Buying a new trailer that's been in the dealer lot since 2018

KSH · 12-10-2019, 12:11 AM

Buying a new 2019 chaparral 295x with an mfg date of Sep 2018. Everything looks great, anything I should be sure to double check or be concerned about? This is my first FR product and first 5er.

**bikendan** · 12-10-2019, 01:51 AM

We bought a new 2016 TT that had been on the lot for almost 2 years. They discounted it to a price we couldn't resist. All the issues we found were fixed under warranty. We feel it's a well built unit.

Oaklevel · 12-10-2019, 06:37 AM

If you buy it just do your PDI like you would on any new trailer. Get a great deal since it has been there. But no concerns other than the normal ones buying a new trailer.

Forest River Forums - Downloads - New Trailer Owner PDI Version 2.6

tomkatb · 12-10-2019, 07:19 AM

Shop well. The day you leave the lot it is a several year old rv. Priced accordingly.

Contact a discount dealer to be sure. Salesmen tell untruths!

Rv pricing is bizarre at best.

Just Mike · 12-10-2019, 10:40 AM

Remember that tires age even when they're still. Be sure and check the mfg date on the tires as they may be close to three years old by now...

KSH · 12-10-2019, 10:55 AM

I got a great price, plan on dragging it right to the tire shop a few miles away to swap out tires.
Any issues on slide seals etc, since I'd imagine it spent most of it's time with the Slideouts out?

NMWildcat · 12-10-2019, 11:13 AM

Similar to your situation, we bought our current RV after it was on a lot for almost a year. Excellent price. The only thing I had to address, due to its sitting in CO, was slight patching of the roof sealant (Dicor). But I have had to do that to units we had ordered

I have never conditioned slide seals on any of our RVs. Some do.
We are still enjoying our RV, 8 years later. No known adverse affects from sitting on the dealer lot.
Enjoy your new RV!

B and B · 12-10-2019, 11:20 AM

We purchased a SOB Fifth Wheel which was 1 1/2 years on the lot. Being a top of the line unit we did really well buying our dream trailer with 3 year manufacturers warranty that started when we took delivery. Saved 2/3 new price with discount and sitting on the lot discount as well.

Make sure all seals are resealed, roof joints particularly. Look for delimitation around windows and other openings, work the plumbing for leaks and seals on dump valves. PDI and do it a second time after they fix the things you find.

Simpskvi · 12-10-2019, 01:15 PM

I would check the roof for black mold spots. I bought a "new" 2019 TT a few months ago, and that was the only real issue I was able to find from sitting on the lot. I didn't notice it until after I bought it. It was still worth the $5,000 discount from the 2020's.

G Hollingsworth · 12-10-2019, 01:22 PM

Your coach battery or batteries age on the lot. Also if your new rig has slide toppers give them close examination as well. If they are dropping or allowing excessive pooling, have them replaced before taking delivery.

RET.LEO · 12-10-2019, 01:41 PM

knock 40-45% off MSRP for depreciation with it just sitting there. Seals need to be really checked as there will be some that need to be redone.

TitanMike · 12-10-2019, 02:05 PM

Things on a trailer that age even when not used.

Tires
Battery(s)
CO/LPG detector.
Fire extinguisher (inspection date).

Unless they give a large enough discount to make replacing those items in the first year worthwhile I'd have them replace before you buy or move on to something newer.

As pointed out those items could already be 2+ years old and in the case of a LPG/CO detector it has a "timer" built in that will send alarm/alerts after 5 years (or sooner).

Tires are also a problem as chances are they are bare minimum for load and quality.

Depending on the Trailer, that can be a $1,000 expense just changing them. More if they fail and do damage.

Sometimes "good deals" have hidden costs. Just be aware.

Wolverine 1945 · 12-11-2019, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksh2

Buying a new 2019 chaparral 295x with an mfg date of Sep 2018. Everything looks great, anything I should be sure to double check or be concerned about? This is my first FR product and first 5er.

Not sure what type of weather you live in,,,
Check the Tires & Batterys !!!
They will need to be replaced shortly !!!

5picker · 12-11-2019, 11:30 AM

I believe the Chaparral 295x is a 5th wheel.
It likely won't have had a battery(ies) since the dealer typically installs at time of sale.

Do check the tires. (and spare)

Depending on roof material, EDPM rubber or TPO you'll want to inspect for weathering (if EDPM) of the roof and sealant.

If the awnings/toppers are not covered, you'll want to inspect the exposed part of the fabric/vinyl for weathering.

As long as the unit didn't sit on the lot with the slides open, all should be OK there.

Check the fire extinguisher and the CO detector.

Do a proper PDI/Customer Orientation.

You should also get a healthy financial discount!

If all that is OK, I'd have no qualms buying it.
Been there, done that.

Wolverine 1945 · 12-11-2019, 12:06 PM

Make sure you are getting a Good Discount off the Price you would have gotten off the sale price as if it were New !!! Even tho it has never been used, it should be compare to other units that have been used !!! Maybe you can price it to used ones ???

**Flybob** · 12-11-2019, 12:40 PM

Check all wall/floor/ceiling areas for any sign of water. If there has been any leaks that have gone unnoticed for that long you may have non repairable damage. Dealers provide the battery make sure you get a fresh one. Check for frame rust. If you trade it in the day after you bought it and there is rust, they would reduce the trade in as a result.

BarabooBob · 12-11-2019, 02:34 PM

We got a good discount for buying our TT that had been on the lot for 13 months. When I was looking at new TT and explained to the salesman what we wanted, He told me about the 13 month old show model. The interior did not show any damage from being in an RV show. The listed price was over 40% off so we snagged it. We have put 20,000 miles on it in the last 18 months. We like it a lot. This dealership includes ,many of the items that other dealers charge for. No delivery charge. I came with a NEW batter, NEW lp tank (full) high end sewer hose and fresh water hose, 50 to 30 dogbone, 20 to 30 adapter, plastic stacking blocks, electric tongue jack, etc.

**bikendan** · 12-11-2019, 03:10 PM

Check the roof caulking!

Cowracer · 12-11-2019, 03:53 PM

Bought a year+ old 2016 in 2017. I figured I got it for 18% off their lowest price on the 2017 sitting next to it (assuming they would come off their advertised price by the same $3000 for both)

Had zero issues due to sitting that long, although my vent covers are now fragile to the point that I get nervous if I see a large bee that looks like it has a mind to set down on one of them...

Tim

Rivnut · 12-14-2019, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikendan

We bought a new 2016 TT that had been on the lot for almost 2 years. They discounted it to a price we couldn't resist. All the issues we found were fixed under warranty. We feel it's a well built unit.

mUST PUT ON NEW TIRES, ALL TIRES RATED FOR 6 YEARS THEN THEY ROT.
Make sure everything worksbefore you leave the lot.
rivnut

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