What are the hidden cost

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Peanutman

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 30, 2010
Posts
402
Well i have taken advise from some forum friends. We have slowed down and taking our time on finding a fiver. Seen some good used deals out there. There is also some good deals on new 2010 models.

I have read on the forum what to look for when shopping for used trailers. When it comes to new trailers what can i expect to buy along with the purchase (those oh yea you have to have this in order to use this) items. does sewer hoses, batteries, propane tanks, etc... come with the new trailer?. what can i expect in hidden cost? Thanks!
 
Peanutman:

I'm no expert on this, but no sewer hose came with our used 5th.  The battery was small and marginal.  I don't think we bought anything else initially.  However, those costs are pretty small.  Most people install an awning, which is seldom included.  That is a big ticket item.  Anything else I can think of (external shower, external stove) are pretty much part of what is put in the trailer model when it is manufactured, and an not likely options that the dealer would provide.

Likely your best bet is to ask those questions of the dealer that you might be buying a unit from.  As you shop around, you'll soon find out what is included, and what isn't.

Frank.
 
Our new 5th wheel and our new Class A as well as our used Class C came with sewer hoses. If they're not there, ask where they are.

New RVs usually get "Dealer prep" added on which can include washing, sewer hoses, walk throughs, and what ever else the dealer sticks in there.

And never forget SALES TAX unless you're lucky enough to live in one of those states that don't charge sales tax. There can be a BIG ouch if you don't take that into consideration when shopping.

Enjoy shopping
Wendy
Farewell Bend State Park, Oregon, on the way to the Redmond FMCA Rally
 
Both new and used trailers normally have propane tanks and batteries - new ones come from the factory with them. A dealer will typically fill the propane tanks too, but I've heard of a few cases where they did not, or only partially filled them.

Sewer hose and water hose are an add-on, but most dealers include them in a new owner kit as part of the deal. Ask, to be sure.  You will probably want an assortment of water and sewer adapters plus adapter(s) to plug the shore power cord into different types of outlets, but those probably total less than $50 and you can buy them over time. You may want an extension cord for the shore power cord too, and those can be pricey. Figure $100 for the 50A version, but a 30A capacity cord is only about $35-$40.

All in all, the "must haves" will nickel and dime you for  awhile, but it shouldn't cost you much extra at all to walk out of the dealer's showroom with your new or used trailer.

A few dealers try to add a "dealer prep" fee to the bottom line, like many car dealers do. That is NOT standard practice in the RV business  - the dealer is supposed to cover that in his price for the rig. I would walk if the dealer tried that. [Sorry, Wendy, if you got stuck with that!]
 
Some dealers will throw in some extras, some wont.  Likely depends on how much profit the dealer is making.

Items not likely to be included or to consider:

Full propane tanks
Tire chocks
Storage containers
Water hoses and an extension
Clear connection for the sewer hose
Extension for sewer hose
50 to 30 to 20 amp pigtail for ac, and an ac extension cord
Cord to connect to cable
Leveling blocks or wood blocks
Dishes that wont break
Outdoor rug or mat
Folding BBQ grill
Folding chairs that fit your compartment
And the list goes on and on

You wont remember everything your first time out,,expect to go back to the camping store multiple times



 
Rick and  Cheryl said:
Some dealers will throw in some extras, some wont.  Likely depends on how much profit the dealer is making.

Items not likely to be included or to consider:

Full propane tanks
Tire chocks
Storage containers
Water hoses and an extension
Clear connection for the sewer hose
Extension for sewer hose
50 to 30 to 20 amp pigtail for ac, and an ac extension cord
Cord to connect to cable
Leveling blocks or wood blocks
Dishes that wont break
Outdoor rug or mat
Folding BBQ grill
Folding chairs that fit your compartment
And the list goes on and on

You wont remember everything your first time out,,expect to go back to the camping store multiple times
Stay out of Camping World and other RV Superstores, you will spend cash. Dollar stores are good for some things.
J
 
RV Roamer said:
[Sorry, Wendy, if you got stuck with that!]

We did, but the total price for the motorhome was too low to worry about the little bit they dumped in as "Dealer Prep." Next time we might be willing to argue.

Wendy
 
One thing to consider if you buy new... ;)

Go to the major RV super shows and especially on the last day of the show.  These babies are always LOADED, and you can pick up a good (Show Specials) or great deal on the ones that don't sell right away.  They'd rather sell at a lower price than not sell them at the show. 

Usually dealers will include a "Starter Pack" with accessories that you need right away, and at least one battery is always included with a 5th wheel, because you need one to lower your landing gear and to operate your trailer brakes!  :D :D

Have fun looking!

Ron and Joyce
 
Don't forget to budget for the cost of the hitch and brake controller for the tow vehicle.  Of course, this applies to either a new or used trailer.
 
Lou Schneider said:
Don't forget to budget for the cost of the hitch and brake controller for the tow vehicle.  Of course, this applies to either a new or used trailer.

And for even more safety, a tire pressure monitoring system.  ;)
 
I see that peanutman (OP) hasn't checked in for a while. I guess he is counting his dollars and the rest of us are venting.. :)

carson
 
Taking on this hobby is just like any other, $$$. If it was up to me i would figure a way to stay on the road full time. I'm getting some good tips and ideas though.

I'm really liking the rv show last day deals one. I would really like a new rig if i can afford it and get a good enough deal that the depreciation when i pull it away doesn't keep me up at night.

But i have seen some nice used rigs out there as well. So many options so little money :(
 
My truck is equipped with a brake controller i think? How does a tire pressure monitor work on a trailer, is it run through your wire harness?
 
The TPMS systems are wireless.  The sensors are attached to each wheel and report to the display in your cockpit.  No wires needed.
 
I bought new but the biggest hidden cost i found was THE WIFE  :'( and all the extras she wanted to buy...

Not helpful but true
 
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