Hello - just purchased my FR3!

[JonnyP]

Hi there,

My name is Jon, I'm new to this forum - but I've been lurking a while and new to the FR3, but not to camping and touring. I just pulled the trigger on a 2014 FR3 30DS, and I found much of the information posted here to be very helpful in making a decision.

Here's a picture of my Wife and kids at the RV show with our FR3 today:



I'm in Redmond WA, were going to be picking up next Saturday. I looked at the following rigs:

1. FR3
2. Thor ACE
3. Thor Axis (too small)
4. Fleetwood Storm

Overall I thought the FR3 was definitely the best value and had the best mix of quality/features/price. We bought at the Seattle RV show, although I've been researching for some time and by the time of the show had narrowed it down to the FR3/ACE shootout.

I think we got a good deal, don't mind sharing as I think my strategy worked.

* I researched thoroughly and found the best deal on a '14 was wholesale from RV Specialists in TX. Their best internet special was $76,900

* I wanted to work with a local dealer even if it meant a paying more, as I wanted to assurance of warranty work done close to home

* I weeded out the 'sale' prices which were running about $89,000 and waited for a show when they would have a factory rep attending

* I went straight in with a polite but firm 'no BS' attitude, I had the internet wholesale quote in hand, plus a pre-qual from my Credit Union and explained I wanted to give to my local dealer(s) a shot, and yes, they would get a signature today if they could make it a decent deal!

* I know they can't match wholesale, but on like for like, I asked for their best shot

I think I did okay, I swung a deal for a '14 like for like for $79k with a reasonably priced extended warranty for 5 years and 4.99% financing.

I'm pretty happy, I had to do a wee bit of arm twisting, but that seems like a good deal for these waters, and is significantly cheaper than any dealer within 500 miles. Like I said, I was polite and the sales guy may have been stroking my ego, but he said he much preferred to deal with a prepared buyer who was decisive and knew what they wanted and what it would take to seal a deal. I think we both walked away reasonably happy! I can't wait to get her out on a shakedown cruise, I see Yellowstone and Yosemite in my future :-)

Thanks for all of the good info here, hopefully I can give some back...

[puff]

Waving hello from just a little north...!

[The RB]

Congrats on the new rig. I didn't go to the show because I would have bought one too!

[Wiscampsin]

Welcome form Wisconsin and congrats on your 2014 FR3 30DS.

[ourflat]

Congrats on your new MH! I looked at them during a recent RV show and thought they were nice. Now the fun begins!

Enjoy

[johnpisue]

I just bought one too in October, haven't had the chance to take it out yet, waiting for the 4 feet of snow to go! Off to Alaska in the spring...I guess I like the cold..LOL.

[Gem Hunters]

Congratulations on your new FR3. I had a similar experience. Researched the FR3 when it first came out a year ago and waited a year for them to work out the typical first year new product bugs. Educated myself on what the lowest advertised price was and knew what I was willing to pay for it. I bought mine at the Tampa RV show. I truly believe having the factory rep present at the show helps the dealer get pricing concessions. Waiting for mine to be built, can't wait to pick-it up in a couple of weeks!!!

[Mandoholic]

Nice to see another NW owner. We have had our FR3 since October. Haven't taken trip yet, but have a lot planned for the summer. We are Bluegrass musicians and mostly go to Bluegrass Festival in the NW. The best and biggest is in July up in Darrington, Wa. Good plan to work with a local dealer, we did the same and paid about $2K more than the Wholesale price. We have one of the early FR3s, doggy window, Jensen TVs, and too much carpet, all things we can live with. Lots of work to get it ready to go. Shelves, closet hardware, we didn't even get cup holders. Congratulations and have fun.

[TeresaInCAL]

Welcome to the forum, and congrats on your new toy!!

[Ford Idaho]

Welcome to the forums and congratulations on the new rig.

[BarbaraG]

Congratulations! I'm a new (41/2 months) FR3 owner and so far love it, though I wish I'd gotten a model after they stopped putting any carpet in. I've had a few glitches, but nothing major, and just got back from my first weekend trip.

Enjoy!

Barbara

[wolfgang22]

Congratulations on your purchase. I am looking to buy as well. May I ask about your extended warranty as to the costs and who it was through? Thanks and enjoy! It sounds like you got a great deal!

[JonnyP]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the warm welcome. I'll snap some pictures when we pick it up this weekend.

Wolfgang, sneak me a PM and I'll discuss the warranty with you...

[drivmsafe]

Welcome Jon. We've had our FR3 since Nov. and so far really like it. I've got to ask...Is the $79,000 price out the door (incl. tax & license)?

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by JonnyP

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the warm welcome. I'll snap some pictures when we pick it up this weekend.

Wolfgang, sneak me a PM and I'll discuss the warranty with you...

Be sure to take copies of the PDI list!

Forest River Forums - Downloads - PDI Checklist

Check out everything.

[wolfgang22]

JonnyP, I sent you a message. Did you get it?

[Grandma99]

Hi, everybody,
We just traded in our 2010 Sunseeker 2300 for a 30DS FR3 on Jan. 31. The dealer had just ordered it for his dealership, but was very happy to sell it to us. It is scheduled to arrive in mid-March. We saw the 25DS, but have only seen the 30DS in pictures. We are so excited about getting so much more space!! We live in Georgia and hope to travel to the Eastern states this summer with it. Hopefully, it can handle the mountains as well as the Chevrolet engine in the Sunseeker. We have been perusing this forum since we bought the camper & look forward to being a part of the FR3 family.

[spicyrv]

Congrats on the new coach. I did about the same thing with my local dealer. Paid about $1,000 more, but have gotten great service, both on warranty items and with aftermarket add ons. Have fun!

[rskrbina]

Welcome from NW Missouri. Good luck and enjoy your FR3

[Rolling Magic]

Welcome, I enjoy our RR3. Have a trip for the 6 months...