumers do their homework before they take their RV home.
The biggest trap RV buyers fall into when buying a new RV might be a Fleetwood RV, Gulfstream RV, Keystone RV etc is placing too much emphasis on the manufacturer’s warranty. The manufacturers warranty is crucial but too many RV buyers take delivery on motor homes, fifth wheel RVs, and travel trailers with problems that eventually “wear them down” as they continually drag their beloved RV back to the dealership to be repaired.
Anyone visiting an RV dealership or going to an RV sale should be aware of two things the RV Industry has mastered. The first is marketing their product and second is making it look good. Any RV owner knows appearance is only “wall panel and veneer deep” and there is more to inspecting an RV than pushing on cabinets and pounding on walls. If only it was that easy.
Considering an RV has three complete and individual energy systems (110V, 12Volt DC, and LP gas), chassis and frame considerations, quality check points inside and outside, an appliance system consisting of a refrigerator, water heater, furnace, stove and oven, a fresh water and holding tank systems, and more, analyzing an RV may seem overwhelming to you. The good news is there is a lot of information available to assist anyone willing to learn. Anyone doing this will quickly realize it will be time well spent and more importantly, it can save you money…and lots of it. Happy RV’ing!
