Haven't bought our first RV yet, but already lost in the wilderness!

[Rob2004]

I consider myself to be fairly intelligent, but even so, I still can't find anything like a Kelly's Blue Book for RVs that I can use to negotiate a fair price for our first travel trailer, and this includes this website! Please help! Thanks!

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Welcome to RVF, @Rob2004; glad to have you join us here.

First, you should check this recent thread for some context and suggestions.

Fair Market Value

Hi, I am considering selling my coach and would like to get a fair market value assessment from a professional other than the place I plan to consign my coach with. I have gone to the websites like Kelly Blue Book and others but I am not sure they are totally accurate. Especially if I don't...

rvforums.com

There really are no reliable blue-book-like resources for RVs. That's especially true right now with the surge in RV interest resulting from the pandemic. It would help us to know whether you are looking at new or pre-owned. In general, dealers are holding the price line on new units for the time being. In the pre-owned market, there's wide buyer interest, but pricing is still what a willing seller and a willing buyer agree upon. Don't be afraid to make an offer below asking price and be prepared to negotiate. Decide what YOU will be willing to pay for a given unit and be prepared to walk away from a potential deal if you can't get there with the seller.

All that said, the first rule of thumb is to not get in a hurry. Do your homework on what RV features you want to meet your traveling needs. Then, LOOK at a lot of RVs in the size range you are interested in. Leave the checkbook and credit card home!!! Remember that RV sales people (even the best of them) are in the business of SELLING RVs and they will likely try to move you into a purchase as quickly as possible.

Since you mentioned being interested in a "travel trailer," there's another very important consideration; the vehicle that will be used to tow it with. If you already have a potential tow vehicle (TV), determine its safe towing capacity. You will need the manufacturer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR). They are usually found on a sticker located on the driver-side door post. Subtracting GVWR from GCVWR will get you in the ballpark of what weight you can tow, though adjustments will need to be made for cargo weight, tongue weight of the trailer. Staying within 80% of the maximum weight rating is prudent. And, forget about "dry weight" ratings; you will never tow a trailer at "dry weight."

Probably more than you wanted to know, but it is a place to start. Be sure to come back to the forum with specific questions.

TJ

 

[AbdRahim]

Check the prices for similar units on RVTrader.com or RVT.com.If new many shoot fro 25-30% off of MSRP. It is a hot markeet so, unless you are very patient, you may only get 10% off. Depending on where you buy and how anxious they are to sell, your mileage may vary.