jobetpaw
don't have one yet
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Joined: 09/28/2008
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My husband and I are thinking of joining the world of RVing and have been shopping for a RV to buy. So far, our experience has been eye-opening to say the least.
Can someone advise us what to expect when looking at RV's. In particular, we are wondering what the normal items that should be included with the sale and what the items are that would have to be added at additional costs.
Case in point, we were pricing a new RV (I will not mention the brand), and discovered that a battery, the sewer pipe and a spare tire were not included in the sale. Is this a normal practice in the industry now? Some of those things seem like they should be included since they are necessary when towing the RV and when doing normal maintenance on the systems.
I'm sure my lack of knowledge shows, but hopefully, someone will take pity on use and explain some of the ropes to us.
Thank you for your feed back.
Betty
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rjf7g
Virginia
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Joined: 01/18/2007
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It really depends on your dealer. Some dealers don't add anything extra, some make sure you pull off the lot with everything you need to get started. If you are anywhere near Virginia, I recommend grandviewtrailersales.com - I searched VA and all border states and found GTS to be the absolute best, and I can honestly say their post-sale service has been even better than their pre-sale service!
Be sure to check what is included with your unit from the factory like sink covers, etc. The things you mentioned are added by the dealer. Folks will say the dealer covers them with a markup, but I ended up getting a better deal than I could find anywhere else on the exact same model AND those things were added in.
You will want to do a pre delivery inspection. Make sure all of the drawers and doors fit right - once you pull off of the lot, those little things are your responsibility. Make sure all of the appliances start up. You will want full propane tanks as well (provided by GTS). Make sure your unit has been unwinterized and the water system has been tested. Check under cabinets and such for leaks.
The only thing I had to pay extra for was the Aero-flow vent covers I had my dealer install.
Good luck to you!
***********************************************
1992 Fleetwood Tioga Montara Special 27 Class C
2007 Gulfstream Innsbruck 36FRS Park Trailer
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kaydeejay
SE Michigan, USA
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Joined: 07/26/2004
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IMHO battery, full propane and a "Starter kit" (water hose, sewer hose and connections, 15-30A adapter plus a few other bits) should be thrown in as part of the deal.
Then you will need all the personal stuff - towels, plates, cutlery, cooking stuff, portable barbecue, tools, folding chairs etc etc that will make it "home away from home".
Good luck
Keith J, Retired from GM Engineering
2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD SLE 2WD/CC/SB/DA.
1999 Sunnybrook 27RKFS Fiver
Bilsteins, Line-X, Westin steps, Prodigy, Retrax, 16K Superglide, 5th-Airborne pin-box, Multi-vex mirrors.
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jobetpaw
don't have one yet
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we never even got to the point of having propane in the tanks.
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trop-a-cal
Palm Coast Fl
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Joined: 09/24/2007
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The dealers these days are not giving much away. The way they look at it is if you tell them your new to RVing, well lets just say, they will take you to the cleaners. You have to do your homework, which should start by first picking the floor plan you like best then go on the web and contact dealers all over the country and get prices OTD, (out the door), which will have all items included as you specify. To specify the extras, just find out what they are and list them to the dealers so you are getting prices on the exact unit from at least three dealers. Ask them to fax or E-mail you the paperwork that has the year, model, chassis, and options listed and all costs with a bottom line out the door price. Then with this data if you deciede to buy in one place, and a better offer is in another, bring the copy of the offer to the dealer and tell them you want them to match it. If they don't, get up and walk out the door. They usualy will follow you to your car and then break down and give you the deal. You can avoid this if you deal with the owner as they will read your determination by what you say and what you do. They know a sucker when they see one so, don't wimp out and get emotional. Stand together on the negociations, don't let them play on you emotions, by looking at the weaker one and trying to get the other to break down. You should be getting quotes about 35% off MSRP for cash deals. If your going to finance then have that approved by your own bank before you talk to dealer, if they have better rates then you can choose the finance company. Let them know you are pre approved and also let them know you are shopping accross the county with many dealers and looking for the best price. Make sure the unit you look at is new and the chassis is the same year as the RV. Good luck, take your time prices will drop as winter sets in.
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bsinmich
Holland, MI
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Joined: 11/18/2000
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My last 2 MHs have come from General RV in Michigan and they came with full LP tanks, full gas tank, new RV kit of water & sewer hose+ electrical adapter. On many Class A's you will find a spare tire is not included. I have 22.5" tires and I could not lift it or change it if necessary. The lug nuts are torqued to 450-500# and my wife is not that strong. I do carry a tire in a compartment but it would have to be mounted on a wheel by someone else. I also have full loss of one large compartment for a tire. I always thought house batteries were included from the factory. I would suggest checking at a different dealer. This is a buyer's market right now and you should get great treatment as a potential buyer.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire, Workhorse W22, & 2002 PT Cruiser w/Remco lube pump, Falcon 5250, & US Gear Unified Tow Brake
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beemerphile1
NE Ohio
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Joined: 04/20/2007
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Those things do not come with the unit from the factory. Many dealers add them at the point of sale included in the price, apparently some do not. Either way, you pay for it.
If buying an RV you should probably consider that you will need to spend much additional money shortly after the sale. I probably have spent at least an additional three thousand dollars on necessities and accessories after buying my trailer. I already had some items from previous trailer camping and tent camping.
Tim
"Okay, I admit it, the only thing I'm really good at is being me."
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1998 Ford E150 4.6L
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catkins
Washington
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Joined: 10/27/2003
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Often depends upon the type of RV what is considered normal but ANY battery required for basic operation should be included. As you price rigs and start to negotiate, ALWAYS spell out any "add-ons" you are expecting.......... spare tire, battery, propane filled, etc. Some kind of vent cover (Maxi Air or others) makes life so nice in rain as vents can be left open but protected) If they want your money, they will find a way to negotiate for those items or to include them.
Sometimes the sewer hoses they give you are of such low quality, you have to go out and buy new immediately anyway. Expect to have to purchase a 25' potable water hose(not a garden hose). I like 2 10' sewer hose segments with adapters on the ends, electric adapters differnt campground setups 30 to 20amp for instance. Hoses are rather small in cost in comparison- battery, vent covers installed!, full propane tanks, spare tire (if you have a place to put it) can really add up.
Good luck with your new RVing adventure. Whatever they give you, you will need to add something else! LOL
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CCIntrigue
North Carolina
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Joined: 01/10/2007
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kaydeejay wrote:IMHO battery, full propane and a "Starter kit" (water hose, sewer hose and connections, 15-30A adapter plus a few other bits) should be thrown in as part of the deal.
Then you will need all the personal stuff - towels, plates, cutlery, cooking stuff, portable barbecue, tools, folding chairs etc etc that will make it "home away from home".
Good luck
Same here. Good luck!
Country Coach Intrigue
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DutchmenSport
Indiana
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Joined: 10/10/2006
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At best you should get the propane tanks filled and a starter kit. A starter kit consists of a short sewer hose and connection, a small sample of tank deodorize, wheel lug nut covers, a couple clamps for the sewer hose, a roll of RV friendly toilet paper (that isn't all that good anyway), adapter plug or pigtale to plug into your power cord into a normal household style plug, and a cheep-o water pressure valve for your garden hose. If your soap dish, toilet paper holder, and tooth brush holder has not been mounted, it will have those too.
My first TT did not come with a spare tire, my second one did. My first TT did not come with stablilizer jacks, my second one did.
Here's a tip. Negotiate for the RV from the dealer, and then after he's convinced you're gonna buy at the price YOU want, throw in your request for the freebies. By this time, they'll probably not argue very much. And be willing to walk away if they don't throw them in! Don't cave!
DutchmenSport
2005 Chevy Silverado 3500 Dually Duramax 6.6L V8 Turbo
Century Truck Cap Commercial /Toolboxes
Northeast Outfitters Canoe
2006 Keystone Springdale Model 263DBL
Weight 4985, Carrying Capacity 2575, Hitch 560, Length 30'
Width 8', Height 10' 6"
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