When should we buy? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

DunnDeal82 · RV-Dreams Community Member

When should we buy?

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

The right time is when you find the RV that fits your needs, wants, and budget. There's always people selling used ones for many reasons and the is no "magic date" the new models hot the lots. Grand Design is selling 2017 models already because their units move so fast and they made enough major changes to call it a model year.

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome, Dave and Brenda. As Red said, the right time to buy is when you find the right coach. That said, your question should be, "What is the right coach FOR US?" Are you looking for weekend use, vacation use, long-time use, or full-time use? How long will you normally stay in one place, and that includes time parked at home? How many adults, how many children, how many pets? Any health or mobility issues?

We're full-timers, so our needs are not necessarily your needs. We researched for several years before we narrowed our search to what we eventually bought. We started out open to fifth wheels, motor homes, and travel trailers. At first we weren't including motor homes because they use so much fuel, but then we realized that a motor home can tow something more fuel-efficient. Once we got used to the idea that we would always have two units, one towing the other, we could more easily make better decisions.

Each type of RV has advantages and disadvantages. Fifth wheels are much like apartments, especially those with three or four slides, but going from the patio outside to the bathroom inside can involve climbing a full flight of stairs. Those intended to full-time use are generally heavy, which means at least an F350-class truck, and many need an F450 or even F550-class truck to safely tow them. Motorhomes can be heated/cooled while traveling, so they stay at a comfortable temperature all the time, and you don't need to go outside when it is time for a break. They need to be driven, though, so they aren't good choices for people who stay in one place for more than a month at a time. Travel trailers are the lightest, so they can be towed by more vehicles, but generally have the least amount of storage space and water capacity.

Once you decide what fits your needs best, you can start looking at specific brands and floor plans. Go to as many dealers and RV shows as you can, and go into every coach you can. Don't pay any attention to price or condition, just floor plan. It won't take long for you to figure out which ones will work for you. Then find the highest quality coaches in your chosen class. Now set your budget, keeping some back for needed repairs and upgrades.

Repairs and upgrades? Yes. You should be looking at a USED coach, not a new one, for your first one. No matter how much research they do, most people don't get it absolutely right the first time, and depreciation is a very real fact of life. Buy used for your first few coaches, and then you will better learn what you need and want. Then you can buy new if you want.

Rob_Fla · RV-Dreams Family Member

The RV Manufactures are in a model year change right now and shipping 2017 models so the discounting on the 2016 models on the lot is starting and will get more aggressive in the coming months.

RonC · RV-Dreams Family Member

Rob's got a good point. We ordered a 2016, then made a change (residential refrigerator), that required we go to the back of the production line ... when our rig arrived it was a 2017!! Dealership honored the original pricing deal, so we got lucky on that. 2016's will be price reduced to move 'em. Good luck with your search.

DunnDeal82 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks Red, that's great advice. There are so many types and brands and we have found we like a few better than others. We will keep looking until we settle on the right on. BTW, how do like your Momentum? We really like the Grand Design Solitude 379FL.

DunnDeal82 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks for the reply David, I should have included more detail. We are going to be full-time for at least two years but in one place until we retire and can then travel as we have planned. We do plan on taking short weekend trips though but will mostly be in one place. Your advice about Class A's was very helpful because we have been considering that as an option.

We like really the front living fifth wheels, researching brands now but have looked at the Grand Design 379FL and love it, although I'm a little worried about weight and their 7000lb axles. If we decide on a fifth wheel we will also purchase a F450, I really like that truck.

You have given us many things to consider and great advice so thank you.

Dave

DunnDeal82 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Rob and Ron, thank you for your advice. We have noticed the local dealers are trying to move their 2016's but selection is not great for the front living fw's. I think I'd prefer to buy used but since this is our first RV purchase I am a little worried about buying used but the savings makes it very appealing.

I guess things go wrong no matter which one we choose, new or used.

Thanks again,

Dave

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dave,

We really like the Momentum. It works for us, with the porch and garage it's like we've got 2 more rooms to spread out and do things. We used to have diesel pushers and then a Grand Design Solitude. I do miss the "big truck" feel of the MH but the space in the toy hauler is what works for us.

Red

DunnDeal82 · RV-Dreams Community Member

I'm glad you are happy with your Momentum, it gives me confidence that we can find one we also.

Thanks,

Dave

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Another tip to consider, one we hadn't even thought about when we were looking to buy was given to us by friends who lived in AZ for years. Buying in a snowbird area at the end of the snowbird season (approx. April) can yield some good deals. We were told that every year there are those who try it for a winter, decided never again or those that decide this is their last year snowbirding, etc. Lots of different reasons but it from what we've seen the last 2 Aprils in southern AZ is that the consignment and used RV lots are very full when the season ends.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dave,

We lived in Oklahoma most of our lives, and from April or May of 2011 until July of 2014, we lived in our DRV (Mobile Suites) until we retired. In the DRV, we experienced temperatures between 115 degrees all the way down to about 6 degrees or so and were comfortable inside. The DRV's are heavier units than most, mostly because of their construction, which includes 3 1/4 inch walls instead of 2 inch walls. They have 15" triple box frames (at least the Mobile Suites and Elite Suites models), so they are well built.

The only thing is that I don't think they have any with front living rooms. If you are considering either new or used, you might check out Rolling Retreats in Elk City, OK. The dealers there are a true mom and pop dealership and know the meaning of customer service. I would suggest avoiding any RV with the Schwintek electric slide system as those were a lot of trouble. Rolling Retreats has a number of used DRV's in stock.

Terry

DunnDeal82 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks Terry, I checked out Rolling Retreats and they have a new front living DRV Mobile Suites Nashville. We really didn't want to buy new but really like the front living floorplan.

Question about DRV, if we found a used one that passed independent inspection, how old of a year model should we look? I don't like the idea of more than 2 to 3 years old.

Also, we can buy a 2015 Grand Design Solitude 379FL and truck for the price of a new or nearly new DRV Mobile Suites, in your opinion, is it worth it to buy one now at that price? Most of the used DRV's I have found are somewhere around $55,000 to $80,000 and I can get a 2015 F450 and 5th wheel for $110,000. I am not opposed to spending more for a trailer if it will really be worth it and it sounds like you believe in the DRV brand a great deal.

Like I have said, we will be living in this full-time in Oklahoma for two years with only short trips until we retire so I am a little worried about buying a bad brand and with my experience in RV's that could easily happen.

Thanks,

Dave

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dave,

A lot depends on your plans for full-timing. When we sold our home and moved into the RV, it was with the intention to NEVER own a home again. If anything happens and we have to quit this lifestyle, we will probably move back close to some of our family and rent. Because of that idea, and knowing that the RV would be our home for a long time, we wanted the best quality we could afford and one that could handle heat and cold. The Mobile Suites does just that.

Look at more than just the floor plan of an RV. Check out the very foundation of each one, and that is the frame, suspension, axles, wheels and tires. For instance, the DRV Mobile Suites and Elite Suites have 15" triple box frames and anything that is 38 feet long or longer also has upgraded wheels and tires. The 41 and 43 foot DRV's have 17" triple box frames.

As for age of DRV, I know of some folks out there with DRV's as old as 2007 that say they really don't see a reason to trade. I would watch the late 2011, the 2012, and the 2013 models. Most of those will have the Schwintek electric slide system on the bedroom slide, and it was a nightmare with lots of problems. If you are looking at one, you can tell it has the Schwintek system if you see metal tracks near the top and bottom of both ends of the slide. Those tracks are the guides and traction strips for the electric system. You can see them in this picture:

I suggest that you check out some more forums, some that are pretty specific to the DRV brand. There are some complaints about RV's, but that is also in all brands. I've always cautioned folks to be aware that forums tend to attract people that are looking for the solution to a problem, and that can give one the opinion that "X" brand must be a bad one, but that's not necessarily true. Register for the forums and ask your own questions. One I've long suggested to ask on forums is: "If you were to buy a new RV, would you buy the same brand, and if not, why not?" Many times one will find that a lot of owners will say they would buy the same brand again.

Suites Owners International Travel Club (SOITC)

5th Wheel Forums

Also, think ahead to possible problems due to the RV's floor plan. For instance, on our 2010 Mobile Suites, we have the front bedroom and full side bath. Ours has the older type of toilet that when flushed drops waste directly down into the black tank. Since the holding tank indicator lights tend to fail, I like the straight drop because I can then get a flashlight and flush the toilet, watching to see what the fluid level is with the water being stirred by the flushing water. I've never even come close to overfilling a black tank, and overfilling a black tank is bad. Also, some have had toilets that are macerator type flush systems. With those, one cannot see down into the black tank. The main thing is that little things can prove to be a big problem.

Terry

DunnDeal82 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Terry, thank you for the great advice, I have been researching the pro's and con's of many RV brands and you have answered some the questions I have had. I have probably overthought the 7000lb axle vs 8000lb axle issue but it bothers me to know if I buy a 7000lb rig I will need to upgrade the running gear in couple of years when we are ready to hit the road.

Many things to consider but I like to learn so I am having fun! :) You have given me a lot to chew on here.

Thanks again,

Dave

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dave - Just throwing something else to consider into the equation. We have the same model, floor plan, year, etc. as Terry & Jo. We bought ours pre-owned when it was 2 years old from Rolling Retreats. We've lived in it for a little over 3 years now and I honestly can say maintenance / repairs have been an issue. I HATE everything Lippert, but not sure you can find a coach without Lippert components.

We have had mechanical problems from the day my hubby thought he was going to leave Rolling Retreats with our new home in tow, hydraulic issue that had to be fixed before he could leave, fridge failed the first full day on the road, etc. In fact, we think (with Terry's input) that the cooling unit on our fridge was most likely the one that had been on Terry & Jo's fridge that had been problematic for them. Evidently ours had also failed and their old one was installed on our rig and we had to have it replaced 2 months after hitting the road.

Every time we have something fixed we're waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak. We currently have an ongoing hydraulic issue that is intermittent. Compared to Terry & Jo, we've covered a LOT more miles on the road so that could contribute to some of the issues.

No rig is fail proof, no matter what brand you buy, we know people with brand new rigs who have had way more trouble than we've had with our 2 year old rig and we know people with a lot less expensive unit who have had almost no issues.

We've come to the conclusion that you roll the dice with any RV purchase. And yes, we're now having almost daily conversations on whether we want to continue to try to fix this rig or if it's time to roll the dice on a different rig, new?? Used?? Brand? We have no idea.

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

"We've come to the conclusion that you roll the dice with any RV purchase. And yes, we're now having almost daily conversations on whether we want to continue to try to fix this rig or if it's time to roll the dice on a different rig, new?? Used?? Brand? We have no idea." Very true. I'm on several brand-specific forums and a few general ones. Quality, or the lack thereof, seems to be the biggest issue. The price doesn't seem to have much to do with it.

As for when to trade coaches, I don't think that anyone has a realistic handle on that. Quite a few years ago we were spending a few hundred dollars each month on repairs to our car. Eventually we figured out that we were making a car payment anyway, so we traded.

Your refrigerator story is very disturbing. I'd like to hear the rest of the story.

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

David - fridge "story", maybe I should say never ending saga.

We have an RV fridge, don't want a residential due to the amount of time we boondock, Dometic RM 1350 model. Evidently the cooling unit was replaced before we took possession, then we had to replace the circuit board, which is what died the first day of Dale towing it to our old home location. We continued to have issues after that, 2 months later it was determined that the cooling unit needed to be replaced again. After that Dale added additional fans, we still have issues. Fridge does not do a good job of cooling on hot days, running on inverter or electric it cools much better than running on propane. On any day we plan to grocery shop we have to turn it down 2-3 hours before shopping so it doesn't go over 45 after we return from the store and restock the fridge. It's just an ongoing, maddening piece of equipment that is very inefficient and on hot days (any day over 90) we just watch the temp rise in the fridge as the outside temps rise and open it as little as possible. It cools down overnight and repeats the warm up the next day.

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

You certainly have much more patience than I do. That refrigerator needs to be replaced, and my first thought is that the dealership where you purchased your coach needs to be involved on your behalf to get it done at little or no cost to you.