Roo 183 Purchase

scubajosh77 · 07-16-2018, 07:38 PM

Recently converting from popup that we originally bought used. Looking to purchase a 2019 Rockwood Roo 183 and working with a somewhat local dealership to order it because they are not typically carried in Alabama. Getting every option except the Thermopane windows and we upgraded to the 15k a/c.

Making this purchase is all new territory to us and we want to make certain we are not getting taken advantage of because of that fact. Researching online it seems like we are getting a fair deal, but wanted to check the forum to get the opinion of veteran owners who have done this a few times. The price is right under $22,000 ... also includes a Recurve 3 WD hitch (installed). Thoughts? Opinions?

In case you are wondering why the 183 and not the 233S ... TV tow capacity. TV is a 2018 4Runner TRD Pro 4WD with rear suspension after market coils.

Thanks in advance.

**bikendan** · 07-16-2018, 08:49 PM

Get a quote from RVW or RV Direct and use that to negotiate.

rsdata · 07-17-2018, 08:29 AM

I bought stock 183 with 13.5 BTU AC in May of 2014 off the lot in Indianapolis for $17K including 2 filled propane tanks, battery and spare tire. In 85-90 degree weather the AC will chase you out.

This is not alot of camper and I purchased the $200 WDH ( the only one they carry) from Harbor Freight, added a 2 5/16 ball and have pulled it probably close to 15,000 miles from the Everglades to the UP. A WDH hitch is just a hunk of steel, no matter what you think of HF products it works great.

There is little to go wrong so buying local was not an issue for me... I think you are getting taken for a ride... but I also do not know what additional options are or cost...

scubajosh77 · 07-17-2018, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikendan

Get a quote from RVW or RV Direct and use that to negotiate.

This was EXCELLENT advice. I got the quote from RVW and used it with the local dealer to get them down to $21K WITH all the options we wanted AND the WDH. Ordering today.

Thank you!

scubajosh77 · 07-17-2018, 05:18 PM

Sooooo,

We will be expecting a new 2019 Roo 183 in the next 8-12 weeks. Let's hope it's closer to 8!

Johnston RV in Cullman, AL negotiated to our satisfaction.

We got the following options in addition to the factory required stuff:
Chocolate Interior
R3 WD Hitch
Champagne Exterior with Color Matched Roof
Maple Cabinetry
Wood Look Floor
Power Tongue Jack
Gas Oven
Double Door Fridge
Heated Holding Tanks
15K Ducted AC
Power Awning Upgrade with LEDs
Heated Mattresses
MAXAIR Vents
Water Purifier

Out the door including tax and title for $21600

I'm satisfied. RVW was at $20776 otd and I would have had to drive 8 hours.

rsdata · 07-17-2018, 05:58 PM

Congrats... you will luv it...

Quote:

We will be expecting a new 2019 Roo 183 in the next 8-12 weeks. Let's hope it's closer to 8!

Plan on 12 and hope it is not 16...

BigLou80 · 07-18-2018, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubajosh77

Sooooo,

We will be expecting a new 2019 Roo 183 in the next 8-12 weeks. Let's hope it's closer to 8!

Johnston RV in Cullman, AL negotiated to our satisfaction.

We got the following options in addition to the factory required stuff:
Chocolate Interior
R3 WD Hitch
Champagne Exterior with Color Matched Roof
Maple Cabinetry
Wood Look Floor
Power Tongue Jack
Gas Oven
Double Door Fridge
Heated Holding Tanks
15K Ducted AC
Power Awning Upgrade with LEDs
Heated Mattresses
MAXAIR Vents
Water Purifier

Out the door including tax and title for $21600

I'm satisfied. RVW was at $20776 otd and I would have had to drive 8 hours.

You did just fine, I paid $20,000 (plus taxes) for mine. I don't bother with a WDH and I don't have the upgraded AC or heated holding tanks I'm not really sure why you would want that option lol .

scubajosh77 · 07-18-2018, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigLou80

You did just fine, I paid $20,000 (plus taxes) for mine. I don't bother with a WDH and I don't have the upgraded AC or heated holding tanks I'm not really sure why you would want that option lol .

We live in Alabama and camp all over. In the south the 15K air will not have to work as hard to keep the camper cool in the hottest months. My thoughts on the heated tanks are for if/when we camp somewhere in below freezing temps. Gatlinburg/Smokies would be the most likely for us.

scubajosh77 · 09-22-2018, 05:58 PM

Picked her up today! Just got her setup in the driveway so we can figure out how we're going to pack it with all our stuff that came out of the pop up.

rsdata · 09-22-2018, 08:13 PM

congrats on the camper... I like my 183...

at some point think about opening some storage space by putting in a second rear cargo door to get at empty space in the rear on the right...

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...oo-120013.html

First thing I did with mine is get zip ties and wire loom from Harbor Freight and tie up loose wires underneath and cover brake wires going into the drums, to prevent road trash from taking out any wires... also sprayed a lot of undercarriage rubber paint underneath to prevent things from rusting...

Next was removing all of the blank panels in the cabinets that limit storage capacity in the various cabinets.

Good luck and make her your own.

Chuck_S · 09-23-2018, 09:18 AM

One thing we really appreciate about our hybrid is we're never more than 25 feet from a bathroom!

Two month wait for the model you want isn't bad and the trailer was probably built this month to your specifications.

rsdata's linked notes will be especially helpful as he has the same model. There's a lot of hidden space that can be recovered and where Forest River thoughtfully included many spare screws and other items. You probably won't have enough courage to saw out a hole for more outside hatches until next season. I haven't yet.

-- Chuck

Charger · 09-23-2018, 11:33 AM

Congrats on the purchase !! You're going to love it . I too would love to have an extra access on the back of my Roo19 ,but I just don't have the coconuts to cut on a new camper .

scubajosh77 · 09-23-2018, 11:50 AM

Yeah. I’m with you. Too scared to cut on a brand new camper. 5 years from now who knows. One thing I did discover is that the grill can fit in the compartment under the dinette from the top.

Chuck_S · 09-23-2018, 02:36 PM

A buddy of mine has the same fear mounting instruments on his boats so he hands me the drill, hole saw, and saber saws and goes for a short walk.

Much easier cutting holes in someone else's stuff.

-- Chuck

rsdata · 09-23-2018, 03:12 PM

Quote:

I too would love to have an extra access on the back of my Roo19 ,but I just don't have the coconuts to cut on a new camper .

I suggest this method...

measure
tape it off with masking tape... I used the blue stuff
draw the cut lines on the tape
look at it and ponder
use a flashlight from inside door and check for obstructions
drink a beverage and think about the task some more
walk away
sleep on it
measure again, next day
verify your measurements and the cut lines on the tape a third time
gather your tools
verify your measurements again...
start the cut
finish the job
drink a beverage and wonder why you didn't do this mod earlier as it gives access to lots of storage space in the rear

Chuck_S · 09-24-2018, 11:18 AM

Other than leaving out several necessary "beverages" the above method is excellent.

-- Chuck

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