About to Buy Your 1st RV? Consider These Articles...
In this one, I agree with most of it. The only thing I might add is to be patient. Properly done, once you start negotiating, keep in mind that it may take several days to weeks to get the BEST deal. NOT HOURS!
Secondly, on a rig such as Redwood, start at a minimum of 50% off (new MSRP). Settle around 40% off with "extras".
Third, remember the depreciation rule...Drive it off the lot and you lose 20%. Keep it 5 years and the RV is generally worth 50% less (Market conditions can affect these numbers). With the record sales going on right now, there will be a glut of them on the market very shortly pressuring prices. People buy these rigs and have issues come up or find out they don't like driving them. The next recession might be around the new year. You'll find plenty of bargains then. Most people don't like the cost of storage and maintenance that goes with an RV. If you plan to keep a rig 5 years or less, definitely buy used if you don't want to lose more money.
http://newrver.com/truths-buying-rv-shouldnt-ignore-2/
Here is another consideration when buying an RV:
http://newrver.com/dont-make-huge-buying-mistake/
Many never think about the floor plan layout when they buy. And from the previous article, (top), it is OBVIOUS that many engineers (if they are) NEVER use or live in an RV.
When looking for an RV, be happy if you find 80% of what you want in an RV. You'll likely never find 100%. If you do, I would like to come and see it!
Be mindful of the "features" of the RV. Will you use it primarily in the North? Maybe you only need 2 A/C units. But maybe you need a larger furnace. If in the South, get 3 A/C's.
Verify your rig's axles and tire set up. Verify the actual RV weight for yourself. Have each tire weighed independently. Escapees and others have certified scales and can come to you. Dealers will take short cuts with engineering and give you more bling. If you don't understand engineering, consider hiring an RV Inspector. Just like a home inspector, they can tell you whether you are buying someone else's problems. Don't expect dealerships to be honest. As the old saying goes: Hope for the best, expect the worst.
There are so many things to think about when buying an RV. For questions, post them here BEFORE you buy. Many of us will be happy to share our experiences.
Here is another great article:
