d1h
Indiana
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Joined: 07/06/2006
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Is Camping World a good place to buy a travel trailer or should you stick with the independent dealers?
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TenOC
On the road -- Full time
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Joined: 03/08/2004
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Shop around -- look for the best deal. After purchase service is BAD no mater where you purchase. See if you can find a USED one that is in good condition with no water damage. You will save $$$$. Since 1984 I have purchased a number of used RV (TT and 5er) (slow upgrade from a 19 footer to a 36 footer) and have been very happy with the all of them.
I would NEVER purchase a new RV. Let the first owner suffer the large first year deprecation and new RV service problems.
* This post was
edited 06/04/23 07:07am by TenOC *
Please give me enough troubles, uncertainty, problems, obstacles and STRESS so that I do not become arrogant, proud, and smug in my own abilities, and enough blessings and good times that I realize that someone else is in charge of my life.
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theoldwizard1
SE MI
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TenOC wrote:Shop around -- look for the best deal.
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I would NEVER purchase a new RV. Let the first owner suffer the large first year deprecation and new RV service problems.
Excellent advice !
Better yet, rent for a weekend trip close to home. You may decide that RVing is not for you !
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BB_TX
McKinney, Texas
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Camping World comes up fairly often there. Horror stories, especially about service, as well as those who were completely happy with their purchase. Just depends on the individual dealership.
But I agree. Shop around for the best deal. And check reviews of each dealer. Whether you want to buy new and accept the initial depreciation or look for a good used unit is certainly an individual choice. Buying to keep for years vs buying with the intention of selling/trading in 2-3 years is a significant factor to me. The longer you own, that initial depreciation is spread out over the years and less concern for me.
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Do a private sale deal. Do hire a mobile home travelling mechanic to check over any unit that is being considered for purchase. Look for water leaks. Look harder for leaks. LOOK HARD FOR LEAKS.
Regards, Don
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.
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NamMedevac 70
Reno
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Joined: 11/09/2020
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In 2003 I bought a late model used TT from San Marcus, TX Camping world in excellent condition and their service, attitude and price was great. No need for after service. Sale included WDH and other accessories. Their retail store was well stocked but the sales staff attitude was deficient. Enjoy the 4 Rs of life.
I towed that TT for over 15 years throughout western and PNW USA with no serious issues to fix. Also lived in it full time for a year in Oregon and N California, Nevada.
* This post was
edited 06/04/23 11:49am by NamMedevac 70 *
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Desert Captain
Payson
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When you drive off of the lot with your new RV {any RV} you are leaving 30 to 35 percent of the purchase price in the rear view mirror... never to be seen again. As noted shop for low mileage/use models and you can immediately save that 30-35 percent.
Also in some states {Arizona being one} there is no sales tax on private party sales which saves you another 8 - 9 percent on top of the depreciation. Quite often folks buy the wrong RV at least a couple of times before getting the right combination. Each Time they trade one for something different they are losing a ton of money. The good news is this puts a lot of potential clean, lightly used models out there at bargain prices compared to new.
Buying new to get a warranty rarely works out and will cost you a bunch of money. Many believe that dealers make as much if not more selling warranties as RV's. Set up a repair fund to cover the costs of unexpected repairs. You now have complete control over who, where and when your RV gets repaired.
Some dealers only honor the warranty if they do the work which can be problematic when you are down the road someplace. If the dealer cannot get the requisite parts you are stuck at their facility and probably with the lowest of priorities {Lots of horror stories on theses Forums about folks in that situation}.
I'm not picking on Camping World as just about all RV dealers have the same business model.
![[emoticon]](https://forums.goodsamclub.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif "biggrin")
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haste maker
alabama
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RV dealers...should be named RV Stealers...they will tell you anything to get you to buy & then forget you...Buy from a private seller, and have the unit checked by someone that is the RV inspection business..
Retried Teamster
2007 Allergo
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azdryheat
Tucson, AZ
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Prices are sky high right now. I'd wait to buy.
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midnightsadie
ohio
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haste maker gave you great advice. you,ll save a ton of money and get a education on rv,s if you really hunt theres hundreds of rv,s in driveways for sale.
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