East Coast RV Dealers

[RoadEyePie]

Wondering what folks who have dealt with Campers Inn RV dealers have to say about their experience?

Also, is it better to deal with a large dealership like them or La Mesa or to find a smaller dealership or even family owned dealer?

[uncledon]

This is a situation where bigger may be better for the bottom dollar as they might have greater negotiating power. Not convinced your after the sale experience will match the family owned operation though. I've never bought from the REALLY big outfits, so it's mostly speculation on my part.

[mobilemike]

I dont care what dealership I deal with. I am not shopping dealers. I might even go so far as to do my own warranty work. I have heard of many instances of people getting no resolution from a dealer service shop only to cal the manufacture directly, have the replacement part sent directly to them to replace themselves.
I will shop the particular unit I want to any sales yard that wants to make the best deal. And I have no problem driving 2000+ miles to get it. Once I get it I will take 2 days in the parking lot to shake everything down before driving off.

[sugarhillctd]

Originally Posted by manwithnorv

Wondering what folks who have dealt with Campers Inn RV dealers have to say about their experience?

Also, is it better to deal with a large dealership like them or La Mesa or to find a smaller dealership or even family owned dealer?

We bought 2 different truck campers from Campers Inn in Merrimack. It was several years ago (and they no longer sell TCs) but we got 2 pretty good deals from them.

I agree that larger dealers, whether they have one or multiple locations, might be willing to deal with for a better price for you.

[RoadEyePie]

So the consensus seems to be that you can get a better price or maybe a better deal (incl. loan?) from a large dealer. Are there negatives of doing the deal with a large dealer that may be farther away from home?

[mobilemike]

Originally Posted by manwithnorv

So the consensus seems to be that you can get a better price or maybe a better deal (incl. loan?) from a large dealer. Are there negatives of doing the deal with a large dealer that may be farther away from home?

Sure there is.
If you have been doing research you should know many owners say to do a thorough walk through and PDI before leaving.
If you are buying from far away this is harder to do. People feel rushed to get on the road and back home.
Many large dealerships have RV sites you can use for a couple of days.
I got some advice from someone to stay for a day or two so you have time at the dealership to used the RV and discover what does not work before you leave.

[RoadEyePie]

Originally Posted by mobilemike

Sure there is.
If you have been doing research you should know many owners say to do a thorough walk through and PDI before leaving.
If you are buying from far away this is harder to do. People feel rushed to get on the road and back home.
Many large dealerships have RV sites you can use for a couple of days.
I got some advice from someone to stay for a day or two so you have time at the dealership to used the RV and discover what does not work before you leave.

Sounds contradicting to me. Too far away makes you rush, but large dealers allow you access for days. I don't let anyone rush me...not for any reason, other than medical emergencies.

[RoadEyePie]

Anyone have any experience with Lazy Days? They are acquiring one of the dealerships I've been working with.

[nothermark]

Small is a relative term in the RV business. Look at the cost of inventory for a Motor Home dealer and you will get a clue about how much they can afford to floor plan. That is why you see many more pull behinds than driveables on a lot.

If you buy from a distant dealer they can give you a better price because they are probably in a lower tax/cost of facilities situation and do not plan on doing any warranty work on your unit. If pressed they might do a quick job on something found in the PDI walkthrough then they are done with you. The local guy made no money on that sale, gets reimbursed at less than his shop rate, and has to put up with you, the customer who shunned him. Don't be surprised if they give you a less than warm reception.

[battlerattle]

Originally Posted by RoadEyePie

Wondering what folks who have dealt with Campers Inn RV dealers have to say about their experience?

Also, is it better to deal with a large dealership like them or La Mesa or to find a smaller dealership or even family owned dealer?

I am far from an expert and still new here as I am shopping for my first fifth wheel. I am commenting because I have been in contact with that exact dealership... not impressed. Very little knowledge about whats on their lot or specs, not timely in returning calls, pass you off from person to person. They only want two things, your email for their list and to do whatever they can to get you on their lot. I cant tell you how many times I have heard "Sir, why don't you just come down and we can walk through the models." I tell them I am not driving 2-3hrs each way to find out if they have what I am looking for. I have asked 5 times for someone to just walk out to a specific unit, look if it has a generator and respond to me yes or no.... still no answer....

[tuffr2]

I bought 3 trailers, all at different places in different stares. 2 out of the 3 places are now out of business.

La Mesa has a good selection while smaller dealers will not have the same selection.

[RoadEyePie]

Originally Posted by nothermark

Small is a relative term in the RV business. Look at the cost of inventory for a Motor Home dealer and you will get a clue about how much they can afford to floor plan. That is why you see many more pull behinds than driveables on a lot.

If you buy from a distant dealer they can give you a better price because they are probably in a lower tax/cost of facilities situation and do not plan on doing any warranty work on your unit. If pressed they might do a quick job on something found in the PDI walkthrough then they are done with you. The local guy made no money on that sale, gets reimbursed at less than his shop rate, and has to put up with you, the customer who shunned him. Don't be surprised if they give you a less than warm reception.

The RV service shop I intend to use, doesn't sell RVs they just provide service, and they are plenty busy. None of that stuff you were talking about involved.

[RoadEyePie]

Originally Posted by battlerattle

I am far from an expert and still new here as I am shopping for my first fifth wheel. I am commenting because I have been in contact with that exact dealership... not impressed. Very little knowledge about whats on their lot or specs, not timely in returning calls, pass you off from person to person. They only want two things, your email for their list and to do whatever they can to get you on their lot. I cant tell you how many times I have heard "Sir, why don't you just come down and we can walk through the models." I tell them I am not driving 2-3hrs each way to find out if they have what I am looking for. I have asked 5 times for someone to just walk out to a specific unit, look if it has a generator and respond to me yes or no.... still no answer....

Which location and who have you been dealing with?

[RoadEyePie]

Originally Posted by tuffr2

I bought 3 trailers, all at different places in different stares. 2 out of the 3 places are now out of business.

La Mesa has a good selection while smaller dealers will not have the same selection.

I'm not looking for selection, I'm ordering from the factory through the dealer.