Against My Own Advice

[Dan_Frisbie]

Wife and I are in the market for a 5th wheel toyhauler, having decided that the Class A/Motorcycle trailer leaves us limited local travel options, especially in bad weather.
I've looked at a few online and really liked the Dutchman Voltage 4270.
In order to just touch a few, we ventured to Camping World in Panama City, FL yesterday. The sales associate is a young man, full of energy and enthusiasm, doing his best to accomodate kathleen and I.
We are seriously considering a new Jayco Seismic 399. This is a huge toyhauler is very nicely put together. They offered $5k over what I was hoping to get in a private sale on our Class A and that is a big plus...

Looking for any experiences with Jayco, the Seismic line, and the 399.

 

[Domo]

I wish you great luck during the purchase experience and years of safe travel with whatever you purchase.

As you likely know, many RVs are heavily discounted to get them off the lot (I've read of 30% during the last few years across a wide spectrum of RV types).

Having purchased new and used, I prefer used since the original owner has probably worked out the issues and the immediate depreciation of driving off the sales lot with a new RV does not exist.

I also balk at any salesman with magic numbers. Recently walked out of buying a new a new car due to the antics and "moving" price we kept getting offered.

I do realize I've probably wasted your time since I do not have the information you asked for about Jayco, etc. Please accept my apologies and the cautions I have shared with you.

 

[CharlesinGA]

With a 20K gross weight, you are gonna need a 450/4500 or a 550/5500 with a flat bed and hitch to haul that.. Pin weight of 4000 to 5000 lbs. Have you been to the Ford/RAM/Chevy-GMC dealer yet?

Yes, a diesel 3500 DUALLY will have the towing capacity and payload, but the 4500/5500 will be much better suited to it.

Charles

 

[Dan_Frisbie]

With a 20K gross weight, you are gonna need a 450/4500 or a 550/5500 with a flat bed and hitch to haul that.. Pin weight of 4000 to 5000 lbs. Have you been to the Ford/RAM/Chevy-GMC dealer yet?

Yes, a diesel 3500 DUALLY will have the towing capacity and payload, but the 4500/5500 will be much better suited to it.

Charles

My tow rig is fine, no help needed there…

But thanks for your unsolicited and (probably) uninformed advice.

I wish you great luck during the purchase experience and years of safe travel with whatever you purchase.

As you likely know, many RVs are heavily discounted to get them off the lot (I've read of 30% during the last few years across a wide spectrum of RV types).

Having purchased new and used, I prefer used since the original owner has probably worked out the issues and the immediate depreciation of driving off the sales lot with a new RV does not exist.

I also balk at any salesman with magic numbers. Recently walked out of buying a new a new car due to the antics and "moving" price we kept getting offered.

I do realize I've probably wasted your time since I do not have the information you asked for about Jayco, etc. Please accept my apologies and the cautions I have shared with you.

I agree with the used RV policy, the “no Camping World” idea, and have dealt with many snake-oil sales associates in my time.
I’m also wondering if CW is working to change their reputation in the RV industry. It’s been over 24 hours and I have not received one annoying text or phone call from them…

 

[gwinger]

My tow rig is fine, no help needed there…

But thanks for your unsolicited and (probably) uninformed advice.


I agree with the used RV policy, the “no Camping World” idea, and have dealt with many snake-oil sales associates in my time.
I’m also wondering if CW is working to change their reputation in the RV industry. It’s been over 24 hours and I have not received one annoying text or phone call from them…

Camping World is not changing! The over enthusiastic young salesman is probably new and trained to be that way. They come on as being your friend until the documents are signed. Then they disappear.
We just went through this when buying a new car for my wife. Lot's of promises, but they wouldn't write them down.
I would be very cautious and have everything spelled on paper. Including any 'hidden' charges.

 

[old RV guy]

The prime directive in sales..."All other things being equal, if they like you they will buy from you. All.other things being unequal, if they like you they will buy from you."

 

[poohbear]

Just real world toyhualer experience. GD 397TH e/w Onan, washer/dryer, hauling a golf car,all terrain mobility scooter, and a mobility chair. I too have 20K GVWR. I used a 2012 Chevy 3500 crew/dually DMax and always felt just a little small even tho in the rating. Now have a Ford F450 and won't change unless I go back to a smaller RV. Big difference from a 1 ton tow.
You fill the garage full of toys, then add a tank of fuel for the toys, fresh water, etc and these things get real heavy real fast. Also don't go cheap on the hitch. get an air ride style . They aren't cheap but 1st tow and you'll not regret the expense

 

[Bearcatrp]

If you buy from CW, do a very thorough inspection, turn on everything, hook up water to test the water heater, and turn on AC. Once you find issues, you will, make them fix it before you sign anything. They will push you to do the paperwork while issues you found are getting fixed. DON’T! But I would suggest you buy elsewhere. CW is a snake in the grass. Once you sign, getting warranty work done will not be fun. My 5th wheel spent 8 trips for warranty work the 1st summer of owning it. You will get better service from a smaller RV sales business. Good luck.

 

[Chef Duane]

Camping World is not changing! The over enthusiastic young salesman is probably new and trained to be that way. They come on as being your friend until the documents are signed. Then they disappear.
We just went through this when buying a new car for my wife. Lot's of promises, but they wouldn't write them down.
I would be very cautious and have everything spelled on paper. Including any 'hidden' charges.

Better yet... just stay away from Camping World. As RV savvy and educated as folks on this forum are, I surprised anyone here would consider going to Camping World.

 

[Dan_Frisbie]

Better yet... just stay away from Camping World. As RV savvy and educated as folks on this forum are, I surprised anyone here would consider going to Camping World.

I hear you. We went to CW just to see and touch different toy haulers and this time were both really impressed with the staff.
I had a bad experience with them 3 years ago and like you, always advise people to avoid buying from them.

 

[Dan_Frisbie]

Just real world toyhualer experience. GD 397TH e/w Onan, washer/dryer, hauling a golf car,all terrain mobility scooter, and a mobility chair. I too have 20K GVWR. I used a 2012 Chevy 3500 crew/dually DMax and always felt just a little small even tho in the rating. Now have a Ford F450 and won't change unless I go back to a smaller RV. Big difference from a 1 ton tow.
You fill the garage full of toys, then add a tank of fuel for the toys, fresh water, etc and these things get real heavy real fast. Also don't go cheap on the hitch. get an air ride style . They aren't cheap but 1st tow and you'll not regret the expense

As I told Chuckles, the tow rig isn’t in question. Like Chuckles, you have no idea what I haul, have hauled, or will haul.

 

[old RV guy]

As I told Chuckles, the tow rig isn’t in question. Like Chuckles, you have no idea what I haul, have hauled, or will haul.

I've always considered anything Charles has to say worth every consideration and well informed. He was only offering what I think was good advice. I don't think he deserves being disparaged with third grade recess name calling.

 

[Tom]

OK folks, let's keep it civil.

 

[Derby6]

Sounds like that 450 worked out for ya. Good deal.
Seismic looks like some nice units but I can’t comment as I know no specifics.
As to camping World. I kinda get tired of all the constant bashing. I’m not defending them but I had no issues and no real choice. They were only ones I could find that carried the unit I wanted.
You know the RV game already—if they have what you want and you get deal you are happy with. Go for it.

 

[Dan_Frisbie]

I've always considered anything Charles has to say worth every consideration and well informed. He was only offering what I think was good advice. I don't think he deserves being disparaged with third grade recess name calling.

His advice was not solicited. Like many here and on other forums, people seem to feel the need to share knowledge that no one wants, and to do so in a condescending manner.
I asked about a camper and a dealership, not a tow rig. Chuckles obviously does NOT have any useful information about the rig in question and decided that I must be completely stupid about how to tow the fifth wheel about which I am inquiring.
Besides, Chuckles is a good nickname for Charles…

As civil as I can be, @Tom.

 

[Tom]

Thread closed due to personal comments.