Purchase 5ver UPDATE Part Deux

[Redwahine]

I'm kinda stuck here. The accident has determined that we will get a 5ver. Because the accident totalled DHs truck that was his everyday driver. Insurance is paying for a replacement. So a MH is off the table. He just bought a 2012 diesel F250. And after research, he selected a sliding moryde hitch to be installed next week along with a tool box that has a spare fuel tank and a cover.

Now comes the 5ver. We went to PPL, a huge RV consignment center with over 300 units to look at. They have a big store and a service center as well. I told DH my criteria was access to the refer and bathroom when all slides are closed. Would like cental vac, slide awnings, generator, etc. DH (a very big 6' 6") needs head room, be able to stand up straight in the shower, a potty room big enough for his long legs and a king size bed.

So we found a 2010 34ft Montana 3150 RL (made by Keystone). It has a lot of the things DH likes...big TV, surround sound, satellite, 2 A/Cs, king bed, cental vac, slide awnings, generator prep, etc. I spent 2 hours looking in every inch inside and out, taking pictures. It has approx. 8,000 miles on it and original tires that look good. It is in good shape except for minor things. Like the screen from the hot water heater vent is missing. The little T thingy that holds the door open is missing. The sink is very stained. Looks like iced tea! The latch on the refer is bent, but works, etc. etc. etc. PPL has an inspection service. You pay $290 and they go from head to toe and check everything. Then the seller decides what they are willing to fix and buyer decides if they want to move forward with the purchase.

My questions: I know I can't expect perfection in a used rig, but if there is damage to the little things, then there is probably damage to the bigger unseen systems ?? When I climbed underneath, the whole bottom was covered/sealed with this insulation type membrane. You can't see any of the tanks, plumbing, etc. to see if there are signs of rust or leaks. How do you see what kind of shape the underbelly is?

I've looked for others rigs, new and used, with this floor plan within 200 miles. Found one that is new, but does not have any of the options the used one does and is more than double the price. It must be either popular or the least popular design. DH is in the mood to do this NOW. So should I go for the used one or continue looking? DH is leaving it on my shoulders to decide. Don't know how you do it. This is driving me crazy. I can't sleep. I've spent hours on computer, calling RV centers everywhere. I am in the process of getting price for extended warranty from Good Sam, etc. as well.

Thanks for letting me vent. This buying an RV is a big deal. I don't know how y'all did it. I know I have to make the decision, however I appreciate any suggestions, advice, moral support

[Travelinana]

Looks like I was right behind you in logging in...I do have about a cent and half's worth on this subject and I'll put my money on the others having similar thoughts. First of all on the 5'er, it's not very old, only 2 years. I believe if I were about to fork over that much money I would be spending time and maybe lots of it for one that's a 'creme puff'. I spent months looking and searching the internet before buying Lady Bird. There are near perfect RV's out there. There are many cases where it was used only once and they are still willing to take a huge hit to get rid of it and most likely 'the payment'.
As for your 'let's do it now' DH, I spend 25 years with a man who pushed me into so many things I could write a book. Oh yes, many of these were absolute terrible decisions and costs us dearly.
You have time, get on the internet...RV Trader, RV Online, many more and start looking if you aren't already doing this. I found it to be alot of fun, really looked forward to seeing what was new on the market each day.
When I went to the Workamper seminar, one of the instructors spoke highly of PPL. They said they take the unit into their shop and go over it completely to make sure everything is fixed. That might not include cosmetic things. He also said their salesman are not on commission, they are paid salaries.
Good luck

[retiredhappy]

I think the $290 fee to thoroughly inspect the unit is well worth it. Is there any kind of warranty with their inspection? The salesmen may not be on commission but PPL itself gets a hefty commission if they sell the rig. How long has the rig been on the lot? If its been there a while the price may be more negotiable. The tires may look okay BUT its recommended that you replace them every five years especially if the rig sat for long periods with no wheel covers to protect from the sun. Ask if PPL fills the holding tanks to check for leaks. Are the gauges for the tanks accurate? A lot of times the black tank isn't accurate - who decided to put the sensors on the INSIDE of the tanks? Do they check the roof to see if its had any leaks? (You can look along the side near the top and sometimes see where the skin is bubbling from a leak.)

All in all, I prefer to buy used. Let the original owner take the depreciation. Personally altho I buy a lot of stuff from Ebay, I wouldn't buy an RV. Even with an inspection things can go wrong. The frig on my Roadtrek worked when it was delivered but went out on my first long trip but hey, it was 13 years old and original to the rig. Stuff happens.

Read the extended warranties carefully - the fine print will get you.

Have fun looking - your rig is out there somewhere.

[Getupngo]

I found when buying my MH that mileage isn't everything. Mine was six years old and had 17K miles on it. But it had a lot of LIVING mileage in it. So you are right to think about how hashed the non-visible systems may be. I know there is a cream puff out there for you.

[mitch5252]

Mine was six years old and had 17K miles on it. But it had a lot of LIVING mileage in it.

That is such an excellent point...never ever thought of it that way!!

[Bethers]

I can't imagine what more damage a 5er would have. But yes pay for the inspec. And offer less than the asking price. If ppl accepts your offer you offered more than in their consignment agreement with the seller. If they have to go back took the seller with the offer, it's less but doesn't mean it can't be accepted. See what they see willing to fix then figure in the cost of fixing in the price you offer if you must fix. If you get the deal on your conditions fine. If not, it wasn't meant to happen.

[Echo]

Buying used is the way that I would go too. But then again unless I ever win the lottery or PCH I will never, ever be able to buy new.

The inspection thing is awesome and for $290 sounds like a good deal. Extended warranty is also a good idea when buying like this. As was said read it and check it out well. Make sure what is and isn't covered. With a decent warranty I would not hesitate to buy. Kinda makes me think of my truck. The truck is an '89' but has been rebuilt and a lot of other work done on it too along with new tires. Now I would love a new one, but??? Not gonna happen. I would love tho to get a "newer" truck, hopefully a 20??yr model. I would have to check into an extended warranty too. A new one or a used one, anything can go wrong and things could break. Shoot my Mom bought a brand new car once and within 2 months the motor had completely gone out. Anything is a gamble and the warranty is gonna be a saving grace.

With it being only 2yrs old and 8,000mls on it? I don't think I would stress out to much on things. Yep they sure did put some miles on in the 2yrs. But then again you don't know if that was multiple trips or one long trip. It would be really helpful if you could talk to the owners and get a feel for why they are getting rid of the 5'er. Maybe they decided that it wasn't for them? Maybe their health took a down turn? Maybe they upgraded??? The reason could help in the decision you need to make.

[RitaMc]

I can't really give you any good advice on the 5th except to say that my sister and b-i-l have full timed in their Montana for 3 years now and used it for spending the winters in the sw for about 3 years before that and are very satisfied with that brand. About the extended warrenty...read every word on it. They are not always what is presented by the sales person. We got the extended warrenty on the used jeep Cherokee we bought last fall. This summer the ac needed repair and most of the work was not covered by the warrenty. Yet both John and I remember the finance person at the auto sales telling is it would cover everything. next time I read the warrenty closely and not take someone elses word.

[Redwahine]

Thank you for all your responses. I did find a little more info on rig. Original owner is a local Dr. Form states he wants to upgrade to a motorhomes. He bought the Montana from Holiday World as a special order with a lot of options including factory generator prep, but never got around to installing the generator. DH wants a propane generator. My guess is he wanted to run the 2 A/Cs and watch the HD TV with surround sound, etc. The circuit box lid showed wear and when I looked inside, they had changed the circuits for various rooms and items...definitely something I want looked at more closely. It feels like it was used for something like tailgating. Heavy kitchen use, but next to no use of bed or furniture. It was obviously stored outside.

I don't think I will even look at the extended warranty offered by the dealer....those a are pretty limited and meant for the dealer to make money. However, I've heard good things about Good Sam' s warranty. Bundled with road assistance and insurance, I think it might be the best.

BTW what is a cream puff (other than the pastry) ?? I personally would be happy with a small TT with solar, etc. Like a Casita behind my wagon! But DH wants the big Cadillac. Says it is because he can't fit in others. But I know of men the same size that camp in small TT, tent, etc. I'm learning a lot about DH's ego (remember we've only been together 3 yrs) during the process of selecting a truck and rig I just want to get out there and start exploring.

Thanks again for the opinions. Keep them coming

[Echo]

BTW what is a cream puff (other than the pastry) ?? I personally would be happy with a small TT with solar, etc. Like a Casita behind my wagon! But DH wants the big Cadillac. Says it is because he can't fit in others. But I know of men the same size that camp in small TT, tent, etc. I'm learning a lot about DH's ego (remember we've only been together 3 yrs) during the process of selecting a truck and rig I just want to get out there and start exploring.

Thanks again for the opinions. Keep them coming

As to the Creampuff comparison? think sweet.... It alludes to a vehicle that is in good, excellent shape. Showroom floor material. Something that has been used very seldom or maybe only a couple of times, stored under covered, lots of options, all services done. Someone's "baby"!!!

Big egos suck "big" time!!! They have a habit of getting the holder of such ego and those closely associated with them in deep water!

[Sandersmr]

Red - depends on what kind of traveling you want to do. Remember that we do mostly weekend camping and Mark struggles with the size of the trailer for a lot of stuff. Traveling for a couple of weeks at Christmas is going to be really telling. The most we've done before together in the baby trailers is 3 nights in a row. When we pulled it to Atlanta we had time in between traveling at my sister's house.

So larger may be better - and the one you are looking at should still be small enough to get into most places. Just be sure that if it's what you end up with, you know how to operate all the systems as well as DH. You will probably be better at it because of DH's disabilities.

I would suggest you do the PPL inspection and see what they find. You won't really know and while we can look at the pictures, we can't say one way or another whether it's a good trailer or not. I do say that I like the floorplan.

[cpatinjones]

Don't rush. Take your time.

[Acadianmom]

Talk to Liz about PPL, she bought her motor home from them this year.

Are you going to be able to travel like you want with a 5th wheel? Since it will have to be pulled with his truck, what if he doesn't want to go. Will you be able to handle it alone?

This is the time of year that there will be a lot of rigs for sale. I feel like you, if there is a lot of cosmetic damage in 2 years what else did they do to it. Be sure to check along the top seams and inside cabinets for signs of water damage.

Martha

[Redwahine]

Are you going to be able to travel like you want with a 5th wheel? Since it will have to be pulled with his truck, what if he doesn't want to go. Will you be able to handle it alone?

Martha

No, I won't be able to go without him...cuz it is HIS truck. He has physical limitations, so I will be doing most of everything anyway Except driving. He ALWAYS drives At least this is a beginning into the RVing and I will learn a lot. I will get a chance to take it to the school parking lot and practice backing up, etc. At least I will get an idea what I want if I solo


I think I found that cream puff! It is a new 2012 for just a few thousand more than the used 2010. Keep your fingers crossed.

[Liz]

I bought my rig a PPL. My advice is don't pay for their inspection. Either get an independent inspection, or test everything in it yourself. They would not give me an itemized list of what they inspected, how they tested it, or what they found. The only things they noted wrong were things I already knew from my own inspection....like dead house batteries. When I tested the generator, it would start briefly, then quit. That was a buggy for me, and I needed to know if the genny was any good....or only needed servicing. They did something to get the genny to run during the walk thru. After I bought the rig, the genny wouldn't run again. Back in FL I took it to an Onan dealer. Found out the genny had been worked on and not put back together properly. Two washers were missing and had apparently been dropped inside the genny where they tore something up...can't remember what. I ended up buying a ne genny because it was going to cost almost as much to get that one repaired.

So,I was not happy with their inspection.