RV Sales - Buyer Beware

OK, you're going to buy a camper and you want the best deal possible. Whether it's a camper, fifth wheel or travel trailer, you know MSRP (manufacturers suggested retail price) is the basis for determining the price and your goal is to pay 20% to 30% below MSRP.

If you are buying a used pickup truck, you will be using or NADA blue book price guide and you should be aware these guides inflate their internet quotes approximately 10%. Furthermore, you are aware of these prices are arbitrary and should be used only as a guide.

You also know you can save money by ensuring your financing, rather than the dealer financing and you know it's in your best interest to be wary of any "add one" The dealer can cast.

Now you are able to ensure a good deal on that camper, fifth wheel or travel trailer with the exception of a small matter. I really do not know that a lot of campers and even if you do very few buyers of recreational vehicles know how to conduct a thorough examination. Also, take it from someone who works every day. You have nothing to taking over any of campers, new or used, unless you know exactly what you are getting.

As an experienced RV, I have a set of guidelines for the inspection of a motor home and the first is NEVER take anything for granted! I work with many RV'ers six months to a year after buying the van and I can not believe what I say. They are buying RV know certain things are wrong and they think it will only live with it. It is not long before he tired of this. Let's face it. There are many aspects involved in these little "houses on wheels", and considering what they cost today is only prudent consumers do their homework before making their home RV.

The largest RV buyers fall into the trap when buying a new RV is putting too much emphasis on the manufacturer's warranty. The manufacturer's warranty is important but too many RV buyers taking delivery of the motor homes, fifth wheels and travel trailers with the problems that eventually "wear them down," as they constantly drag their beloved RV back to the dealer to be repaired.

Anyone visiting a dealer to go to a camper or RV sales should be aware of two things the RV industry has learned. The first is marketing their product and the second is making it look good. Every RV owner knows appearance is only "wall panel and veneer deep" and there is more to inspect an RV that pushing and beating on the walls of closets. If only it were that easy.

RV shoppers quickly discover there is no shortage of used RV market. This should prompt us to ask why. Through my experience, I learned that it is a combination of problems with the main one is buying the wrong RV. If RV "type" (campers, fifth wheel, travel trailer, camper, etc.) is wrong you are doomed. RV size is almost as important as you must be able to use it in an RV that you want in. The smaller RV is larger than most vehicles you are comfortable with such an adjustment is necessary, if driving an RV or Towing one. The other issue is RV'ing (and maintenance RV) may not be what the buyer in advance. Believe it or not RV'ing is not for everyone.

Considering an RV has three complete energy systems and equipment (110V, 12Volt DC, and LP gas), the considerations frame and chassis, the points of internal and external quality control, a system consisting of a refrigerator, water heater, furnace, hob and oven, fresh water and keep the tank systems, and more, by analyzing a camper can seem overwhelming to you. The good news is that there is a lot of information available to help anyone willing to learn and I always implore RV'ers to make use of this information and learn as much as possible. Anyone will quickly realize that it will be time well spent and, most importantly, you can save money ... and lots of it. Happy RV'ing! ......