The Wingman offers some blunt RV buying advice. His first suggestion? Stay away from these guys!

With so much excellent RV buying info available on the web, why do so many people still make a mistake when buying their RV? If you're buying an RV soon, here's some thoughts you may want to keep in mind and folks you may want to stay away from.

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[WingmanNation]

Hi all. I want to hear from you (especially) if you have a story/experience to share that may help others. I especially enjoy your voicemails. My contact info, links to those I endorse as well as how to purchase the shirts you see me wear can be found by clicking on the word "MORE" in the description of this video.

[jcfra]

I generally stick with travel trailers. My 3 rules are, NEVER trust a salesperson. ALWAYS purchase used, and NEVER purchase a trailer that the seller does not want to let you take on a test tow to see how the trailer handles the road.

[jerrylindner]

Have purchased 5 rv's the past 30 years. Always got 25 to 28 percent off. Went to buy a class A a year ago, offered 20 petcent off they said 5 percent. No deal. Last week salesperson called and said she talked to her boss and said they hated to do it but they would take my offer. Told her to pound sand. Hope these dealers choke on their inventory.

[agrota]

They don’t call the “Stealerships” for nothing. I’m an rv tech. The only dealerships I ever worked for that were honest about what they gave for what they charged, were Airstream dealers. They are way more expensive, so they can afford to give you what they promise. I saw very few unhappy customers there. One of the dealers I worked for (the largest in the world), the owner told me, on my first day, “ no matter what it costs, no matter how long it takes, no matter what the service manager says, if a guest comes through here and needs something, you drop what you are doing and make them happy.” Every other dealer I’ve every encountered, is way below that standard ( to put it nicely).

[robertbaetke]

As first time RV'ers my wife and I had a very positive experience buying a used class C from a private party which we kept for 4 years and sold for the same price we paid for it. Yes, it had some issues, but I am handy and was able to take care of everything myself. For those looking to get in for the first time, if you don't know anyone who has first hand experience, just go to a campground and chat up the campers that have RV's like the one you are interested in. You will find most, if not all, campers are very friendly, helpful and will want you to have a positive experience. Find out what kind of problems they have had and how they resolved them. They don't have any financial incentive to BS you so you can get some really good advice from them.

[cindyanddanherrington]

Kudos to Lippert Industries We have a 2017 Jayco (purchased new) On a recent trip we noticed one wheel tipping out at the bottom. We got it home and jacked and measured and determined the axle had bent. We contacted the dealer was told out of warranty and referred to a trailer shop. They determined it was safe to use but recommended axle replacement.
Jayco corporate did not respond to any communication. On a off chance we contacted Lippert directly and they were sympathetic to the situation and sent use some forms to fill out and return and would review and contact us. To our surprise they emailed us the next business day and asked us to contact the service department to arrange for order and shipping to replace both axles. This totally blew us away, everyone we dealt with was courteous and professional. It took a few weeks to manufacture, ship and have installed but everything has been done to our satisfaction. Again big shout out to Lippert and their employees.

[bob_frazier]

I'm blown away that you would offer the honest advice to "Stay away from big chain dealerships." Good on you!

[luciedupont]

I had bought a brand new RV part of my retirement plan. I live with my dad, but his health declined so I sold my RV a year later and I do not regret my decision, my dad comes first and I feel more in peace and taking care of my dad with love 💕

[normanheggstrom]

Great video. I was an independent contractor working for an RV delivery company in Elkhart IN from 2014-2015. I usually delivered new RV fifth wheels to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area dealerships. All makes and models. I learned alot. I would inspect them before I secured them to my truck. I looked for damage or anything else that a receiving dealer might blame me for and not accept delivery. I had no problems with one manufacturer. Grand Design (and no, they did not pay me to say it). Well built, no problems during transport, and never had a problem with dealer inspections. It seemed that the inspections went much quicker than with other makes. Since then, I learned that Winnebago bought out (?) Grand Design. At first I thought their quality would take a hit, but hopefully it didnt. GD would still be my first look if I was going to get another fifth wheel.

Dealer mark up. The RV delivery included an envelope that included information on it for the dealership/customer. It also included an dealer invoice and the MSRP. Some wiggle room. Example: If the MSRP is $100, 000, the dealer paid around $60, 000+- in 2014-2015. I am not sure how much the mark up would be today, but I would guess it would be similiar.

[bebopkirby]

The best thing about a RV is living out of it once it is parked at your destination, (as opposed to a tent). The worst thing about a RV is everything else. Initial cost, upkeep cost and maintenance, storage, MPG, and finally does anyone actually like driving a RV.

[craighellberg]

I laugh every time I see the TV commercials for RVs showing a family with their RV parked right at a Lakes edge with no one else around. Yeah right. The reality is cramped RV Parks where your neighbors sewer hose is going under your picnic table and loud generators running everywhere. When you total the upfront cost of an RV, the add-ons, taxes, license, insurance, maintenance, gas and the outrageous park fees it just seems ridiculous. With Airbnb and VRBO be being so prevalent you can stay in these for a lot cheaper for a lot longer and be very comfortable at the same time. Besides, when did camping turn into towing your entire house behind you?

[richardcarlisle]

I've owned class A, class C, gas and diesel, trailers and 5th wheels. The only RV I've ever owned that wasn't a complete nightmare was a 1982 MCI bus that I converted myself. The bus chassis and drive train had just over 500, 000 miles when I bought it and it was many time more reliable than anything else. Never even had a minor breakdown on the bus. The bus chassis and Detroit Diesel/ Allison drivetrain will go a million miles with basic preventative maintenance.

[fattymatty]

RV’s are the time shares of outdoor fun

[jamaicanjjason]

Lots of great tips! I will add to get a RV inspection for new units as well. I spent ~ $900 for an inspection on a new Thor Omni and it was the best money spent. The unit had multiple issues from minor to serious, for example it had a propane leak. This was despite the large rv dealer’s supposed two inspections done prior to my inspection.

[zedsdead]

I purchased a 32' 1996 Holiday Rambler Aluma-Lite travel trailer for $8500. It is extremely solid and well engineered. It was a private sale. My philosophy:. Buy older high quality equipment. They have proven track records.

[CurtisDrew]

I owned an Independant RV inspection service for several years, and looked at a lot fo RV's over the years for peopel who were out of state. I got into it as a favor for a friend, but found out that there was a real market for folks who needed someone who knew and Understood RV's. Back in the 70's I worked in the Factories for several Rv Manufactirers and rebuilt many for my own use over the years. I was blown away at how little people knew about the RV they were about to dump a lot of money into buying.
It was fun and my buisness when crazy by word of mouth.
But I had to quit because of a Cancer diagnosis.
Folks, do your homework or find a Competent Independant RV Inspector if you're not the mechanical type.
Someone who will go under, over and all through a camper unit and give you an honest Mo BS assesment
Some RV Dealerships welcomed me, some did not.
Oh and my friends bought a nice unit that had some issues I found, but were able to knock the price down because of the issues that they thought they could fix themselves. And they did. It served then well for 10 years before they sold it and bought a second one.

Me, I'm an old Hot Rodder who aways enjoyed camping with my parents as a young boy in the 50's in their Old Shasta camper, and never lost my desire to learn how things ticked. Currently doing a makeover and Tim Tayor "
"More Power" makeover of my 89 Fleetwood Limnited. Shoud be a good runner and the modernization has been an enjoyable hobby and passion for me for over 30 years.
.

[conradsfavourites]

The more i watch RV videos, the more thankful I am for Hotels…lol…very easy to take on a lot of troubles when buying an RV…avoid all RV’s and if you want the RV experience, just go car camping & when your tired of a sore back/neck, go stay in a Hotel…lol

[kathyfann]

I really enjoy having mine. When the smoke comes from The Fires 🔥 I take off. Also in the Winter I take off. In the Summer when it gets above 110 degrees I head for the Coast. I am in my RV 4 to 6 months a year. And in 3 years I have 29, 000 plus miles on it.

[BrianAz]

I have watched soooo many RV videos from all kinds of RV YouTubers that I have learned and ultimately decided to NOT purchase ANY RV when I retire real soon! For many reasons, of course, but mostly because of how many headaches customers are having with quality and service. I thought regular ol' car dealers were bottom feeding shysters', but RV dealers are way worse. It seems that RV'ing is full of way more headaches than fun and pleasure with the lack of quality control and service. Thanks for the videos.

[kencole]

Great subject Alan!
My only advice to the new R.V. Buyer.
Make your first stop at the RV retailer to the Service And Parts department. Make certain that department matches the trailer dealers inventory output. If they are a large dealer two services bays will not handle the service side of that retailer.
Phone to speak to parts and service. Ask how long appointments would take to get booked in.
Know this side of the retailer because after the purchase this is your destination for many years to come.