Is Newer Usually Better?

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tracer773

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Joined
Aug 2, 2022
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Versailles, KY
Hello - My wife and I are looking to buy our first RV. I own a farm and have done a few home remodels. So the maintenance aspect doesn't concern me. I have found two used fifth wheels and am having a hard time making a decision between the two. One is a 2018 Forest River Rockwood that would cost $31k and the other is a 2022 Northwood Fox Mountain for $40k. They are basically the exact same RV. I have looked for differences all the way down to the axles and suspension, and there really isn't any. In terms of market value, the 2022 seems to be a better deal compared to what similar RVs are going for.

The 2018 has light wear and was well taken care of. It was used by an older couple for a few months every year in Florida and then for a few local trips each summer. The 2022 looks new and was used for 9 months while their house was built with minimal road miles on it. It also still has warranty left.

Both are within budget but I hate spending money if I don't have to. I am just concerned I am going to save $9k now but spend that on repairs and I imagine resale value in another 5 years would be worse for the 2018. It seems there are infinitely more 5 year old RVs on the market than 10 year old RVs.

Trying to figure out if there is something I am not considering and if either is a no-brainer. My gut says the 2022 is likely the better option and may be cheaper over a 5 year period.

Thanks for any help and advice.

Adam
 
My 2 cents...

2022 - meaning built during the pandemic. It hasn't been moved much at all. so lots of potential kinks yet to be ironed. Remaining warranty is a mute point, if there are long delays that could preclude using it.

For $9K less, I'd go with the 2018, if a thorough inspection gives you a green light.
 
If you view an RV as the direct expense it actually is, then you don't get all wrapped around the axle about "value" and "resale". If you've got the cash flow to turn over an RV every few years then you have little concern about "trade in". If you are scraping by on a razor thin budget and losing half or more of your purchase price at the back end scares you, then you're playing in the wrong sandbox. The practical answer is to pick the one you like the best, because then you'll have no regrets. You'll enjoy using it and at such time you need to part ways you get what you get and life goes on. My opinion is if the "cheaper" one checks all the boxes I'd say that's the winner. While it's inherent "value" is going to be less in a few years you have less into it up front, reducing your opportunity cost.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM
 
I personally do not care for the decor of the newer units. The gray woods and floors, vinyl seats. Although 2018 to 22 don't know if is much difference.
 
Thanks for the quick replies. It sounds like the 2018 might be ok to go with. I don't know that we would sell it in 5 years, we tend to hang onto things until they need replacing. I was just trying to think through the different scenarios. I am sure we would be happy using either.
 
I would go for the 2018 as well. Most all the goofy mfg blunders are resolved already. Condition obviously is key, is it off a private buyer or RV Center? It probably has original tires, those are at the end of their age life. If you have any questions or concerns, post, we'll be happy to throw our free advise out there. Good Luck
 
Another vote for the 2018, but budget putting new tires on it soon, general rule of thumb 5-7 years before tires age out on trailers.
 
We always say "Condition is EVERYTHING in an RV", so newer is not necessarily better. Presumably a 2022 isn't yet worn, but it's not any better than a well-kept 2018 either. About the only thing I can think of for sure is that the tires on the 2018 are aged more and will need replacement sooner. But the $9k price difference will buy new tires with a lot of $$ left over.
 
Before you decide, consider who the manufacturer was. Northwood Manufacturing has one of the best reputations for quality construction in the industry, while Forrest River has a reputation of cheap produsts of poor to moderate quality. It would be like asking if a new Mercedes is any better than a 2 year old Kia because it costs less.
tracer773 said:
They are basically the exact same RV.
Click to expand...
Are you sure that you are comparing a Rockwood and a Northwood? It doesn't sound that way to me.
 
$9k is $9k and I would look at the 2018. I would be very careful to look at the roof and all seams for any sign of delam + look for any signs of impact, especially around the roof line.

I don't know what price range you are in but I would shoot for 30-40% depreciation on the 2018 form new list. But I am a hard core deal maker and willing to pass on anything unless it is a financial win for me.
 
I'd probably look at the frames. Are the frames identical? Or does one have heavier beams? I would imagine that would be the easiest way to determine general build quality when comparing 2 similar units.
 
Most, if not all the bugs and problems have been worked out of the 2018. The previous owner(s) dealt with all the new quality control crap, so it’s most likely a proven reliable RV.
The 2022 could very well be a “Covid Camper” that was built during shutdowns, illness, and a very transitory time for employees.
When I was searching last year, I did NOT want new. Too many problems.
My 2017 has been very trouble free for 8 months.
 
When you are comparing two RV’s as you are doing future problems with the unit you choose are moot Because you do not know what problems would have happened with the unit you did not choose. So purchase the one you like and be happy with it never thinking about the unit you did not choose. Better yet, have your wife pick. I’ve been married 50 years. I know what I’m talking about. :cool:
 
Dan_Frisbie said:
Most, if not all the bugs and problems have been worked out of the 2018. The previous owner(s) dealt with all the new quality control crap, so it’s most likely a proven reliable RV.
Click to expand...
Or, you might be looking at an RV that someone bought and then gave up on because they had nothing but problems that they could not get resolved!
 
Pick the one you like better. All RV's are money pits.

Do your due diligence and then pull the trigger. Go enjoy the unit. It's real easy to overanalyze the whole thing, but at the end of the day, you're going to be repairing stuff from the day you buy it until the day you sell it. As long as you get more enjoyment than grief from an RV, you're ahead of the game.
 
Hi @tracer773,

My wife and I are new to the RV world as well and are looking to buy our first motorhome. My personal view is I would never buy new for a couple reasons the first being the depreciation hit and the second being unwillingness to put down a bunch of money on something that’s only gonna get used a few times a year. That said over the past few weeks we’ve looked at a lot of motorhomes old and older and while an older motorhome may require more maintenance and upkeep due to its age what I’m finding is the quality of materials in the newer ones is lacking in my opinion. An example would be the cabinet doors. Go to an older motorhome open and close the cabinet doors and then go to a newer motorhome and open and close the cabinet doors and you can feel the difference. An example would be the solid wood doors found in older homes compared to the hollow core doors found in newer homes. As somebody who has remodeled some homes I’m sure you can appreciate the difference.

I grew up on a farm myself, an actual farm not the 3 acres and a fence with a couple of chickens that the city people call farms and as you know learning how to fix things be it in the house or on your tractors or farm vehicles comes along with farm life so that being said my personal preference is an older RV with the reduced purchase price and from what I’m seeing so far better quality materials it may need a little more maintenance than a newer one but I’m OK with that. And if you look hard enough and are maybe willing to travel a bit you can find plenty of older RVs that are in like new condition because just like in the boating world people think it’s a great idea so they go out and buy something and then either they don’t like it or they just don’t use it and ultimately end up selling it.

Just my two cents and welcome to the forum.
 
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