Buying an RV trailer

[darkmanCANADA]

Looking at the possibly buying a trailer this summer. I have gone to a few dealerships and narrowed it down to a few models. Does anyone have a hookup at Field of Dreams or Woody's?

A few questions too: Is this like buying a car and can I haggle on the price or is the sticker price the final word? What should I look for? What should I ask to get thrown in? Like hoses, power cords, etc. Any brands to stay away from?

[popp]

Re: Buying an RV trailer

we bought our 2009 21' Hybrid in 2010 at regal auctions. It was a bank repo. MAYBE used 2 times. Still had tags on pillows. Bought it for $9800 and it is $17500 at the dealer today....... worth a shot. You may get lucky.

[Tuna]

Re: Buying an RV trailer

Yes you can definitely haggle, maybe not quite as much now that it's prime season. Depending on size and how high end it is probably a few thousand. I looked at a LOT of trailers last year so if you have any questions let me know. before you purchase I HIGHLY recommend going with someone that has a trailer and has used it. They'll point out features of trailers that you wouldn't think of (Like a marine style connector on your AC plug) and other features that the dealers will flog to "differentiate" them from competitors trailers that aren't really a big deal.

Basically you look you'll find that all companies will have mostly the same layouts but there are typically 3 levels of trailers.

Entry level - few options, fit and finish seems a bit less put together (might have some exposed wiring by slides, can see the ends of trim, etc), probably has metal siding
Mid level - few more options (probably has dual 30lb tanks vs 20's) and nicer interior and a few nicer touches (better blinds and such) - probably fiberglass
Top level - things like day/night shades will be available, nice slides on the drawers, brand name appliances and/or TV - def fiberglass, better construction.

In the end, I went used and glad I did, saved a TON of money and honestly, the type of camping I THOUGHT I would do vs what we actually do is quite a bit different. In a couple years I can sell this and buy what I really want whereas If I would have bought new I would have lost way too much money.

Only salesman I dealt with that I really liked and was good was at Bucars, so I can't really help you with a hookup unfortunately. He was the only one that didn't seem "sleasy".

Mind if I ask what you're looking at?

[darkmanCANADA]

Re: Buying an RV trailer

Here is what we were looking at:

http://www.fieldofrvdreams.com/Page....-Lite-228.aspx

http://www.southsidereddeer.com/rv/n...78b544bc84.htm

We budgeted about $25k including the equalizer hitch, upgraded trans cooler, brake controller

[darkmanCANADA]

Re: Buying an RV trailer

Another note I have a 2000 Durango with the 4.7 Magnum V8 with the 3.55 transmission and the GCWR is 9200lbs and the max trailer weight is 4400lbs.

[B4NE1]

Re: Buying an RV trailer

I work at Bucars RV in Balzac just as a summer student cutting grass but our trailers are mostly made by KZ and they are a stand up company. Wouldn't hurt to check out.

[Tuna]

Re: Buying an RV trailer

If you want a top of the line brake controller (Tekonsha P3) I have one for sale, have everything including the original box.

What are the weight of those? Are you sure you can only tow 4400 lbs? In my opinion you wouldn't want anything over about 2800 lb trailer (dry). You need to allow for cargo and (some) fluid although you don't need to usually need to if you don't want to, and you want to proably allow for 25% left over.

[Tuna]

Re: Buying an RV trailer

I work at Bucars RV in Balzac just as a summer student cutting grass but our trailers are mostly made by KZ and they are a stand up company. Wouldn't hurt to check out.

Yea, they also have spree which are really nice and their major brand (and also very light for what you get).

[darkmanCANADA]

Re: Buying an RV trailer

I called a Dodge dealership and they verified the numbers from my VIN

The trailer I am looking at is about 3600lbs dry and I don't plan on bringing my own water. So about 800lbs below my max weight. Wouldn't bringing my own water defeat the purpose of going to a campsite that has power, water & sewer? And after tent camping for so long I don't think I will be packing a lot of stuff.

[darkmanCANADA]

Re: Buying an RV trailer

If you want a top of the line brake controller (Tekonsha P3) I have one for sale, have everything including the original box.

What are the weight of those? Are you sure you can only tow 4400 lbs? In my opinion you wouldn't want anything over about 2800 lb trailer (dry). You need to allow for cargo and (some) fluid although you don't need to usually need to if you don't want to, and you want to proably allow for 25% left over.

I will keep this in mind. How much are you willing to part with it?

[popp]

Re: Buying an RV trailer

Wouldn't bringing my own water defeat the purpose of going to a campsite that has power, water & sewer?

I thought the same thing when we bought ours........ camped about 25 since we bought it....... 3 x with water,power,sewer......... 15 of those times the water was not "potable"........We always bring our own water.

[darkmanCANADA]

Re: Buying an RV trailer

Non-potable water is not a problem. I have one of these for drinking water: http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Hiking...lter-black.jsp or will bring our bottled water. Water hookup will most likely be for the crapper.

The trailer will be step up from a 4 man tent in the middle of the woods with everything carried on your back.

[Tuna]

Re: Buying an RV trailer

Well, no, you don't have to bring you're own water, and I typically don't (except for a few gallons in case I need to stop on the side of the road so the kids can use the bathroom). What I MEANT though is I've camped lots where water is available but sewer is not readily available meaning I have to take my grey/black water with me. At 10 lbs per gallon it adds up fast.

Also, remember "Dry" means different things. It means empty propane tanks (add 40-60lbs depending on your tanks), no batteries (100-120lbs with dual batteries), no spare, etc. Plus crap adds up fast. Not trying to discourage you but my neighbor bought a trailer too big for his truck (6250lb dry trailer with a truck rated for 10,000lbs) and had to sell it and buy a bigger truck. Couldn't make it up hills, would lose speed when there was a headwind. You're cutting it really close. Regardless, good luck.

as for the brake controller I'll see what they are going for and let you know. Only been used a handful of times, I don't need it anymore as I upgraded to a vehicle with integrated controller.

[darkmanCANADA]

Re: Buying an RV trailer

Thanks Tuna. Those are some good points to ponder. That is why I like this forum. Everyone contributes good advice.

[Tuna]

Re: Buying an RV trailer

No problem, trailer shopping is a daunting task. I knew several people that had trailers and asked them all for advice and even took one friend shopping that had owned a couple different trailers just so he could point out the things to look for.

Glad we bought used though because things you think you can "Live with" end up being a big pain in the ass and other features you liked you don't use. Hopefully in a couple years we can take what we know and get a better fit (next one will be a toy hauler )

Also, took a look at the trailers you are looking at, the Jayco is nice, it has a power awning, make sure you ask if one side can be dropped to allow runoff otherwise you can't keep it open if it's going to rain. Some have this feature some don't. That looks pretty big, surprised it's only 3600lbs! One thing to watch with super light trailers is they will usually skimp on the beams running the length of the trailer. This can be a problem if you're doing back woods camping as it allows for a lot of flex.

There weren't really any pics of the Puma but they will be on the lower end compared to that Jayco (fit and finish won't be as nice), also, Puma's are almost always metal sided which makes them lighter as long as you're ok getting stressed every time it starts to hail a little bit.

Hope that helps some anyway.