what the dealer said

[CricketSail]

Got in my visit to another dealer today. I didn't get blown off, was there for almost two hours. I did ask if the salesman had ever owned an RV - thank you for suggesting that! No, he had never owned one, but he was "allowed to drive the rvs around." That explained why he wasn't knowledgeable about the systems, and we didn't talk about that much, it was mostly the expected pitch. However, I did learn some valuable information about types. I saw a couple of small A's, I didn't think they came that small. And I went in a B, too narrow for me to live in. Then we got into the B+, C thing and there seems to be a lot of confusion in general about this term. B+ seems to be a variation on the C, not the B, go figure. But I got the feel of a lot of different kinds of space, so that is far more helpful than looking at pictures, and I'll know more what the layouts represent going forward. He did answer questions about tires, but I don't think he had a lot of knowledge beyond the dealer lot.
I got encouraged to get a warranty for anything I buy, and to bring the rv in a couple of times a year for check-ups (@$120/hr). I'm thinking I would keep money aside for emergencies, look hard before I buy, and learn everything I can about operation, maintenance and systems.
Thanks for all your "what should I ask" comments. This guy didn't have all the answers, but I was more confident and think I got everything out of this trip that I could.

[VickieP]

Good for you! You sound more at ease & confident.

[CricketSail]

Thanks, I am. The fellow gave me time and respect, so I won't fault him for that. But I felt we skipped many topics because he didn't know more than what would be in a brochure.
Very important to me! - I asked about heat and winter. His answer was no one is in an rv in New England in the winter since the pipes will freeze and so will you. He said the only thing you could do was construct a barrier around the rv and to heat that. Hm. There must be a better answer to this..I surely hope.
I told him I have a friend that lives through the winter in NH with just a space heater. So he was doubting me and I was doubting him (politely).

[BirdbyBird]

There are a few brands of RV's that are built or advertised as 4 Season. Big Foot is one and I think there is a manufacturer in Canada. I doubt that I would still want to live in a New England winter in one but from what I have read there is a big improvement in inclosing pipes and heating tanks..... and insulating walls and roofs.....double pained windows, etc.

[retiredhappy]

My 2001 Gulfstream Class C had an "Arctic package" which meant if the heat was on, all my outside compartments were heated so nothing froze. I could really blow through propane if it was cold for several days so I bought an "Extend-a-Stay". Its a hose you hook up to your onboard propane tank that "extends" to attach to a portable propane tank (think BBQ) so when you ran out all you had to do was take the little tank to be filled. Sooooooo much easier than moving the whole RV.

As for him telling you that you "need" an extended warrant, of course he did. They make huge profits on those warranties and if you want one, you can them on your own without going through a dealership. If you're buying new, doesn't the manufacturer warranty their product?

[Getupngo]

Lots of newer rigs have heated tanks to avoid freeze. NH isn't the only cold place in the winter. I went "south" to northern Louisiana one winter and it got down to 26 at night. I have an older rig (with GREAT insulation) and I learned to just fill my water tank and unhook and drain the water hose 'til I needed it next. Only drain the black (sewer) and (gray) water tanks when they are full (gray tank last, thank you!) then make sure the sewer hose is fully drained after use. I put one of those work lights (with the old-fashioned bulbs, not the new curlicue ones) in my water bay. All you have to do is keep the temp in there above freezing. When it's that cold, I open my cabinet doors just in case.

I'd keep shopping until I found a salesperson who really knows RVs. And I'd buy one that is a few years old. They usually are low mileage, have "out-gassed" the formaldehyde from the carpets, vinyl, etc., and the owners have worked out any mechanical/system kinks.

And extended warranties? I was told by the folks in my state who regulate auto dealerships to avoid them. What happens if you have a breakdown far from that dealer? There you are, with your RV on a tow truck in the middle of nowhere, and you have to search for a shop that honors your warranty? Good luck.

But by all means have fun shopping until you find a rig that is just right for your needs and pocketbook.

[CricketSail]

I'm looking to buy used, so it wouldn't be a manufacturer's warranty. I asked if I could get a warranty for specifics such as engine and leaks. The dealer said no, they only do whole package (more expensive) warranties since it's just easier that way. Maybe not....
This conversation has me rethinking about where I plan to winter. I'm used to spending months below freezing, but I think that's going to be pushing it for an rv. One thing I want to get away from is heating bills, so I should think somewhere other than the northeast, even though that will take me farther from family (but closer to old friends). Also don't want to be driving an rv in winter storms.
Every day I get just a little bit smarter.

[WickedLady]

You can get a warranty on a used rig from Good Sam if it is within a certain age and mileage. It seems to cover just about everything.