I just walked off an RV lot this afternoon with a kind of slimy feeling!
An RV I was initially very exited about appeared to have some significant separation (delamination??) on the side panel. The salesman claimed it was purely cosmetic (hmmmm)
and I did not notice any water damage on the inside. Could it really be just what he said?
Marilyn, welcome to the forum! You were right to "walk off" that sales lot. Delamination is a killer. Go to some RV shows, ask lots of questions on this forum and talk to folks at the campgrounds for some insights on what to look for. And again, welcome, and we hope to see you "Soon2BRVing!"
2004 F-450 CC, DRW 6.0 Classy Chassis
1997 33' Alpenlite St. Andrews
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It takes all kinds, and this applies big time when RV salesman are the subject.
When our Revcon no longer met our needs, we decided to buy a Winnebago. The salesman at the nearest dealer to our home was so insulting to our Revcon that we went to another dealer to buy the Winnebago.
When we started shopping for a replacement for the now 20 year old Winnebago, we made the rounds of dealers and RV shows. Most of the RV show salesmen were working only the duration of the show and only for straight commission. Their only interest was "what does it take to put you in this rig today".
When we decided on a pre-owned Foretravel, our first contact was with a local dealer (no longer franchised by Foretravel). The salesman there did show us a Foretravel, but only after letting us know we should really be looking at Travel Supremes (which since went out of business).
Our second contact was with a low-key, honest, caring dealer (Foretravel francjise in this area now) who had two coaches, one of which we liked very much.
Our third contact was with another dealer who had a used Foretravel. We didn't like it's condition, and didn't believe the promises to fix all that was wrong. We told the sales man no thanks, and then went on to get phone calls from the salesman, his boss, and the owner of the dealership. These calls persisted for three weeks, with promises that we could get the coach for various prices, ranging down to 75% of the asking price. Then he said the owner would take any ridiculous offer (suggesting 60% of the asking price). Finally he called to say the seller (a Doctor) turned it back to the lender, and it was going to be auctioned...we could get it for 40% of the original price. This was when I told him we had decided to buy the one we liked from the second contact.
Which we did. We bought the 2003 Foretravel from California Coach in Costa Mesa, California. It was a consignment unit, and the people at California Coach did everything possible to make certain it was 100% correct. No games, no unkept promises. No pressure, and they had all the time in the world for my visits and questions. They sent it to Cummins Coach Care and had everything inspected and repaired before I took delivery, personally located and fixed a few cosmetic items and adjustments, and even filled the tank (180 gallons of diesel).
If you are looking for a pre-owned but pampered high end motorhome or bus, this is the place to go.
Tom and Lynne
Tom is an Electronics Engineer, Lynne a retired teacher.
old rig is a 1988 Winnebago Superchief, just back from being on tour with the Blue Turtle Seduction (band)
new (our dream rig) is a 2003 Foretravel 38' U295
alpenliter wrote: Marilyn, welcome to the forum! You were right to "walk off" that sales lot. Delamination is a killer. Go to some RV shows, ask lots of questions on this forum and talk to folks at the campgrounds for some insights on what to look for. And again, welcome, and we hope to see you "Soon2BRVing!"
Just be aware at the shows that the majority of sales people there are hired just for the show and paid straight commission. You need to avoid these salesmen and find the permanent employees of the dealers there, or better yet, find the manufacturers representatives.
The temps are only interested in you buying something (anything) today. The permanents are willing to take the time to form a relationship and help you find the right RV for you, even if it's six months down the road.
The salesman was not telling the truth. Delamination is a big problem with all fiberglass/filon skins. This makes it hard for us to pick an new rv, I will only buy an rv with aluminum skin. I can deal with dents in aluminum much easier than delamination. Until we stop buying the defective fiberglass an filon they will continue to sell it. I also don't believe it looks better or cleans any easier than aluminum skin. Aluminum is less expensive and much lighter vs fiberglass an filon, a win win in my book.
As for sales persons being truthful, I went with my sister as she purchased her new motor home a couple months ago. It was explained to us she wouldn't need the leveling jacks as campgrounds all have level campsites, she had the self leveling jacks installed. The moisture in the skylight was explained as it rained today and it is hot in there, the motorhome was parked inside. I had them remove and reseal the light. The tow bar she was promised was not on the motor home, it was explained to us that it was sold with another motor home, and it wasn't written in her contract. They did find the sold tow bar and we did take it with us. I would never trust a sales person, I would make sure everything is in writing.
2003 Jayco 308fbs eagle 33' tt, towed by a 2003 Ram 3500 slt, quad cab dually, cummins diesel ho, trailer towing package, with 6 speed manual. Hauls better 1/2, 3 kids, myself, and a 2003 ez go clays car.. I have added so far, neon lights, clearance lights, back up lights, black light, lift kit, mud tires, and everything necessary to make the golf cart street legal. It's now ready to spend the winter in the garage for more mods. More neon, strobe lights, alarm, a pa system, maintance, and whatever else that comes along. This golf cart does wheelies and travels thru 7 inches of mud when need be. Two honda eu2000i gens twinned to supply the electrical power. Latest addition an 04 Honda Goldwing. [url]http://www.hometown.aol.com/rvnagain/myhomepage/profile.html[url]
I agree - stay away from anything your gut tells you just isn't right, like delamination or even water stains. My sister fell in love with a used TT which had obvious signs of leakage in the bathroom area. The dealer convinced her that is was an old leak and had been repaired. They bought the trailer without any kind of warranty, and wouldn't you know, they're still trying to deal with that leak, which is anything but old.
We bought a used motorhome from a dealer in Florida (we're in PA, so it was sight unseen). Despite continued assurances from the salesman, whom I did like and trust, we hired an independent inspector to go to the lot and inspect the unit before we agreed to purchase. The salesman was flabbergasted, and also slightly offended, as no one had ever done this with him before. But we would not relent and insisted he allow the inspection, which he of course did. As it turned out, the salesman was completely above board and true to his word, and everything turned out in perfect condition, just like he said. He even added seatbelts to the sofa and replaced all 6 tires for us (they were showing some signs of wear), no extra charge. Oil change and full tank of gas, and we were ready to drive it back to PA.
Welcome to the Open Road Forums! Way to go about walking off the lot! You've been given some great advice. You've got to watch some of the RV dealers and salespersons. You never know what they're going to tell you. There are good dealers out there with a lot of integrity, deal with them, leave the rest behind.
We just spent three weeks in what we call RV Buyers H-LL. For some reason they (RV Sales people and Staff) Look like burned out Carney workers who you normally would not even think twice about talking to but suddenly you need them to help you with an RV. Man, that part was a nightmare.
Delamination means headaches at your expense and aggravation. Never believe what they tell you and doubt eveyrthing is what we have learned. Sad but true!!!
I can relate to your dilemma. If you are in the So.Cal area I can hook you up with the only Salesman we found that took great care of us and knew what he was doing. Let me know?
Good Luck,
Tim
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