We're **this close** to finally getting a TT. We've been tent camping for years. I'm done with the dirt, and 2 little boys dragging all that dirt right into my sleeping bag. I'm done with the "bins" - - we put everything in large plastic bins. The sound of those latches is starting to really annoy me ;-)
Anyway...
We've looked at everything our local dealers have, and can get. Our favorite floor plan is http://www.kodiak-rv.com/trailers.php?tab=floorplans . The weight is right (especially in the 2007 model), too.
I know the Kodiaks have had some problems, but there seem to be quite a few happy owners here, too. The Kodiak Forum seems to have disapeared, so I can't ask over there.
Our local dealer has a 2007, new one on his lot. It's been sitting outside there for at least a year. We get snow and really hot sun, so it's taken a little bit of a beating. The MSRP on a new model without any options is @21,800. They've got it listed at $18K. I spoke with the sales guy today, and we can get it for $17K. There's a $750 rebate from Kodiak right now...but I'm not sure if we'd get that in addition to the price we were quoted.
Is this reasonable? He didn't seem too excited about making the sale (didn't even ask for my phone number, for example) so I'm thinking that maybe this **is** the best deal we'll get?
Did you go to www.rvknowhow.com and read the Kieva's suggestions for how to choose an RV? If you buy one that doesn't suit your camping lifestyle it won't be a deal no matter how much off the MSRP you paid.
If it does work for you the cost will be secondary to how great an experience you will have every time out.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2003 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two bikes (both Electric Schwinn's with motor assist)
Dick - - this trailer has exactly what we want. Thanks, though. We've put in hours and hours and hours...so I think we're good with our choice. The storage is fantastic, love the dinette, can live without a couch, love the walk-around queen, there's counter-space etc. The upholstery is hideous (but I can live with that).
Hornet - - 2006 Toyota Tundra crew cab, v8, without any options. It's rated at 6700# (and when I used the CGVWR and the truck's weight, max trailer came to about 6200#) I don't have all my numbers at work with me, though. I've done the math, and I think we're good...though of course we'd appreciate comments. This trailer dry (the one on the lot) is 4500#. It's 28'4". We are used to tent camping, so our "stuff" needs are pretty light. There's no way we'll ever reach our GVWR of 6000#, even with fluids. We're skinny, and the kids are still little. . ;-)
I've read every Tundra post I could find here, and followed a link from the boards(it's at home - I'm at work...sorry I don't have it here) that guided us through the math to figure out what worked - - including acceptable trailer length using our wheelbase. I read that some posters here feel that that Tundra should not drag a trailer longer than 25 feet, though. Others have this truck (or it's equivalent) and do fine with a longer trailer.
We plan to camp within 3 hour's drive about 5 times a year, and maybe one road trip a year. We're mellow and will take it slow.
Like I said, I'm open to all comments. We havent plunked down any money yet...so there's still time to tell me I need a smaller trailer (boo hoo).
Oh - - dh **loooooves** his truck, so there's no way we're upgrading our tow vehicle ;-)
given that the camper is now 2 model years old, I agree with campinfan. I'd offer $15000 and see what they say. but... that's just me. If they don't come down that much in price, try and get new tires at least, since they've been sitting in the same spot for well over a year.
JMHO
04 Isuzu Ascender
04 Jayco 12FSO
Pete Rose - 4256 steroid free hits and still not in the Hall of Fame!
Thing is. No one can tell you what your camper is worth to you. As long as you are happy with it, and what you pay for it. That is all that matters. So make the best deal you can, and if it suits you get it.
As for yout Tundra. Don't know why people would say it couldn't tow over a 25' TT. It is a full size truck isn't it? I mean it isn't a compact. I thought they were supposed to be comparable to F150s. And the shortest 150 can do much more than a 25' TT. a crew cab should have at least a 133" WB. Plenty for a 28' TT.
Boy, a 2007 left over was likely manuf. in 2006 as a 2007 model. Most manuf. start blasting out the next year models in early spring so that trailer is likely 2 years old! I would hope your getting at least 35% off that MSRP price since you can get a NEW trailer at RVDirect.com or RVWholesalers.com for 30% off MSRP on any given day.
I understand you love this floorplan but I would suggest looking around for a factory fresh unit. Sitting on a dealer's lot do you think they have followed the manuf. suggestion to inspect & reseal roof and seams every 6 months.......?
Not talking you out of it but I would be real suspicious why a dealer has ANYTHING older then a 2008 on the lot. I'd offer 14K and stay firm on that number, that's aprox. 35% off MSRP.
Michael 2 DD's and my DW 6 Acre's of Maine 2009 Crossroads Cruiser CF31SB 2008 Chevy 2500HD Ext. Cab LT 4X4 Camping Pictures