2017 Flying Cloud FB Purchase

[mclass1]

Hi Everyone,
In the process of purchasing a 30FB. This is my second Camper, but my first Airstream. It seems like I'm getting 16% off. Any words of advice before I sign my name to the paper? Trouble points I should examine on the camper before purchasing? Is there an extended warraty and is it worth it? Accessories?
Thanks!

[dkottum]

Assuming you need the extra bedroom and okay with giving up some living space and living windows out the front, pretty nice family Airstream.

Get a notepad and inspect every detail, fit and finish and operation, of the entire trailer in, out, under and all equipment for defects in assembly or transportation to dealer. Take your time and make sure it's to your standards BEFORE signing the purchase agreement.

[Rjpuckett]

Buying from Colonial Aitstream RV? Have only heard good things about them.

[Wayne&Sam]

From time to time I read of folks claiming to get better deals than that, but not on a brand new model. And I think that you can consistently get a fair deal at Colonial.

[FCloud9]

We were able to negotiate 16.5% at Colonial ruler n new 2014 along with the cost of new hitch, brake controller and installation of the new hitch gear. Good luck!

[robi]

I just bought a new one. You can do better. I negotiated with multiple dealers nationally, only one came in with a lesser discount. You have to balance the discount, vs. cost and effort to get the trailer. I considered Colonial, they did not have the best deal. The GM uses some interesting tactics. I e mailed interior and exterior photos and specs for my trailer to get an trade in value. I got a voicemail from the GM, stating that it was the end of Airstream's fiscal year and I had to act that day to get the best deal. It was not at the end of a month or the end of a week; having spent decades in executive management, much of it in sales, I have never heard of a fiscal year ending mid month. I basically eliminated them from consideration then, as I had great deals on the table and I told them this, but continued to communicate with Colonial to see what may happen. There was sort of a good cop, bad cop thing with the salesperson and the GM. He called me under the guise of discussing the solar install I wanted done, he was unable to discuss it due to a total lack of knowledge with system wiring and components and just wanted to sell me a Zamp. I had emailed the exact specs of the system I would install. He then was mixed up on which trailer I wanted to buy, and decreased their proposed trade in value by $4k, saying he mixed up a Signature with my Flying cloud. This while stating he had every e mail in front of him that had been exchanged with the sales person. No big deal as I had better alternatives and was amused by his tactics. Do your homework and take your time. You will save thousands.

[SeaLevel]

My experience was similar to Robi's, but opposite. After we decided which one we wanted, I asked 4 different dealers for their best price. Colonial came in the lowest, even considering the cost of going up to get it and bringing it back to Florida. That was in early December. I have since wondered how much the time of year affects the deal.

[mclass1]

Thanks everyone for the feedback!

[Rusur]

Originally Posted by mclass1

Thanks everyone for the feedback!

Have you found there is a better time of the year to buy?

[MHammy]

I used the checklist created on Rocinante's blog to check out our new AS. It was wonderful information and we caught a few things to have fixed BEFORE we brought it home. We bought locally in Denver and have been very happy with the service we received at Windish. I was worried about buying far from home due to warranty issues. This is our first camper so that was important to us. I have been able to call the service manager and he has been very nice and helped me over the phone with things I couldn't figure out with the trailer when my husband was out of town. I would think a discount of 16% on the brand new 17's would be pretty darn good! We just took our maiden voyage (two weeks) in our 2016 27 fb International Signature and absolutely love it! Enjoy your new AIrstream!

[Rgentum]

My experience: Last November, I found a new 2016 FC 27 FB for 20% off --- I had many other offers, generally in the neighborhood of 15-16% off.

[loudruff]

There is an inspection checklist in Airforums.com that may be helpful.

[Cowbell]

You can do better. Two purchases of new trailers for me. Both 20% off list.
I didn't ask the dealer for their best price. I told them how much I would pay.
I think the best time to buy is the month before their annual May meeting. There is fierce competition (and incentive) between several dealers to be number 1 one the nation, as far as sales.
Good luck and enjoy!