New Class B purchase - off lot vs. special order

[minimalista]

Hello,

 

I'm very close to buying a new Class B for my full-timing plans. Would I have better negotiating power if I buy off a dealer's lot vs. doing a special order? For buying off the lot, I'd think a dealer would want to sell what they have sitting there, but a special order seems simpler for them and they would have little to no carrying costs.

 

The RV purchase is so different from buying a new car and I'd like to get a better understanding of the dealers' position.

 

Thank you!

-Cathy

 

[Kirk W]

There is really no standard answer for that question. It all depends upon the dealer and what each one is willing to do. In a special order the dealer has little more than time invested, but he also has exclusive sale right unless you negotiate with other dealers using the exact same specification/option sheet. When we bought our class A for full-time living we visited a dealer and made up an order sheet with a sales person, listing every item and option that we wanted with pricing and a final price to order it. We then took that sheet with us to think about and once home I made a copy of it with all of the numbers covered up. I then contacted 10 other dealers of that same make/model and asked if they would like to bid on selling it to me, and faxed that sheet to each of them I received an additional 8 offers in this way to compare and the total price variation from high to low was 8% of the purchase price that we paid. I'm not sure but suspect that for a class B it may well be the same way.

[jeomelia]

If this is your first class B, buying new could be an expensive way to start, if it does not work out. A lot of choices and compromises living in a small space, wet bath, isle shower, closet toilet, double bed, queen/twin bed, making up the bed each night and getting a good sleep on the cushions, the size of the fridge, storage and the list goes on. It is great to fit in normal parking space and a way to travel, but your need to figure out what is right for you, so get a "starter rig" to figure things out and when you buy new you will know what you really want and be able to say yes or no to the salesman on the upgrades.

Good luck on your travels

[sandsys]

I agree that it depends on the dealer. It also depends on the timing. If the new models are coming out you might get a better deal on an existing one.

 

But, I also agree that it is hard to know how well you will live in a model before you try it. Have you spent any time living in a Class B? For me the very tiny black tank in existing ones was a serious problem which is why I bought my most recent Class B as a custom conversion. But, I know others who do just fine with that tiny tank because they use public restrooms most of the time. It's hard to do that when boondocking out in the desert, though.

 

Linda Sand

[minimalista]

Thanks for the quick and thoughtful replies! I understand buying new is a pricey way to go, but since I'm traveling solo I figure a new rig is less likely to have a breakdown. Also, the 1-3 year old Class Bs are not that much cheaper, from what I've seen advertised, and I wouldn't go older than that.

 

The issue of tank sizes is definitely a concern, but I plan to spend much of my time in national and state parks and use the facilities there when possible. I had considered a travel trailer also, but I really like that the B allows you to go and park most everywhere. Time will tell how long a B will work for me, and I'm willing to learn an expensive lesson if that is what happens.

 

-Cathy

[Smitty77_7]

On Class B and buying new. Agree it really depends upon the dealer and the specific unit he has in stock. Sometimes they just need to move a unit out. So I suspect that the right B at the right dealer, could be purchased for less then a special order.

 

That being said, I would go pick the specific B you want, maybe narrow it down to one or two specific models that you feel is what you want. Then only search and check into those.

 

You mentioned full time usage. And many do well in B's in full time usage. But playing devils advocate, and not knowing your budget range, I would recumbent maybe a Super B (Like Born Free.), or a Class C - as better option for full timing. For your desire to get into the smaller sites of say some national and state parks, a Class C would usually allow you to go anywhere a B would.

 

And I'll toss out another opinion, getting a used higher end low mileage Class C, and then adding a Service Warranty, could get you into a both a nicer/slightly larger unit for about the same price. Lazy Days are very popular and well respected (And used prices reflect this..) units, much more comfortable for full timing.

 

I'll stop here, but if you decide you might want to also consider the Super B's and or Class C's, you could start another thread for input from the gang.

 

And of course, if B is where you want to go, then Go For It!!!

 

Best,

Smitty

[sandsys]

One of the things I really liked about my Class B was the ability to stop at a restaurant for lunch then take a nap before moving on.

 

Linda Sand

[minimalista]

Thank you Smitty, for those alternatives. I know the Bs are pricey for the specs & configurations you get but I am pretty much decided on that. The Pleasure Way Lexor is the one I'm wanting.

 

I'm finding such good information from members on these forums, and it's all so helpful and great to benefit from others' experience.

 

And, Linda I am with you on stopping at a restaurant then resting in the rig ?

 

Thanks again,

-Cathy

[lappir]

If you haven't used a Class B or C recently, it may be beneficial to do a rental for a bit before making a purchase. I was lucky and was able to spend a winter in my younger brothers "toyhauler" before making my purchase. I learned a lot with that first 5 month stay before purchasing my first trailer. I am now in a custom made trailer that really fits my current needs. I travel about twice a year and remain in one place for several months. I have almost all residential features in my home on wheels. Utilization of "Campground Facilities" can be less than desirable due to many reasons. You have to walk and carry all your toiletries each time, distances can be substantial. Few have Air Conditioning , but almost all have the multi leg creatures. Sure there are places that have spotless showers, but there are more that leave much to be desired.

 

Being able to drive your potential purchase prior to making it is always a great plus in my mind. Sure you can get just what you think you want by a special order, but once it arrives it's yours.

 

Good luck with your search and purchase.

Rod

[minimalista]

Thank you, Rod - I hear you on the variable quality of campground facilities! In my tent camping days I had good, bad, and in between, complete with those multi legged creatures.

 

I have rented a Class C before so I got a very general idea. I do know the B will be different, less room, smaller tanks, etc. I agree that renting a B would be a prudent way to go, and would consider that if I could find a decent rental.

 

Thanks,

- Cathy

[sandsys]

Here's my input on making up that sofa bed. Since it is just you you can probably sleep sideways on the sofa. If so, you can buy a double bed sheet set. Put it lengthwise over the back of the sofa while it is still upright. Then it will go with the unit while you lower it. Then pull the front side over the bed once it is open.

 

If you want more bed space and you are willing to use a comforter without a top sheet, cut the flat sheet in half and sew it to make two huge pillowcases. Those cases can then be slipped over the ottoman cushions. We never put the middle fillers in place since we preferred to leave the table LEG in place to use as a pull bar for getting out of bed.

 

As always, YMMV.

 

Linda Sand

[minimalista]

Thanks, Linda! I like the idea of the "pillowcases" for the ottomans. I figured it could take awhile to figure out the most comfy configuration and one that requires the least setup. Good idea to have the table leg as a pull bar

-Cathy

[Jeff & Suzanne]

Hi Cathy. . .we are former fulltimers (40ft 1996 Foretravel diesel pusher) but are now "sometimers" with occasional multi-month excursions. After we got off the road and sold the Foretravel, we wanted a functional and comfortable smaller rig that was closer to the minimal in accommodations. After looking at Class B's (Airstream Interstate, Pleasure Way and others) we found Phoenix Cruisers, http://www.phoenixusarv.com/index.html which are built to order but new ones are NOT sold by dealers...factory only. They make what could be considered a Class B+ to a Class C; and after touring the factory, we found the quality and build methods similar to Foretravel, which after much research is considered sort of a benchmark Class A manufacturer. You might want to research Phoenix Cruisers for more value for your new RV dollar.

[minimalista]

Thanks! The Phoenix look really nice (if a bit big for me) -will look for them at the Tampa show next week.

And you should win the prize for the best username! Love that.

-Cathy

[Rosita]

You might enjoy reading the content on this website (and the associated blog and You Tube channel):

 

http://www.cheaprvliving.com/

[minimalista]

Thanks Rosita - I have seen his vandwelling website, was interesting to read for sure.

-Cathy