A little discouraged

[drocknut]

Laura, I didn't even have to keep telling myself I wasn't going to buy at the show. The salespeople seemed determined not to sell a single thing. I walked through a lot of units but most were too big. I did see a beautiful Airstream that was waaaaayyyyy expensive. Ah to have unlimited funds...now back to reality...lol. It wasn't a great big sale but I got tired walking around all over the place trying to find the smaller trailers tucked in between the large fifth wheels and motorhomes. It just struck me as funny that the sales people didn't even try to sell me even though some were even sitting around in lawn chairs doing absolutely nothing. Very strange indeed. Oh well at least I didn't feel pressured to buy anything.
And the search continues.

[Colliemom]

Hang tight girl. Smaller trailers are out there. You will find your "dream one" when you least expect too. I went through the same thing when I was looking for my first one too, till a forum member suggested I look at one like hers and it was love at first sight. Now I am searching again too and right now, planning to go back to the same line again, the Rockwood Mini Lites although I am not counting out the Flagstaff Micro Lites, same trailers just under a different brand name. All Forest River RV. They are a bit heavy, around 4500# but tow like they aren't even behind you.

Keep hunting, enjoy looking, it does get frustrating, but narrow it down too just a handful, find dealers who carry them and go look. You will narrow it down even more and when it calls "home" you know you have found it.

[mitch5252]

..

I won't be getting that adorable 16' Livin' Lite trailer I have been admiring - $32,000+ (does NOT include TN sales tax of almost 10%). I really don't care how well built it is at that price (and the appliances are, for the most part, the same as those in my little el cheapo Fun Finder).

Sure wish that floor plan could be had in something more reasonably priced!!



..

[BarbaraRose]

That is a lot of money!
The one I have been looking at is similar to that but has the couch in the slide instead of the dinette, and a full sized bed instead of the twins and is 3 feet longer. And it is under $20,000. I wonder where the other $12K+ comes into play on that one?? That is a big difference!

It would be way cheaper to find one like the one I am looking at and modify it.

[mitch5252]

..
I think the added cost is the all aluminum frame and the outside skin (can't remember what it is). But it certainly is not worth the cost.

If you take care of what you have, it should last a good long time. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

I've seen several ultra-lights as you described, but it is the twin beds that really got my attention.

..

[MelissaD]

Is that $32,000 MSRP or an actual quote. Normally you can talk them way down from there. I got mine for 70% of MSRP. That would bring you down around $22,500.

http://www.littlecampersdirect.com/New-Inventory-2014-Livin-Lite-Travel-Trailer-Camplite-16TBS-LITTLE-CAMPERS-DIRECT-532707 $22,650

Don't give up on your dreams

[mitch5252]

..
That's the dealer I went out of my way to visit on my way home because they had the twin bed model in "current inventory". They did not. The salesman knew I was looking for that model and I mentioned in an email I would stop by. Never once did he mention that he did not have that model in stock. They actually only had one LivinLite in stock because they are an "online retailer"...I was very aggravated to say the least, and he knew it.

He sent me an email asking what he could do to earn my business. I said, "Knock 30% off the list price." Even if he did that, I would not buy the trailer without having seen THAT model...a floorplan can be very different in person, plus I want to see build quality and storage space.

Now that it's back in my mind, I think I will put together my "wish list trailer" and see what he'd do on price (he sent me a list price sheet for all available options).

..

[Azusateach]

..
That's the dealer I went out of my way to visit on my way home because they had the twin bed model in "current inventory". They did not. The salesman knew I was looking for that model and I mentioned in an email I would stop by. Never once did he mention that he did not have that model in stock. They actually only had one LivinLite in stock because they are an "online retailer"...I was very aggravated to say the least, and he knew it.

He sent me an email asking what he could do to earn my business. I said, "Knock 30% off the list price." Even if he did that, I would not buy the trailer without having seen THAT model...a floorplan can be very different in person, plus I want to see build quality and storage space.

Now that it's back in my mind, I think I will put together my "wish list trailer" and see what he'd do on price (he sent me a list price sheet for all available options).

..

Mitch, does RV Wholesaler or someplace like that have what you're looking for? I know that you want to see one up-close and in person, but if you could see one maybe you could get what you like from one of the online wholesalers for a lot less money.

[Colliemom]

Barbie, you and I are looking at the same thing I think. Loved it and am going back for another one. Got a 19ft. Sportsman 190 up for sale if anybody's looking. Currently wrapped up for winter, but I have pics. Mitch, check out the Forest River website, especially Mini Lites and Micro Lites. (Flagstaff and Rockwood). I think we are hijacking a thread here.

[MelissaD]

http://www.rvwholesalers.com/design/travel-trailers.php

I bought mine through RV wholesalers and use them for my maintenance but I don't see that brand listed under custom order section.

[drocknut]

I think you did hijack the thread but that's ok, I'll forgive you

Geez, Melissa, how did you get that much off the MSRP? RV Wholesalers? I noticed they are in Ohio and that would be a far piece for me to go for a trailer even with a large discount it would cost a lot to ship it to me and then I wouldn't be able to inspect it or see it in person before I get it.
Mitch, I'd be aggravated by that too.
I was looking at the prices of them and wondering about the quality and such too although my budget is really geared to something less pricey. I'll have to check out the Rockwood Mini Lites as I don't think I've looked at them although with all that's going through my head it's possible I have and just don't remember.
I have been thinking about waiting to get one in Montana because I am thinking I might be able to get one with arctic package easier there although it might be easier to get one here. Ah heck, I am chasing my tail right now...lol. I hate making decisions plus shopping is not my thing. Seriously salespeople scare the heck out of me since it involves so much money and I don't want to get taken (scre...d) once again (been there done that on other items.

[MelissaD]

MSRP on RRV's is a real game unlike say autos.

If you are willing to do some negotiating it is not uncommon to get an RV for 25-30% off MSRP.

When I bought my pickup I got about 25% off the asking price. When I was talking later to the manager he said most people just pay the price they post on the internet. By stating what similar vehicles in the area were going for I was able to negotiate a better price. Since they were using the truck to move garbage cans at the dealership, I also knew they planned to send it to auction. I delivered auto parts to GM, Saturn, Chrysler and Mercedes dealers so you notice and learn a few things over time.

When I bought my 50" TV one store would not move on price but another store would not either but was willing to sell me the accessories I needed at a deep discount so I saved a few hundred that way. Sometimes it's a free upgrade in service plans but every bit helps.

[drocknut]

Well Melissa, I wish you were closer, I could use a negotiator like you on my side.
Any ideas on buying online from a wholesaler (anyone)? I thought about using the wholesaler price as a negotiating point if I find a trailer I want to buy locally but I think it would end up being more expensive to buy online and have to have it delivered.

[MelissaD]

There is a trade off to everything. Sometimes it's worth paying a little more to use the local deal if they have a good service department. For the people that live a day or so from a wholesaler they make a long weekend out of it. Arrive and pickup the unit on Friday, spend the night in a local campground to check everything out and if needed Saturday have any repairs made. Sunday head home. Some people prefer and some manufactures allow you to watch your RV being made and pick it right up from the factory. Some factories have onsite facilities to allow people to transfer their stuff from one RV to the other or to spend their 1st night in it to check everything out before taking off. Point is there are options other than the local dealer.

[IrishIroamed]

Well Melissa, I wish you were closer, I could use a negotiator like you on my side.

I second that! MelissaD could be a workkamping job for you in the future.