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MontanaMom · 03-23-2023, 09:33 PM

Hello everyone!

I'm pre approved to buy my first camper, first toy hauler, etc. So for 1. Any tips on negotiating/what kind of wiggle room is realistic, etc?2. What should I look out for? Things to double check, etc. And 3. Tips on how to make a smart purchase and 4. What are your "must haves" when looking for a camper.

So I've found a 2018 or 19 coachmen express blast 301 yadda yadda. It does sleep 8, it does not have a patio ramp, it does not have a generator, not 100% sure I like the sliding glass door divider or the sick outside the bathroom however, it is in my weight range, it is a floor plan I want, it's an 10 foot garage that seems smallish. I can't remember if it has an outside kitchen but that would be a bonus...

OR

There is a 2022 wildwood or Salem rtx (so both units are fiberglass sided) I love their floorplan with the sofa/Murphy bed, I can only find them that sleep 6 not 8, they do have a ramp patio, they have bigger refrigerators, smaller fresh water tanks, and I don't think either has a fuel station.

Cons to the Salem/Wildwoods for me would be I hear new campers are a pain with fixing little things, I've heard bad things about Forest Rivers build quality, some of the finishes look sort of cheap and I don't want something that will fall apart in 3 years.

I'm hauling a 2000 Honda rancher 400 so it weighs 2-300#, a kid's 125cc 4wheeler and a kids 70cc dirt bike. Potentially also hauling kayaks, a water trampoline (sucker is heavy! Like 75#) a very fat doberman who is probably 80-100#, 2 small children and me, a mostly petite female. Single mom, no help, so Im blessed I can do this but also need to be smart about my decisions. Suppose everyone does but I try to be extra careful. Will use mostly locally.

So which way would you go (or wait and find something else) and your reasoning would be greatly appreciated.

I do want a separate garage, a convertible u shaped dinette and outside speakers. Otherwise I'm pretty flexible I think (and I'm not 100% sold on the patio.... Not sure how much we'd actually use it? )

MontanaMom · 03-24-2023, 07:04 AM

I don't appear able to edit the title. Is there something I'm missing. Sincerely looking for feedback and I don't seem to be familiar enough with the forum to run useful searches. I don't come up with much.

**hamm2018** · 03-24-2023, 09:29 AM

All brands have issues, it just depends on how bad an issue will turn out to be and the customer service. But keep in mind, after the first year, the warranty is generally done, and you will be on your own for repair cost.
One thing to consider is how much cargo you can carry? With all listed, you may not have very much room for other items, such as clothes, food, etc..., look really close to how much you will have room to carry.

A water trampoline at 75#, may be left behind to haul other items needed.

Newmar2856 · 03-24-2023, 10:44 AM

FYI - Coachmen is owned by Forest River.

MontanaMom · 03-24-2023, 01:07 PM

Well poop. :(. What would you guys do?

(At 2k of cargo we are not close to Maxing out the trailer or the truck. I guess that was my point. Idk about getting all the stuff in a 10x8 space. I guess I should look at that piece of it since I can't stack 4wheelers.

So if price and floor plan was the same would you take a 5 year old coachmen that looks to have solid cabinets, better cushions, vinyl/leather seats instead of cloth, or a brand new wildwood that appears to have flimsier finishes including cabinets, cloth seat covers on furniture, the ramp patio you wanted, lighter weight (possibly crappier build to get that light weight)