New or used, that is the question

[danrn]

So I just sold my Redwood and am seriously considering the Riverstone 391FSK. I have been reading some posts about the problems people have been having with their new Riverstone and the lack of support they have been getting. I know this is not a new problem, and in the last couple of years it has been worst. But initially I was thinking of getting a new one, now, not so much. My Redwood was new and I had very little problems with it, unlike the stories I'm reading here. So I'm thinking it may be to my advantage to just get a used one. I can see 3 reasons why that may be a good idea. First, the original owner would most likely fixed all the bugs, second, he would take the hit on the inital value loss, and third, good chance the original owner would add up grades.
Thoughts?

[mmartin_tdc]

I agree with all three of your points, that is why I bought used when I was shopping.

[BehindBars]

Originally Posted by danrn

So I just sold my Redwood and am seriously considering the Riverstone 391FSK. I have been reading some posts about the problems people have been having with their new Riverstone and the lack of support they have been getting. I know this is not a new problem, and in the last couple of years it has been worst. But initially I was thinking of getting a new one, now, not so much. My Redwood was new and I had very little problems with it, unlike the stories I'm reading here. So I'm thinking it may be to my advantage to just get a used one. I can see 3 reasons why that may be a good idea. First, the original owner would most likely fixed all the bugs, second, he would take the hit on the inital value loss, and third, good chance the original owner would add up grades.
Thoughts?

That's sound logic except maybe, "good chance the original owner would add up grades". One person's upgrades can be another person's downgrades. I've immediately walked away from many used toys and vehicles due to the previous owner's "upgrades" not being to my taste. It can go either way, but don't bet on anything.

[Artsville]

If you buy used do you spend the extra money for a mobile tech to evaluate and check the RV? If so what does that cost approximately? I am in Cali. I am in the exact same boat. I am not a stranger to travel trailers but i am not a technician either.

art

[NMWildcat]

It's a toss up. Sometimes buying used comes out great, other times you just inherit someone else's problems. I usually only buy used from folks I know. Most RVs and vehicles I buy new as that is just my preference.

[Aussieguy]

I would not base the decisions solely on the "reported" bad quality and service.
My new trailer was built exactly as expected ...
was able to buy / negotiate a price that was agreeable for me...
I got what I asked for, so can't complain.


had one issue with the microwave being dead, it had power but would not heat food up.

My experience with getting it replaced under warranty and within a reasonable time frame was good.

Good communication from Forest River they monitored what was going on.

Did not use dealer for warranty.
Mobile tech guy did the warranty replacement

PLUS did a further inspection to see if anything else was amiss.

[Draggo]

We're on our 4th trailer and always bought new. Yes, I may have to get the kinks worked out myself but at least I know what they are and I know how the trailer has been taken care of otherwise since new.

[danrn]

Originally Posted by BehindBars

That's sound logic except maybe, "good chance the original owner would add up grades". One person's upgrades can be another person's downgrades. I've immediately walked away from many used toys and vehicles due to the previous owner's "upgrades" not being to my taste. It can go either way, but don't bet on anything.

Good point!

[sherman12]

My first motorhome bought used had 20K miles on I when I bought it kept it four years and had not a single problem with it. The second rig, a Georgetown-bought used one-year-old with 4K miles on it, had problem after problem with the dealer saying the previous owner must not have had the "new" bugs taken care of. Luckily my dealer (Buffalo RV) made to 30-day used warranty last 6 months to take care of every single issue. My third and current MH was bought with 15K on it and had no problems the first few years. The camp year 2021 was harsh though that one thing after another seemed to crop up. I took it in that things were just showing age from heavier use and longer trips now we both are retired.

I'd go used every time.

[Homebrew]

Just seen a few new videos showing JD powers blue book showing used RV prices dropped 13% in the last 4 months. There predictions are the used and new prices will drop more in the next 3-4 months.
Also if buying new speak with a independent RV tech about brand. Sounds like some techs are refusing to work on certain brands due to a lack of payment and delayed payments for warranty work. This could create issues if you need emergency services.

[wheelin14]

If you bought our Coachmen Chaparral at two years you would still have a split between the back and side wall, leaks around the AC that couldn't be tightened because of factory cross threaded screws, and a few hundred stripped screws in J trim at the top of the outside walls plus many smaller problems. I choose the third choice: keep the one you've got because you know what's fixed.

[sherman12]

wheelin, great suggestion, especially knowing what you have.

[danrn]

Originally Posted by danrn

So I just sold my Redwood and am seriously considering the Riverstone 391FSK. I have been reading some posts about the problems people have been having with their new Riverstone and the lack of support they have been getting. I know this is not a new problem, and in the last couple of years it has been worst. But initially I was thinking of getting a new one, now, not so much. My Redwood was new and I had very little problems with it, unlike the stories I'm reading here. So I'm thinking it may be to my advantage to just get a used one. I can see 3 reasons why that may be a good idea. First, the original owner would most likely fixed all the bugs, second, he would take the hit on the inital value loss, and third, good chance the original owner would add up grades.
Thoughts?

Just came up with another reason why buying used may be a good choice. Been contacting some dealerships and some have a lot of fees they add on. One I saw today had a $1600 D & H fee along with some other questionable fees. Of course one can sometimes negotiate these fees, but my point is when you buy a camper from an individual you just pay the agreed price. Yes you will pay taxes when you register the camper, but no D & H fees or those other fees they may try to slip in.
Just a thought.

[Reverse_snowbird]

It's all about price and condition.
We bought our first tt new because the used ones were selling for a similar price to a new one and didn't come with a warranty.
Our current mh we bought new because it was a new model and there weren't any used ones available.

You never know what you're going to get when you buy a used unit and you don't have a warranty. If you're handy, can do the repairs yourself and the price is right, then a used model might be worth it.

Basically, there is no 'correct' answer to the new/used question.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Reverse_snowbird

It's all about price and condition.

We bought our first tt new because the used ones were selling for a similar price to a new one and didn't come with a warranty.

This was our experience, on our past two TTs. Too many private owners aren't realistic about the worth of their RV. Many times it's because they owe more, than what it's worth.

[RickV]

We have bought two New 5th Wheel since 2014 first one was pretty much problem free (I wish we had kept it but you know how that goes) second one (current) is Major POS and it is almost two years old and we are still having major warranty work done. We have decided if we ever buy again it will be a year or two old and have all the low quality control issues resolved.

[dblr]

How far would you be willing to go for a unit, new or used? Bill's Happy Camper in Mill Hall Pa offers total price out the door no destination or prep charges but probably already factored in, plus they offer GREAT service. You can do what we did buy near the factory and stay close by, that way if any issues creep up help is not far away, stay at the campground at the Shipshewana RV Service center as they are a factory service center. This is of course if you went the new route and that way order it the way you want.

[Lubehead]

Originally Posted by Artsville

If you buy used do you spend the extra money for a mobile tech to evaluate and check the RV? If so what does that cost approximately? I am in Cali. I am in the exact same boat. I am not a stranger to travel trailers but i am not a technician either.

art

I had a few conversations with the owner of a unit in AZ (I'm in MA)and we were fairly sold on it. The owner agreed to an inspection by a third party. Paid an independent tech $1k to check it out and he did a great job providing detailed pics and a nice report.


However, the owner refused to let the tech get on the roof and would not allow him to drive it which he stated would not be a problem.


Best $1k I sent as we walked away from the deal.

[melvinjo]

Frankly, look at this forum: Its full of used rigs with used rig problems. Even new rigs have problems........... But at least new, warranties cover most issues: Sorry, but paying someone $1000 for a used rig inspection, and then walking away because it might have issues, just solidifies to me I would not buy a used rig.

By nature, our rigs take a beating... Just highway driving can be hard on them.
And build quality over the last few years has not been great.

Now compound those issues with a used rig: And the fact we have to take our rigs to a specialized repair shop for repairs...........

Buyer decide/beware..................................

[sherman12]

bikedan, Bingo!