Community Forums

dschwartzaz · 08-09-2020, 07:57 PM

So we are doing our initial searching for our first travel trailer. Seeing a wide pricing gap in the models we are considering between our local dealers (AZ) and those located across the country (OH, IL).

All things considered, is it work 5-6k to purchase locally?

I realize the market is completely out of wack this year due to everyone trying to purchase at the same time and shutdown of manufacturing for some time but the price difference seems pretty dramatic. Again, not talking about out the door price, but the listed price online - marked down from MSRP.

From talks with a couple local dealers today, they are looking at maybe $1-2k off their MSRPs as typical sales these days when out of state dealers are advertising 5-6k less and likely selling for a bit less (or throwing in more) with negotiation.

I'm not above spending a week driving out to Ohio to fetch and retrieve a new trailer to save 5-6K, sleeping and working remotely along the way but was is the downside other than time spent. Will I potentially have service issues at a local dealership if purchased elsewhere?

Thanks,

**hamm2018** · 08-09-2020, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dschwartzaz

So we are doing our initial searching for our first travel trailer. Seeing a wide pricing gap in the models we are considering between our local dealers (AZ) and those located across the country (OH, IL).

All things considered, is it work 5-6k to purchase locally?

I realize the market is completely out of wack this year due to everyone trying to purchase at the same time and shutdown of manufacturing for some time but the price difference seems pretty dramatic. Again, not talking about out the door price, but the listed price online - marked down from MSRP.

From talks with a couple local dealers today, they are looking at maybe $1-2k off their MSRPs as typical sales these days when out of state dealers are advertising 5-6k less and likely selling for a bit less (or throwing in more) with negotiation.

I'm not above spending a week driving out to Ohio to fetch and retrieve a new trailer to save 5-6K, sleeping and working remotely along the way but was is the downside other than time spent. Will I potentially have service issues at a local dealership if purchased elsewhere?

Thanks,

Probably will have issues with warranty work, they will most likely place THEIR customers before you. But dealerships will place paying customers in front of the line since they make more money off doing non-warranty work repairs.
We full time, we bought a unit 175 miles from our house, before we sold it. Went back the first winter for warranty repairs, now since it is out of warranty what does it matter which dealership. We searched 3 dealers for our unit and bought from the one who talked to us and treated us better and had a better shop to work on it.
So what I am saying basically is after the warranty period, probably 1 year, will you be going back to the same place for repairs?

twogypsies · 08-09-2020, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dschwartzaz

From talks with a couple local dealers today, they are looking at maybe $1-2k off their MSRPs as typical sales these days when out of state dealers are advertising 5-6k less and likely selling for a bit less (or throwing in more) with negotiation.

Get the out-of-town prices on paper from the dealers then take them to the local and try to bargain. Fall is coming up and people won't be buying RVs like they did this spring/summer.

We full-timed and when buying the motorhome we sent the specs to 20 dealers across the country. We went with the cheapest for the exact same motorhome and specials on it. We picked it up and never returned. No issues for us as we never had warranty problems or even repairs later on. Your experience may be different.... just stating ours.

csuder99 · 08-10-2020, 12:06 AM

Ohio and Illinois are next to Indiana where most RVs are built. Dealers there pay less for getting the RV onto their lot or may even pick them up at the factory themselves. As a private party you may only consider fuel and accommodations on the outbound leg but even that adds up. The savings might not be that great in the end. But you could make the return trip a proper camping trip.

DKRITTER · 08-10-2020, 06:01 AM

If I were looking especially for my first trailer I would lean heavily on local support. I’m sure Arizona has some fine dealers and it would be worth some extra money to have that support. The RV industry is well storied in poor dealers so be diligent in choosing whether it’s local or not.

While the math is important you need to add the overall expense. I would use a dollar per mile each way to completely cover not only the expenses but your time, effort, wear and tear on the vehicle and on and on. Not to mention all the stuff you’ll have to do to it when you get home, registration, inspection and pay taxes in AZ.

You’re going to have problems with a new trailer, it’s just the way it is. Most likely you’ll have a laundry list of issues in your first few months and like it’s already been said usually local dealers prioritize loyal customers first. It’s a tough decision but a good nearby reputable dealer might be worth more than you think.

MSHappyCampers · 08-10-2020, 09:52 AM

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

Just one caution! Many dealers will refuse to do warranty repairs on an RV they didn't sell. In fact, some of them won't even do repairs after the warranty is out! Definitely something you should look into before purchasing out of state.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!