After researching TTs for many months now, I have a list of about 5 or so bunkhouse models in various brands that I would kill to see! But, what if only 1 or 2 of those are close enough to even go look at? Is it normal for people or order a TT sight unseen, after much talking with the dealer of course? Or do most settle for what's in the lot? I just feel like we'll end up with something, but there was something else out there much better :/ We are definitely waiting until we go to a couple RV shows (one big one in the Twin Cities and a good size one in La Crosse, WI, both in February). Do people find "the perfect one" at shows like that and order then? Is it worth it to find a dealer reasonably close to you? We live in SE MN, so 2-4 hours to any Twin Cities dealer, but there are a handful of smaller dealers all about 30-45min away also. Would it be in our best interest to find something with one of the closer dealers? Thanks everyone!
We were in the boat, and based on our experience NEVER rely on just the layout without actually seeing one in person. We found several layouts that we thought were PERFECT! that was until we actually got in it and sat in it.
What sold us was when we went to an RV show and got to really try out all the different layouts, especially when it came to bunk houses. We identified that differences between makes and models in person, something you can never fully do on paper.
We also fought the decision to deal locally vs the big guys. We decided to go with the local guys because we got a much more comfortable feeling. We certainly paid a little bit more up front but I think the peace of mind knowing that i'm not just being shuffled through like a statistic and actually treated with the patience and time from someone who actually cares is priceless. Of course that can also happen with larger dealerships but the point is to find someone you feel comfortable with because you need to maintain the trailer so you should have some faith in where you have it serviced.
Depends. I'm cheap, so I mostly buy used. I wouldn't buy/order a trailer without atleast seeing something in the same brand/line/similar unit. My inlaws ordered a trailer. It took about 6 weeks, and you can't really negotiate a good deal when you order one.
I would look into an RV wholesaler.
I think people shop for RV's at local dealers, not via the internet. Thus, they don't have the problem you do.
Well, I always do my research online and in person. I go to RV shows and various dealers.Lots of people buy their unit at the RV shows. I don't mind driving a few hours to see what I'm interested in. A good dealer is important as it's a sorry fact that RV quality is not where it should be. There may be several things that need 'tweeked' on a new unit and you'll spend a lot of time at the dealer. Once you settle on a purchase, it's kind of like buying a car. They set up financing, etc. Just be sure to do your homework as far as your tow vehicle capabilites. Salesmen may not be knowledgable or honest about what you can tow. Don't be in too much of a hurry and be ready to walk if there is anything that you don't like.
What if only 1 or 2 of those are close enough to even go look at?
Go look at them, inspect, sit in, feel out dealer customer relations & service department.
Is it normal for people or order a TT sight unseen, after much talking with the dealer of course?
What is normal, I would say most do not buy sight unseen. Some do order & wait.
Or do most settle for what's in the lot?
Don’t settle, make what is important to your needs & wants and find it (lots of options out there).
I just feel like we'll end up with something, but there was something else out there much better.
Once making the decision, it is a crazy sickness, enjoy your purchase & use it, It easy to keep looking, thinking you need to upgrade, made the wrong decision, IF YOU CONTINUE TO SEARCH.
RV Shows – Great way to compare & see, many mfg options & floorplans, etc… Talk to dealers & Mfg reps. YES people order/purchase at shows, special deals at times (although, make sure to bargin at dealers).
Is it worth it to find a dealer reasonably close to you?
Very, very common, to have to have warranty work done after the purchase of a travel trailer (all makes, price points, & models), SO working with a local dealer HELPS with building a service relationship, NOT mandatory, helps with scheduling and ease & speed of getting warranty work done, if you have purchased from that local dealer.
Would it be in our best interest to find something with one of the closer dealers? Some will say YES, some travel to save couple thousands at times.
Do your research, prices always negotiable, give your local dealer a chance to work with you, and frequent here for a wealth of knowledge.
Ohh yeah, once purchasing let the adventures begin!
Personally, I would not order an RV sight unseen. An order usually implies a commitment to buy. The investment in time driving to see a specific unit is IMO worth it. But even then there is the risk of production line changes making the ordered unit different.
That said, we did buy through the internet, but had a line added the sale was contingent on our walk through. We knew what floor plan we wanted and got a great deal (IMO, but doesn't everyone think they got a great deal).
Had the dealer confrim the pics were of the actual unit not stock photos (there was a mid year change to the models floor plan). He faxed a PO with "Sale is contingent on buyers acceptance of unit after physical inspection". They didn't want a deposit and provided a spot with hookups free of charge as we were coming after work on a Friday to trade our old unit in.
So long distance sales can work out. Just keep in mind local dealers (even ones selling the same line) are under no obligation to provide warranty service. we're lucky that we have afamily owned dealership that was willing to work on it the one time it needed a repair under warrranty. We ended up buying our current 5er from them.
Do a lot of shopping before you buy. On the internet and in person. Take a pad and paper and take notes. What is underneath that TT? What size are the wheels? If it has slide outs will they work out when they are closed letting you have access to make a sandwich or use the bathroom when on the road like in rest areas where you can't open the slide outs.
Don't always count on a great price at RV shows. Maybe they will bargain or maybe not. The RV show give you a chance to look at a lot of RVs in a small area without driving around.
After you buy that RV keep looking around. It will keep you familiar with prices and new things they are putting in RVs. I've gone to several RV shows since I bought my TT and have yet to see something at a better price than I paid.
Even if you don't want to buy on line tell them what you want and check out the price they will give you.
I drove over 1000 miles and bought my TT sight unseen. Only pictures of the inside and out. However, I had purchased from that dealer before.
Something to think about if you buy out of state. If you are buying a TT, and the dealer is furnishing the hitch components ask them if they will separate out those extra components. You pay the same price but when you get back to your home state you pay tax on the TT not on the extra components.
After you buy that RV keep looking around. It will keep you familiar with prices and new things they are putting in RVs. I've gone to several RV shows since I bought my TT and have yet to see something at a better price than I paid.
What if you did find that there was a better price or trailer?!?!?!?
I think most people settle for the best they can find at one or two closest dealers. But a higher percentage of people on this forum will do more research and order than the general public. My opinion is that one should invest significant time researching them before buying as changing the RV or TV (both depreciating assets) will cost dearly.
I ordered mine having never been in my exact model before. I had been in some of the brand before, just not my model. I had been in competitor's version of my floorplan before as well as there are at least 5 brands selling my basic floorplan. Ordering generally requires a deposit (not necessarily refundable), but you get exactly what you wnat, freshest build, and often a low price.
I recommend researching online first. Find a few different floorplan designs you like. Then, you can find all the brands and their variations on the general floorpplan. Which one had more storage, or larger tanks, kitchen slide or dinette slide. Posting on here for recommendations for similar floorplans once you find one helps. Once you have a list of maybe 5-10 models, go to an RV show and visit dealers. Not with the intent to buy, but to compare many different lines and brands. Keystone has something like 15 brands of TTss, many of them overlap in design and price. And they are owned by Thor Industries which also owns Heartland, Airstream, Crossroads and Dutchmen which each have many brands of similar competing models. Thor, Jayco, and Forest River are the largest sales volumes of RVs. Anyway, you should study both the floorplan choices and how you would use it as well as quality of construction, materials, and general feel from each line. You won't find all 5 variations of the same floorplan at any RV show. So, narrow down the floorplans and brands at an RV show.
Once you know what you want, then shop for price/location/service and ordering vs. on lots.
I would say after you buy, do not keep looking for another RV or pricing. There will always be someone claiming they paid less money for your model and their variation is "better". But you have made your choice so enjoy it. You'll never be happy if you second guess your decision based on your research, not anyone else's.
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