ashling02
New York
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Joined: 04/28/2008
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I have a 2008 Travel-Trailer that I just purchased in January. I am thinking of trading for a Fifth-Wheel but know nothing about their depreciation. Am I better off waiting a few years? Do they depreciate a lot after you tow them off the lot?
The main reason for trading up is we feel it would be safer towing a Fifth Wheel than a TT. We have a full-size Ford pickup truck. Is there a big difference towing a Fifth as opposed to a TT?
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downtheroad
Tumbling Waters, Washington
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Joined: 02/18/2003
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There is a lot to consider. First, you will no doubt take a hit with depreciation. Second, I think the jury is still out on if a 5th wheel is safer towing than a TT. What exactly is your full size Ford truck? Is it a 150, 250, 350, gas, diesel?? All this will help determine what is possible for you to tow - especially when considering a 5th wheel.
Post a little more information and you are likely to get better advice.
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coolbreeze01
Redding, Ca
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Welcome to the forum. The best way to figure depreciation, is to decide which trailer you want and then see what the dealer will allow on your old one. Then re-think everything. What exactly do you mean by full size pickup? Good luck.
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luck would have it
Dimondale (Lansing), MI
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You must feel pretty unsafe towing this TT if you are already talking about trading in a 2008 and taking a loss. Maybe instead of getting rid of it you should discuss why you feel unsafe. Perhaps your towing setup is not right. Perhaps the TT is not packed appropriately. Perhaps your truck is under powered (in which case, upgrading to a 5er will almost always add more weight to your rig).
To answer your question, You will absolutely take a loss. If a Dealer buys it back from you they have to list it as used. Your best bet would be to sell it privately a few grand shy of what the dealers final price was to you.
Dave.
2004 Chevy Silverado Z71, Ext. Cab 5.3L
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ArcticDodge
Sammamish, WA
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What is your tow vehicle? and what are you towing?
Changing to a 5'r with the wrong truck could make matters much worse.
2009 Komfort 256TS Yamaha EF2400iS
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Only 27 years to retirement!!!!
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Skid Row Joe
America, Tent Camping and RVing since 1960
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Depreciation on anything will run you 30% the first year, then another 10% to 20% more on top of that the second year. Half-price by the end of it's 3rd year.
Rule of thumb......buy 1 to 3 year old units, and it's as new. Everything depreciates, friend.
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LakeBill
Cincinnati, Ohio
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I agree completely with the comments on your tow vehicle. First and foremost you have to enough of a rig to tow the vehicle you are considering. Next, I wouldn't worry too much about depreciation on your TT. No matter what you will probably take a major hit on trade. However, if that is what you decide to do just bite the bullet BUT look at the total package. If a dealer gives you a high price for your trade they will likely get more for the new rig. We also purchased a 2008 TT in January. We planned to pull it with our old conversion van which we used in the past. It needed some fairly expensive repairs before we felt safe pulling long distances. We ended up buying a used Ford F-350 power stroke diesel. Once we camped in the TT we realized we made a mistake and started shopping for a 5er. We bought a 2007 Keystone Laredo from Lazy Days in Seffner Florida in May. Did we take a hit? YES but with creative financing our monthly payment went up only $75 a month. I took a driver training course offered by the dealer. I had never pulled a 5er and that course gave me a lot of confidence before I started home. We now are very happy with our 5er and our camping experience and are becoming avid campers. Probably not full timers for a while but definitely half timers. I know this got lengthy but do what you need to do to follow your dream. Good Luck!
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