Definately know your prices of both used and brand new. And know your products as well... End of season is often best time to get great prices on older stock. For example, great price on a 2010 model when the 2011 models first come out (which is usually starting in the late fall of 2010).
My one friend got a great deal at our regional RV auction. He bought 2 year old used but being an RV auction, he got it for 1/3 the price. Previous owner had it, lost his job and couldn't pay for it anymore. Thus, up for auction (like the many other RV/TT units at this place) and got it for a steal. No warranty but he was able to buy much more product then he originally could afford. He's a DIY person (like me) and no warranty doesn't bother him either.
If buying from an RV dealer, do have your "options" firmed up as well. For my 2006 Jayco 29FBS (bought 1.5 years "pre-owned" from my local dealer), I should have negociated in the following "extra" items during time of its initial purchase:
A - Include spring loaded awning for over its long slide. aka: Slide Topper. I originally wanted it but my RV dealer talked me out of it. I should have "stuck to my guns" and held my ground. Today, the top of my slide looks like:
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...e/100_0358.jpg
B - 2 x large scissor jacks - installed in the middle (just infront of the wheels). These extra adjustable jacks in the middle of TT removes center "up/down bounce. Especially on long frame TTs. re:
http://rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/uploa...865-772408.jpg
C - Include X-Wheel chokes - to be installed between the wheels - to stop natual back/format movement. re:
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...k-2-pack/49876 &
http://images.campingworld.com/is/im....32,.3&opac=20
D - I should have ensure our TT came with an AC cover. Being a pre-owned unit, I assumed it came with an AC cover - like our previous used smaller TT. After delivery, I discovered its AC cover is "extra". re: Not written in the sales contract thing. If known, I would have "negociated" a mandatory AC cover in the purchase deal as well.
E - To me, all RVs much have Surge Protection. Even basic Surge Protection is better then nothing. Afterward delivery, I had to buy / install my own 110/120 30A Surge protection device as well. re: Surge Guard 30A "hard wire" unit (as minimum) at:
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...e/100_2043.jpg Knowning what I know today, I should have "negociated" Surge Guarge unit in the negociations as well.
F - I find our fridge stuggles "too much" in the extreme heat wether. For my TT, I installed a 12V fan with manual off/on switch behind its fridge. Thus, creating more air flow across its coils. For our next trailer, I'm going to negociate a 3rd party RV rear Fan fridge into the deal. re:
http://www.pacificrvparts.com/Produc...CategoryID=151
Tips:
- My RV dealer kept emphasising how wonderful our TT's factory side wall attached grill is. To this day, we've yet to use this factory grill. To me, the grill's heat source is too close to the outer TT's wall. Thus, we use a portable grill instead.
- Our TT's factory sourround sound system sounds cool. One day, my disabled son broke its CD tray and we replaced with a "disc-less" media server. If into disc-less media (re: music & movies in electronic storage format), the Patriot Media Box or WD Live! Media Server can be connected / used instead. NO sorround "sound" but NO moving parts either. To me, NO moving parts in much better for kids. Especially for kids who don't know their own physical strength.
- Having trailer's with a bow shape roof is much better then perfectly flat roof. A Bow shape roof allows the rain water to run-off much better. Flat roofs tend to "pool" water and over time, they have a higher risk of leaking. Especially in their dip / pool area.
Also... Keep a close eye on window seals. Many of the trailer factories are now going with "dry fit" windows. They use a rubber / foam gasket and after year 3, this "dry seal" starts to leak. If wondering, 3 of the 11 of my 2006 Jayco windows started to lead (and I didn't even know it). To "make better then factory", I removed every window, removed this rubber seal, applied real "soft seal" between TT wall and window's inner lip and re-installed the window. Did 2 x windows every weekend and it time, all 11 windows were re-sealed - the proper way. If looking at new or use, do focus on their window seals as well. Luckily, simple DIY projects (like this) don't scare me. But for some, this "better then factory" upgrade is too much work. Long story short... Dry Fit windows don't work in the long run. Either avoid this type of window install method or be prepared to get it done right.
Hope this helps in your research and product selection as well...
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