We stopped our search for an RV; for now.

[TheWolfPaq82]

Originally Posted by BehindBars

In these times of selling them as fast as they can build them, quality could suffer (more). That’s another good reason to wait.

Oh....quality started to suffer LONG before covid hit. Quality started to suffer at least 5 or more years ago with the RV BOOM. They're predicting another 19% increase in sales in 2021 over 2020. Expecting a half million more rigs will be sold next year. Camp grounds aren't getting better, they're getting worse. We got out of the camping thing when we bought our cabin and acerage. Sold the 2018 Cherokee this summer.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Swimmer

I didn’t realize prices were higher in CA, compared to other areas of the Country.

To give you an example, the 5th wheel we're looking at, costs around $50k in SoCal. We can get it in the Midwest for around $38k.

[Swimmer]

Originally Posted by bikendan

To give you an example, the 5th wheel we're looking at, costs around $50k in SoCal. We can get it in the Midwest for around $38k.

Interesting. Why is that?

[TheWolfPaq82]

Originally Posted by Swimmer

Interesting. Why is that?

It's just like "Everything is BIGGER in Texas." Well..."It's MORE expensive in California."

When we bought our 2018 Cherokee, I got about 5 very different prices for the exact same unit in about a 800 mile radius. 10 to 15k differences in the Midwest.

[Swimmer]

Originally Posted by TheWolfPaq82

It's just like "Everything is BIGGER in Texas." Well..."It's MORE expensive in California."

When we bought our 2018 Cherokee, I got about 5 very different prices for the exact same unit in about a 800 mile radius. 10 to 15k differences in the Midwest.

Can’t argue with that, especially from a tax standpoint, but the price differences for RVs are more than I had expected. I know boats, so I will go back to that reference. The price difference between a larger 40 to 50 ft. Boat in CA, and other parts of the country are negligible. They are a bit cheaper in FL, but it’s mainly due to the larger supply there. Not looking to get into a CA vs other parts of the country thing, just curious about RVs and the price differences.

[rvflyer57]

California is much higher priced. In our search for our original choice (2608bs), prices ranged from 5-10% under msrp on the low side, to msrp plus on the high end. SoCal and coastal dealers were the highest, but interior regions are only slightly better.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Swimmer

Interesting. Why is that?

Mainly because West Coast dealers know they can jack up the prices, because most West Coast customers won't drive to the Midwest to get the lower prices.
But we are willing to.

[Swimmer]

Thank You.

[Los Popes]

We sold our 2008 Georgetown earlier this year and were going to buy a new rig. We decided to hold off buying for now.
No inventory and high prices and with all the people buying up RVs and many who have never owned an RV before, we think there will be some serious buyer’s remorse next year. It could be a great time to pick up a used rig. We will wait and see.

[mtpocket]

We are putting off purchasing for a year also. We were told by an independent repair shop that does warranty work for a few manufacturers that they are seeing more problems with 2020's that any other year in the past. They attribute to a workforce hit by Covid and less experienced labor available. I am afraid they are throwing these trailers together faster than before to try to meet the current demand. We really wanted to get one this year so we could pay it off before retirement.

[Emcjohnl]

We searched a long time for a Class C, specifically diesel. We started looking last winter and about 3 months later we found a 2019 forester with 7K miles. It was 3 hours away from Annapolis but we went and looked. Drove it. Went and picked it up all hands off. I’d agree the covid rates are not good for visiting. BUT, the mid west where things are built is in rough shape. If you can find something lightly used and don’t have to have sales people with you, it’s possible to transact safely with appointments and video walkthroughs before you ever go. We out $5K down before we even got a virtual tour just so we had first right if refusal. 7 other people were in line to buy it if we didn’t.

We’ve enjoyed our first summer of camping and there is no better way to get away. We live on the water and have a boat so now we can leave on either side of the house safely.

Be well. Stay safe. Keep an eye online ... something will change this winter.

[sfsgm]

Originally Posted by RobbieH

Look at used. Lots of pros compared to buying new. The two big ones are: 1. You don't take the depreciation hit, and 2. They already worked out the "new RV" bugs hopefully.

There were lots of things I loved about our Super C, but I'd never get one with a full-wall slide again, especially if it has Schwintek slides.

That is precisely what I do and for exactly the two reasons you cite. The fifth wheel I have now I purchased one year old and it had been used four times. The older gentlemen had eye surgery and didn't want to tow it anymore. He and his wife took a major hit on the depreciation and the upgrades he had done himself.

I'm thinking there's going to be a sweet spot gain once people decide RVing isn't their cup of tea.

[Steve08]

We bought a new class c 3271sf 2 years ago and we wish we had of bought gently used. A ton of qc problems from the factory took us a year and a half to get it all redone. Had to stay close to the dealership we bought it from because on the road repairs turned into a nightmare. Other dealers don't like doing warranty work on RVs from another dealer. They don't get paid much for warranty repairs if you don't buy from them. Also they are sometimes booked 2 or 3 months ahead on work. Just a word of caution. Something to think about. Good luck

[SteveFrog]

I researched in August looking for our first TT. Found that a Rockwood 2205s checked all the boxes. Went to local dealer, none in stock , 2 in production. They priced it at 25% off the 2020 price list and also ate the $200 delivery up charge when it was delivered mid September.

[ilmor]

Nah; havent worried about it. Bought a new RV 6 weeks ago. Loving it.

[BehindBars]

Originally Posted by ilmor

Nah; havent worried about it. Bought a new RV 6 weeks ago. Loving it.

That 2017 2250SLE in your signature was still new 6 weeks ago?

[Wyoming Husker]

After a 3 to 4 month search and research we finally pulled the trigger on a 2021 ISATA 5 from Motor Home Specialist in Alvarado TX. Enjoying the warmer weather this weekend in Nevada. Good luck and happy Thanksgiving..

[Emcjohnl]

We got a fair price for the lightly used one year old forester. It has a full slide but not the one where you have to keep the movement in synch and can’t stop it. It’s great for three of us and a ShiTzu. 3 adults - our son is 29 and has challenges so we all go and it’s been wonderful. We’ve met the nicest people and everyone is willing to help with answers. We are new this year but having a boat for 30 years gave us a reasonable understanding of fidgeting and taking care of things.

RV ownership is the same as boat - the day you buy it and roll a golf cart around a resort or park and you want a bigger one! We will probably go super C when used inventory builds up.

All that to ask if anyone did the 7 year 100K mile RT 66 warranty? We did. The dealer where we bought it is part of that network so we would get priority service. For this winter, I had a local shop winterize for $125. I have enough to do winterizing a boat. Does anyone have a thread here on winterization? Also, what’s the consensus on leaving power connected (I put a 30 amp service in my garage). I’ll search for the leave AC hookup in a separate thread. I think the warranty was worth it since it’s our first RV and may need something in 7 years. (House only). Mercedes chasis and engine is separate but a good warranty there for drive train and didn’t buy anything for that.

[Papadave]

I’m thinking that lots of the new first time campers may not keep camping after covid is gone. It’s not for everyone. Maybe there will be lots of good used rigs available after other recreational opportunities return. If they are hooked for life then it’s time to develop new public and private camping areas. Meanwhile uncertainty in all things makes for tough decisions.

[Emcjohnl]

I think you’re right. Boats and RVs are impossible to find right now l. But you have to love working and cleaning boats and RVs and it’s not for everyone. I think spring will open up some inventory trades or sales back to dealers. The depreciation hit for an expensive RV probably isn’t as hard for some compared to keeping one very lightly used.