Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Joined: 12/01/2005
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MFinCA wrote:donn0128 wrote:Whether buying used (recommended) or buying new ( not recommended) This prompts me to ask a question: If a prospective buyer is brand new to RVing, how would they know what to look for in a unit?
As an experienced RVer, I have a pretty good idea of how to spot roof problems, leaks, and how the appliances (water heater, refrigerator, heater, AC, etc) are supposed to work. I can check to see if the fresh water, gray, and black tanks are operating properly.
But someone who has zero experience might not know about all these items. A used unit might not come with any warranty.
I'm not advocating that buying new is better than used--just questioning if everyone should always buy used as your post seems to recommend.
a rookie is taking a big chance when he buys a new RV, an even bigger chance when he buys a used one. 
bumpy
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WTTCS
freedom , U.S.A.
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Joined: 07/28/2003
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I suggest you visit several rv dealerships, determine what THEY offer in way of extras. To me a battery, starter kit and full tanks is the very MINIMUM I would accept. Different parts of the country do different things, so shop around and satisfy yourself.
1997 chev crew cab 454, 5 sp. 4.10
2000 Fleetwood Caribou 11.5
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Johng
Gilbert, AZ, USA
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Joined: 08/23/2002
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CCIntrigue wrote: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!
Also agree, good hunting, remember you are in a buyers market right now.
John and Judy 
US Air Force - Retired
05 Beaver Santiam 40DST
08 Malibu Toad/Brake Buddy
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Rubiranch
Salt Lake City, UT
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Joined: 03/09/2004
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We bought a used trailer from a dealer and it included; new RV battery, 2 new 30 lb propane tanks (full), sewer hose, fresh water hose and a pressure regulator.
I would think that if you bought a new trailer it should be ready to go camping.
TV: Mint 1972 Ford F-250 XLT
TT: 1969 19' Excel; entertains 6, feeds 4, sleeps 2
You don't shoot to kill, you shoot to stay alive.
I don't carry because I have to, I carry because I get to.
I like new things-
- when they're 40 years old!
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CampinHappy
Early, Texas (Central Texas)
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Joined: 12/22/2004
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Our dealer told us they only add the battery and spare if it's demanded at the deal making. The main reason they told us is that we (the buyer) could buy them cheaper at a local business (battery - walmart) and the spare tire (tractor supply). They did go ahead and install a battery, but the spare wasn't discovered until I brought it home. Picked up the spare at a local tractor supply. I later talked to the sales rep and he told me it was basically due to the fact that so many batteries are stolen off the lot.
They did fill up the lp tanks as well.
Take your time and consider renting one for a few days to get a feel.
CampinHappy
2000 Suburban 4x4
2007 K-Z Spree 240 BH with triple bunks for my 3 amigos
Formerly a 99 Coleman Niagara PUP
wife version 1.0 (so far ) 3 boys (5,7,11),
The former "Rig" at Mueller State Park, Colorado
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qtla9111
Monterrey, Mexico
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Joined: 09/17/2003
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I would focus on actual price out the door not the nickel and dime items that you can pick up at any Walmart. A starter kit is just that, about 50 dollars worth of goods. Compare that to an additional 1% discount after all you have negociated.
1998 Nissan Pathfinder
2004 Shadow Cruiser 18ft.
Living and Boondocking Mexico
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fill
Lancaster, Ca. USA
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Joined: 08/19/2003
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Our TT came with the spare tire. In all probability, the dealer will give you the starter kit for draining the tanks, but you’re going to have to get the white water supply hose, filter, & pressure reducer.
The factory didn’t supply it but we paid extra for a ladder. Now used to clean the roof and slide top, and to carry the bike rack (e-bay).
A note from the “Weight Police”; Never buy more trailer than your truck can pull!
Fill
’97 Ford F-250 HD 460ci, Banks Power Pak, Redi-Kamp Tow Conversion
’03 Kit Companion
Good Sam (+ERS), Escapees, Thousand Trails, NACO, PassPort America, GWRRA GL1500SE pulling an Eagle trailer
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havedreamwilltravel
Southern California
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Joined: 08/15/2006
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A lot of your "homework" can be done online so when you go onto a dealer's lot you already know what to look for. My suggestions:
Find the floorplan you want/like by visiting dealers/rv shows.
Go home and locate the different brands with that floorplan. everything online makes it easier. Even start a thread with a pic posted of the floorplan you are looking for and asking for different brands with that same floorplan.
Research online these brands and locate the options/standards for their trailers. Many trailers come with "mandatory options" - it's listed in the "options" list but all trailers come with them regardless of whether or not you want it. As was said, this is for brochure weight purposes.
Then find out what other options can be had on that particular line of trailers and make a list of those you want. Keep that list with you and when you visit the dealer and look at that particular trailer you will have a "check off" list to see what it has and will keep you from getting confused.
Yes, things like stabilizer jacks, spare tires, awnings, diamond plates are all options. The dealer we bought from said they order their trailers with all the options as most people want them anyway.
Battery, full propane tanks and starter kits are really up to the dealer and how "penny pinching" they are. One dealer wanted to charge $50.00 for a starter kit but included a battery and one tank full of propane. The dealer we ended up buying from was a lot nicer to deal with, cheaper overall and didn't even blink when I asked about the propane tanks and battery. Said they never let a trailer leave without a battery and full propane tanks - both of them. They also, unbeknownst to us, tossed in a starter kit (which has GOOD stuff in it - nice brass water regulator, good potable water hose, bubble levels and a bunch of stuff we're STILL using. It wasn't junk - they took stuff from their store onsite it appears and put it together).
So, really it all depends on the dealer you buy from. At minimum they should give you a battery and propane. The spare tire and big options aren't "freebies" and you will need to find a trailer that was ordered from the factory with them if you want them as to buy them separately from the dealer to add on will cost a LOT more!
2007 GMC Yukon Denali - 6.2L 380hp/417ft-lbs,0-60 in 6.2 seconds
2007 Jayco Jayflight 27BH
Equalizer Hitch, Prodigy Brake Control
Our Truck and Trailer
Easy Trailer Mods-NEW pics added 4/10/08
Visited a lot of states, haven't camped in many...yet.
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jobetpaw
don't have one yet
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Joined: 09/28/2008
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I was surpised and very pleased with the response I got to my question about what to expect when purchasing an RV. All of the information is helpful and have provided ideas we would not have thought of.
Thank you to everyone who has responded to my question.
I'm not sure how to close a topic, but this one could probably come to an end now.
Again, thank you all for your helpful and insightful information.
Betty
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H & E
North Texas
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Joined: 10/05/2006
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We shopped for over a year. During that year we looked at everything, went to three RV shows and several dealers. We shopped on line. Looked at manufacture WEB sites. Spent a lot of time on RV Net getting information. Once we decided what we wanted it was a matter of getting it at a fair price. Make a list of what you want in detail, including part numbers for every item. Luckily we have some friends that are long time RV’ers and they helped us. The dealer supplied starter kits are junk-buy good heavy-duty items. You can always gather accessories after you get the rig and have a better idea of what you need/want. Shop on-line, it may save you some $$$$$$$. The macerator pump, water pressure regulator and surge protector that are mentioned earlier in the post, I highly recommend.
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