Hey there, new to this forum but I've been around to others this company owns.
Upgrading our TT and have it narrowed to three and my wife and I are both feeling ready to buy, but inviting opinions because we are having a hard time with where to prioritize. All of these are very clean units - fussy wife is seeing to that. We also said we would be willing to spend about $10k.
The first is a '07 Jayco 29BHS - we love the floor plan, the small slide, the brand name. Downside? We are not sure we want to finance - this one is in the $13,500 ballpark which is more than we said we were willing to spend. (isn't it always like that?)
Second is a '05 Jayco 27BH (no slide). Definitely an upgrade to what we have, the private party owner has it listed for $9500/bo and it's been for sale for a month so negotiating would be in my favor, especially after talking to him. Money can go a long way here, but I am concerned about resale. Several non-slide TTs in our area have been for a sale for 30 days or more ...
Last is a '05 Salem LE 27BHSS, also about $9500. Has a floor plan we are OK with, but I know little about Forest River other than there are a lot of them out there. Doesn't seem to have the quality reputation of Jayco, but want to get a TT we are going to be happy with for 5+ years of ownership.
The non-slide Jayco and the Salem come with compromises. The question is - based on your experiences, should we hold to our price range and try to maximize our purchasing power, or are we better off going for all we want in our TT upgrade?
Thanks in advance!
Tim
Snowflap
Lots of toys, too little time to ride and repair!
Go with the largest you can afford...save you from upgrading again in the near future. If you really like the first option, see if they are willing to deal. Money talks...especially if you have around 10K cash ready, which from what I'm reading, you do.
Best of luck!
Keep the Shiny Side Up!
2011 F150 Supercrew, 4X4 3.5 Ecoboost, 145" wheelbase, 3.73 gears, Max trailer Tow package
fla-gypsy wrote: All IMO are overpriced for 6-8 year old units. The 07 will give you more room and it is important. Negotiate the price down and go for it.
Thanks for the perspective. I've looked around, and compared to other parts of the country, Minneapolis/upper Midwest market prices are higher. Not sure if that has to do with supply and demand economics or if it is based on 6-month, seasonal usage. I can do better if I were willing to drive to Tennessee or Georgia and get one, but the cost of fuel and a 1,000 fewer miles of tire life would negate a lot of the up front savings!
If you compromise and go smaller you will just end up upgrading again in the near future and cost you more money in the long run. Go with the one you really like now. As others have said, offer cash what you have and see what they say.
I've owned several TTs with slides and without slides. Currently, I have a large TT with a slide. Unlike some folks, my family only uses the TT to store food, store supplies and sleep shelter. From 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM, we are outside - enjoying the outer camping life like swimming, outdoors, etc. Knowing what I know today, I would get a "NO slide" TT next time. NO slides TTs are often lighter weight (easier to tow), less moving parts (less risk of breaking), easier to heat / cool (because they are sealed better), have much less risk of water leaking (NO slide roof to worry about), easier to keep unwanted critters out, etc. etc. My previous TT was a solid box and it was great. Simple, sealed and NO critters. If you use a TT for a sleeping shelter and as climate control box, then go with NO slide configuration. If you use a TT as to stay inside, watch TV and need maximize inner space to "stretch the legs" (sort of speaking), then get a TT with a slide. With or without slide is a personal choice....
* This post was
edited 05/29/12 06:39pm by spike99 *
anaro wrote: If you compromise and go smaller you will just end up upgrading again in the near future and cost you more money in the long run. Go with the one you really like now. As others have said, offer cash what you have and see what they say.
I absolutely agree with this.^^^Get the TT you really want.This will avoid buyers remorse.
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If you really like the first option, see if they are willing to deal. Money talks...especially if you have around 10K cash ready, which from what I'm reading, you do.
