The Dealer Circus

When I mean the dealer circus, I mean the dealer circus.  At this point as a buyer you would have already set a price, and most likely a type of RV that you would be interested in buying.  Now comes the fun part...the part where you get to separate the bullshit from the factual information.  Although I should be using less salty language, I couldn't come up with a better definition to what you are about to hear from both the dealer or seller you might be working with.  This is due to the fact that you are the one standing between their money and their willingness to tell you the full truth.

Now I definitely don't want to scare you away after the long hard work and excruciating hours spent in determining which RV fit your needs and which one broke your heart because it was out of your price range...you know there was one.  I want you to know that regardless if you are buying new or used dealers are there for a reason...to sell, and if they have to bend the reality of what they are trying to sell you, they will.  So here are some tips and ideas that can help you in being prepared when you are out on the lot looking at the RV you have set your sights on.

When looking at a camper the first thing you want to look for is any form of de-lamination or warped metal along with any form of water stains anywhere inside the camper and along the camper.  Most dealers will try to blow it off and pretend like it's not that big of a deal, however the number 1 problem with campers is water damage...when you see it you do one thing...walk away.  This whole issue of water damage brings many, many more issues that the buyer does not want to deal with.  I can compare this to termites in a home, water damage is it's equivalent...once it's there its impossible to get rid of unless you spend on very expensive fixes, usually not covered by insurance.  When walking into any camper always walk on every single inch of the floor - look under cabinets, under beds, and along all walls.  Jump as many times and as hard as you can on the floor, any soft spots on the floor will indicate previous water damage or rot, something that should never be there.

Don't be hung up on the aesthetics of the camper such as the big screen tv, the radio, the microwave, or the lights.  Dealers want to show you all the shinny stuff inside so you keep your eye away from other things that are far more important.  Making sure all valves work, making sure the water tanks are intact, ensuring that all electrical wiring is working properly, making sure the AC is working and cooling as it's supposed to.  Remember, most of the plastic inside and out of the camper is meant to last, however not forever.  Remember that campers are usually stored outside and weather takes a toll on all plastic...this will mean that taking a good look at all plastic and molding prior to buying is a very good idea.  Dealers can normally get these items at a cheaper rate compared to prices an individual could get...so if you notice something that needs fixed, it's a great idea to have them fix it prior to buying, work it out with the price of the camper, or get a discount knowing that this will need attention in the future.  All other appliances and TV's can be purchased at any store and are not RV specific as some of the items aforementioned.

Now that you have some ideas, remember...you are the one with the cash on hand...don't give in to vague or inaccurate answers.  If it looks too good to be true...it usually ALWAYS is...so beware of people just putting lipstick on a pig.  You have more bargaining power than you believe, RV fixtures and repairs can be costly outside of the dealer...so whenever possible try to work everything (repairs) into the price of the camper.  In principle, dealers make their money on used inventory due to huge...and I mean huge markups...so there is ALWAYS wiggle room to get what you want.