Lead time from the factory

[hostage46]

It's time, we've decided on the 26U twin. A few questions if I may....

What can I expect for a lead time from order to delivery?
Options im considering:
convection microwave
awnings all around.
What else should I consider? Are 16" wheels an option from the factory?

Dan in Dallas

[waninae39]

we were told 6-10 weeks from deposit being received.
let me know what you were told

my delaer wants 100% payment when it arrives , then two weeks later we get to pick it up (;
sound shady to me as AS does not get paid from the dealer for atleast 30,46 or 60 days

[troubadour1]

Get the backup camera. Essential

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by waninae39

we were told 6-10 weeks from deposit being received.
let me know what you were told

my delaer wants 100% payment when it arrives , then two weeks later we get to pick it up (;
sound shady to me as AS does not get paid from the dealer for atleast 30,46 or 60 days

Unreasonable request. Payment on delivery to customer after complete dealer prep and inspection to customers satisfaction.

[AWCHIEF]

Personal opinion on options. Back up camera, 16 inch wheels and tires, 2 ACs with 50 amp, microwave/convection, twins, awnings all the way around, bike rack on rear. I am partial to the black upholstered interior. Factory solar is inadequate and over priced. So after market 300 amps of quality solar with battery upgrade would be a better deal.

[MWBishop]

We ordered a 26U Twin about a month ago:
- Awning package (always get this)
- 50 Amp second AC (wanted since in SouthEast)
- Camera (highly desirable).
- Truffle decor
Decided not to get convection upgrade because:
- I don't know how to cook in one.
- If boondocking or no power, still have an oven.
- If microwave break, still have an oven.

Scheduled to come of the line around first of May.
Then takes about a week to land at dealership.
Then they have to do PDI.
So I am figuring third to fourth week in May to get it.
We put a deposit of 2k.
And will only finalize purchase after complete walk-thru and inspection.

[RandyNH]

Originally Posted by waninae39

we were told 6-10 weeks from deposit being received.
let me know what you were told

my delaer wants 100% payment when it arrives , then two weeks later we get to pick it up (;
sound shady to me as AS does not get paid from the dealer for atleast 30,46 or 60 days

I agree, COMPLETELY unreasonable, "I'll give you all your money 5 minutes before I drive off your lot" once I'M satisfied.

Businesses are in business to make money and reputable ones will have no problem working on your terms. There are too many people in my area who have lost money to contractors that took huge 50% deposits and then went out of business. I had my driveway paved $7500 told them I'd pay cash when they finished, owner of the business said okay and gave me 10% off and came to get it himself, he didn't want his guys touching it. Every contractor I've used, gets paid at the end of each week worked and supply costs as they show up at the job, never before. I've only had one balk at the terms, had no problem finding another, then found out he went out of business 6 months later, stealing deposits.

I DON'T TRUST MY MONEY IN ANYONE ELSE'S POCKETS.

[Lily&Me]

And....why would they need to keep it for two weeks after delivery.

Do they want to have it to show to others?

If you've made a deposit on that particular trailer, once it is to your satisfaction and you have paid for it, it would seem to me it is yours to take.


Maggie

[waninae39]

in Canada the consumer is allowed to withhold 5% of the final payment for 30 days. This is meant to get the contractor to complete any work that is not done or noticed after the work " was finished" This is not in any contracts negotiation, it is the law. Only unreliable contractors complain about a 95 % final payment

[Troutboy]

I wouldn't go with that deal. We just purchased a new AS from dealer.

Put $1000 down.
6 weeks later it came to dealer
They had it prepped and ready 2 days after they received it from the factory.
I showed up, spent 3 hours inspecting, learning, setting up WD hitch.
They fixed a few minor issues while Went in and reviewed paper work etc for financing.
I signed the paper work and gave them a check for the rest of the down payment
I went in and checked the fixes, they were done to my satisfaction.
I drove off lot with my new AS.

I would have never paid full price to wait another two weeks to get my airstream. I wouldn't pay full price without thorough inspection of my new vehicle and ALL issues resolved

[VaTravelers]

I would get the solar package, awning package, I got the convection oven, I thought I would get more use out of it than a regular oven, back-up camera and 2nd A/C unit. I think that was all I could get on my 2017 28' Serenity. The interior choice was not a option, just a preference. I gave my dealer $5K to order the trailer and the remainder $79K when I was completely satisfied and ready to drive off the lot. Very good transaction for us - we didn't feel pushed or like there was something going on in the background. You may want to consider finding another dealer. That is not a business practice that I would accept. You are handing over a huge chunk of money to them.

[quietguy]

Essentially 4 months from placing order to picking up.

Options:
Awning pkg (manual, not powered)
16" tires/rims
Backup camera

Will get a 200w portable Zamp solar set up for 1/3 the price of the factory installed 160w solar.

Mostly boondock so stayed with gas range/oven; no micro or convection.

[Skooter]

Originally Posted by waninae39

we were told 6-10 weeks from deposit being received.
let me know what you were told

my delaer wants 100% payment when it arrives , then two weeks later we get to pick it up (;
sound shady to me as AS does not get paid from the dealer for atleast 30,46 or 60 days

That's a fly-by-night way to do biz. It's done that way so he can close the biz and steal both your trailer and your money if the need arises. Don't risk it.

[Troutboy]

Forgot to answer the question on options. Also on delivery, I was told that it depends on the model and queue. The factory builds in similar or same models, so they may do a run of 22. 26, or classic. We ordered a 2017 23D Bunk flying cloud. The production run was coming up within a few weeks and we were able to get ours in 6 weeks. This is what they told us.

In terms of options we added the following:

Awnings all around
Convection oven
Backup camera

We boondock most of the time, so I also put aside money to put in a higher capacity and high tech solar system. This included new inverter/charger, battery monitor, solar charger, 500W solar on roof, 320 amp-hour of lithium batteries (256 amp hours usable). This system allows us to stay extended periods of time without hookup and also runs everything off the battery. Even AC, although you can't run it long and I don't.

I didn't originally order the awnings, but was convinced by several others to add it, as it helps to control temperature on hot days.

[AirJRJ]

Hey Troutboy,
Who is doing your solar??

[guskmg]

New Airstreams are paid for by the dealer before they are allowed to be pick up for shipping. Cash on the barrel head.
guskmg

[Troutboy]

AirJRJ, I am doing it myself. Almost done. Just waiting on batteries to arrive. If you have basic DIY skills you can do it. Many in the forums helped me learn and answered questions. Felt great support. Let me know if I can help you out

[Sbb]

Looked On Colonial site, choose what I wanted, called them, went down on Thursday, saw, signed all paperwork, picked up following Thursday. Very easy. I got installed bike rack and 20% off list. Seemed fair to me. Drove home in big winds! I am happy camper waiting to check it all out.

[PTAHERNE]

I have been told that my new 23D serenity will be arriving at the dealership soon. I'm very nervous about all the things I have to check before handing over full payment.
Having read the reviews on solar I think I have made a mistake buying the 80 watt solar package. Is it too late to change my mind? Can I still upgrade this system later?

[Troutboy]

You can definitely upgrade later. Depends on what you want and how many watts of solar you want in the roof. As you increase the watts on the top, you will need larger wires, maybe a larger solar charger. Spending on your camping style, what you have might be fine. I would go out and use your new rig and see how you like it.