NADA Retail vs Trade Value Disconnect

[Bhrava]

RV's have wiring harnesses too, they have a section in the plant that lays out the wiring, binds, then bundles them for each model. Thats about the only process similar to auto manufacturing, everything else is still done by hand, including laying out and welding the framework for the sidewalls on ALL RV's no matter the brand and no matter the cost. It is laid out on a jig table, welded if aluminum, stapled if wood, inside wall applied, flipped over, insulation added, then the outer panel applied. A template is placed over it, and a worker manually cuts out the openings. They are all built in this manner, regardless of price. Different materials, yes, process, no. Difference between a house and RV is the inner walls are placed first, then the outer walls, but essentially they are no different in how they are built.

I don't know of any that actually laminate the sidewalls since it requires a huge hot press in order to do so, which is quite cost and time prohibited. When they say laminated sidewall they mean frame sandwiched and glued to the inner and outer laminated panels, that is sent through a large roller to press the panels to the frame. All skinned RV walls are made this way, only those with aluminum corrugated skin are not done this way, and those usually are all wood framed.

I used to build houses and am well aware of the processes taken and the various crews needed to get one done. No matter how well built a house may be, it will not stand up to a Hurriquake like an RV does.

[Scotrv]

Originally Posted by Bhrava

RV's have wiring harnesses too, they have a section in the plant that lays out the wiring, binds, then bundles them for each model. Thats about the only process similar to auto manufacturing, everything else is still done by hand, including laying out and welding the framework for the sidewalls on ALL RV's no matter the brand and no matter the cost. It is laid out on a jig table, welded if aluminum, stapled if wood, inside wall applied, flipped over, insulation added, then the outer panel applied. A template is placed over it, and a worker manually cuts out the openings. They are all built in this manner, regardless of price. Different materials, yes, process, no. Difference between a house and RV is the inner walls are placed first, then the outer walls, but essentially they are no different in how they are built.

I don't know of any that actually laminate the sidewalls since it requires a huge hot press in order to do so, which is quite cost and time prohibited. When they say laminated sidewall they mean frame sandwiched and glued to the inner and outer laminated panels, that is sent through a large roller to press the panels to the frame. All skinned RV walls are made this way, only those with aluminum corrugated skin are not done this way, and those usually are all wood framed.

I used to build houses and am well aware of the processes taken and the various crews needed to get one done. No matter how well built a house may be, it will not stand up to a Hurriquake like an RV does.

Actually Rockwood and a few others are vacuum laminated not pinched rolled as you described.

[KeithQ]

Originally Posted by phillyg

A dealer is always going to low-ball their trade-in offer regardless of book value. Dealers have all the advantage, and hope you're desperate to buy that shiny new object.

Hmm, interesting discussion. Having just two days ago agreed to a trade for my (bought new) 2017 Jayco Greyhawk, I can tell you our experience.

I spoke to 3 different dealers, while looking at 3 different rigs from their respective dealerships and all 3 gave me the exact same NADA trade value, sight unseen. It was $52,750, while low retail was a little over $60K and high retail was right at $70K.

I completely agree with a previous poster that doing a trade in most states lowers the amount you end up paying in sales tax, as the trade value is deducted from the sale price, presumably since you already paid sales tax on the trade in rig.

Also, some dealers will inflate the amount of your trade if they have room built into a sale price. As we were only looking at used this time around, there was a better chance of some pricing movement.

As an example, one place offered us $60K for the trade, letting us know there was room to lower the initial price but we would benefit from the lower sales tax.

And last story about an extremely large dealer (claims to be the world's largest) in the North Texas area that sells multiple lines as well as consignments and used. I submitted a very lengthy trade form a week back and didn't hear anything for several days. Clicking on a link to ask about a particular model we were interested in, I added a note in the comment box asking whatever happened to my trade quote.

Interestingly I got a voice mail within an hour from the dealer telling me they had a great offer for my trade, $45K. I deleted the VM without ever bothering to call them back. Thanks but no thanks.

So yeah, while some dealers may try to squeeze your trade, my experience with 4 other dealers was pretty positive, since all offered the same amount, with the exception of the one higher value.

As they say, YMMV.

[Bhrava]

IL under the great pigface, reduced the amount of trade value that can be deducted for sales tax to $10K. It is no longer a benefit to trade in to save on taxes here. Used to be able to deduct the full trade amount.

[ppine]

The best indicator of value of an RV, is the amount people are willing to pay. The market is way up right now. Use recent sales to determine value. NADA guides are maybe best used to determine the value of options and add ons.