General Advice

[85MH325]

Originally Posted by mpapatonis

Though I’m sure that I would enjoy the company of everyone on the forum, you certainly seem like the type of person that I would enjoy sitting and chatting with.

All that being said, I still take everyone’s advice to heart. I don’t want to regret the cramped space. Though you make a good point that it’s about the experience.

I'd be delighted to sit and chat with you. Meeting new folks is one of the best parts of RV travel.

One more thought... you don't live IN an RV, you live OUT of it. A small distinction semantically... but one that makes all the difference in the world in your approach to what you "need," and how you think about it. The outdoors, right outside your slider, makes for quite the large living space.

[mpapatonis]

Originally Posted by 85MH325

I'd be delighted to sit and chat with you. Meeting new folks is one of the best parts of RV travel.

One more thought... you don't live IN an RV, you live OUT of it. A small distinction semantically... but one that makes all the difference in the world in your approach to what you "need," and how you think about it. The outdoors, right outside your slider, makes for quite the large living space.

That was my thought as well, but my wife is worried about rainy days. Some other people on the site have mentioned that too.

[mpapatonis]

A dealer a few hours from me has a 2013 AI Lounge (not EXT) with 30,000 miles for $79,000. They also have a 2016 Lounge EXT for $96,000. Another dealer has a brand new 2018 Coachmen Galleria 24Q for $96,000.

[nateallen80]

Bought my 2013 Lounge EXT w/41k miles last May from a private seller for $60k. I felt good about the deal. Was used mostly for tailgating and travel, but not camping, before my purchase. I’m the 4th owner.

[mpapatonis]

Originally Posted by nateallen80

Bought my 2013 Lounge EXT w/41k miles last May from a private seller for $60k. I felt good about the deal. Was used mostly for tailgating and travel, but not camping, before my purchase. I’m the 4th owner.

Did you get an amazing deal or is $79,000 too high for the one I’m looking at? I’m not seeing anything close to $60,000 on RV Trader.

[nvestysly]

Originally Posted by nateallen80

Bought my 2013 Lounge EXT w/41k miles last May from a private seller for $60k. I felt good about the deal. Was used mostly for tailgating and travel, but not camping, before my purchase. I’m the 4th owner.

Originally Posted by mpapatonis

Did you get an amazing deal or is $79,000 too high for the one I’m looking at?

nateallen80 got what sounds like a reasonable deal to me. Maybe not amazing but certainly a good/reasonable deal. His was purchased from an individual.

$79k seems high for a 2013 - soon to be 8 models years old. But if it suits your needs and you can identify some "comps" to know the current prices for similar products then who's to say what's high or not. Dealers typically ask a premium, individuals will be lower in most cases.

For reference, we paid a very similar price to nateallen80 when we purchased an 8 model year old Interstate with 45k miles in late 2017. We're the 4th owners. Seems like each owner took one grand trip and then sold the rig.

[mpapatonis]

Originally Posted by nvestysly

+1 on the comments from 85MH325. Lots of very good thoughts in that post.

Class B's can be rented (I'm sure you know that with your Class A rental) and you can get a real-life experience to see if the limited space is going to be an issue.

We bought a used Interstate for a couple of reasons. Didn't want to take the hit on depreciation, didn't want all the bells and whistles in the new vans, and specifically didn't want Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). In 2017 we bought a 2010 Interstate which was built on a 2008 Sprinter chassis. I know that sounds like a weird date combination but it's not when you consider importing vehicles from Germany combined with model year dates for RV's.

Be sure to do some searching here on Air Forums regarding the year model and the issues that come up. Although buying used may mean that somebody else has fixed the problem(s). There were a host of issues related to DEF when Mercedes first implemented that system sometime in the early to mid 201x's. Similarly, Airstream has implemented a variety of upgraded technology in Interstates and some of those products come with problems. Not trying to scare you away but it's worth doing some checking.

Regarding other brands... We are really enamored with the Class B products made by Coach House in Florida. They are a small family owned business and seem to really know their customer base. If we didn't specifically want an Airstream product we would have purchased a Coach House.

I’ve been looking to rent a Class B to try it out, but nothing is available. There are four on RV Share that are rented until September. I read an article that their rentals are up 1000 percent.

[nateallen80]

Originally Posted by mpapatonis

Did you get an amazing deal or is $79,000 too high for the one I’m looking at? I’m not seeing anything close to $60,000 on RV Trader.

I got a deal, but I also think $79K is probably a little high. As 85MH325 stated, deals are out there, but you have to be patient. I happened to be mildly interested and a local deal came up, which made me much more strongly interested. I also feel pretty strongly for my negotiating prowess, but that’s another matter. You have to balance the availability of a deal with the adventure time with your family you’re wasting waiting for that deal... Not easy, for sure.

[mpapatonis]

Originally Posted by nvestysly

nateallen80 got what sounds like a reasonable deal to me. Maybe not amazing but certainly a good/reasonable deal. His was purchased from an individual.

$79k seems high for a 2013 - soon to be 8 models years old. But if it suits your needs and you can identify some "comps" to know the current prices for similar products then who's to say what's high or not. Dealers typically ask a premium, individuals will be lower in most cases.

For reference, we paid a very similar price to nateallen80 when we purchased an 8 model year old Interstate with 45k miles in late 2017. We're the 4th owners. Seems like each owner took one grand trip and then sold the rig.

I’m with you that a dealer will be more expensive than an individual, but even individuals are asking $80k and up for 2013s and 2014s on RV Trader. Are they really just starting that high on asking price? I don’t want to offer $60k on an 80k asking price unless that really is the going rate.

[mpapatonis]

Now that I look again, a lot of them (2013 and 2014) are $85k-90k. I’m all about negotiating, but being new to this market, I have no reference point.

[Lily&Me]

This may be the wrong time for getting a great deal on an RV, as it seems to be a sellers market this year, with the Covid and all.

I bought my 2007 for $53,000 almost two years ago, with 56,000 miles on it...if I remember the specifics on it correctly.

If you have your heart set on a Class B, and find one you like, tho, maybe best get it before they are all snapped up.

Maggie

[nvestysly]

Originally Posted by mpapatonis

Now that I look again, a lot of them (2013 and 2014) are $85k-90k. I’m all about negotiating, but being new to this market, I have no reference point.

Every deal will be different. Availability, condition, features, time of year, etc. - all that and more enters into the equation. The RV industry and therefore the secondary market will likely see a "bump" due to COVID-19 as people look for ways to create some sort of cocoon for their family travels.

All that said, any time somebody lists something for sale, whether it's an RV, an automobile or a bicycle, I think there is some negotiating room in the price. Some deals more so than others. A 5%, maybe 10% decrease might be reasonable. We bought our 2010 (in 2017) for a 5% discount - not great but okay for us and we've enjoyed our Interstate for over 2 years.

[85MH325]

Originally Posted by Lily&Me

This may be the wrong time for getting a great deal on an RV, as it seems to be a sellers market this year, with the Covid and all.

I bought my 2007 for $53,000 almost two years ago, with 56,000 miles on it...if I remember the specifics on it correctly.

If you have your heart set on a Class B, and find one you like, tho, maybe best get it before they are all snapped up.

Maggie

Maggie hit the nail right on the head. This is absolutely THE worst time to be looking at buying a used RV because it's generally a sellers' market because of demand. I've noticed that even older B-van prices have gone up $5k to $10k over the same time last year. And the crazy-high, ever-increasing new prices have increased the value of used units as well.

On the other hand... if you really want to get out and travel yet this summer, you'll have to find the coach you want and get the best deal you can you can with it.

[mpapatonis]

I figured that the pandemic played into it, but $20k seems like a pretty big swing.

[85MH325]

Originally Posted by mpapatonis

I figured that the pandemic played into it, but $20k seems like a pretty big swing.

The new AI's are $170k and the Atlas models are flirting with $225k. That's buoying the used prices... a LOT. Even used Winnebago Eras prices are holding steady or increasing with their price increases.

Pandemic panic buying probably does have something to do with the prices as I read that people who would never have considered an RV are looking at used coaches significant numbers.

I wish I had a crystal ball.

[ScottP]

Originally Posted by 85MH325

The new AI's are $170k and the Atlas models are flirting with $225k. That's buoying the used prices... a LOT. Even used Winnebago Eras prices are holding steady or increasing with their price increases.



Pandemic panic buying probably does have something to do with the prices as I read that people who would never have considered an RV are looking at used coaches significant numbers.



I wish I had a crystal ball.

No crystal ball necessary [emoji274]

My view is 180 degrees from the feedback suggesting it’s a poor time to buy.

Interest rates, especially re-fi/home equity are very low.

Cash flow for most Americans is the weakest in generations ...second homes, boats RV’s are the first to go (regardless of C-19.

It’s all about your perspective I suppose.

A couple weeks ago I saw two (yes “two”) 4wd units on the market priced easily 20% less than a year ago when my family was searching for another 4wd unit.

Charge ahead! Offer what you want to pay, have your money lined up prior and indicate...”I’m a cash buyer, I have my financing approved.” Be pleasant, professional, respectful, confident and polite. Your manners and professionalism go a long way. Say please and thank you - and be sincere about it. Sellers make deals with people they like.

In November 2019, we bought a 2018 and was just about the last 2018 unit built including AirSuspension + 4wd.

List was $189,300

The dealer also included $1,000 travel reimbursement to pick up the unit (Lazy Days). So my wife and I flew first class the next day to purchase our unit on 10-31-19

Purchase price:$139,900

We were sincere, knowledgeable about the product, decisive, and polite. The transaction was simple and the dealer wanted to get rid of the product. Of course it’s not my fault they lived in a snowy state and advertised the unit (across the windshield) as 2wd luxury van .

In the end, everyone was a winner. They got rid of a van they couldn’t sell, and we accepted delivery within 24 hours of our initial inquiry. Win-Win!

And by golly, we just love the shiny little thing… Sure it looks like all the others.

But she’s a keeper!

PS still think 2017 is the best build year [emoji40]


Morel mushroom hunting this weekend



















Attachment 1

[skyguyscott]

For obvious reasons, demand for RVs is highest in late spring/early summer. Sellers will be able to command higher prices, and buyers, if they want an RV in the near term, will have little choice.

Currently, demand for RVs is further enhanced due to the pandemic. Those wanting to travel, but also wanting to avoid staying in an icky hotel or motel room, or be crammed into a tight airline seat surrounded by hundreds of potentially infected breathing humans, Are suddenly discovering the charms of camping in the wide open outdoors.

Other perennial factors include the state of the economy. Prices are suppressed in a recession, and rise in a good economy. The current state of the economy is unusual to say the least.

Buy in a winter recession, sell in a booming spring.

[nvestysly]

To the OP:

Based on your comments it seems a Class B may be a good fit for your needs but you need to overcome the issue of sleeping arrangements. I just came across the Cabbunk product today while surfing the internet. At $460 U.S. dollars it's not inexpensive but it may be a way to allow your children to utilize the front of the Sprinter for sleeping while two adults use the rear of the van for sleeping.

If you find a Class B is appealing to you, I'd like to suggest that you consider a twin-bed arrangement. Twin beds may or may not be the right solution for your situation but it's worth considering. Give some thought to future use the van - down the road when the children are not traveling with you.

[Pahaska]

Sadly, Airstream no longer offers twin beds in Interstates. One problem with the Airstream configuration was the lack of useful storage in the rear. There is no under-floor locker.

My GT has the under-floor locker in the rear. I sold the couch and chairs and converted to twin beds. I cantilevered the heads of the beds to provide storage underneath instead of boxing the area in as Airstream did. With the underfloor locker and the space under the bed heads, I have all the storage I can use.

The twin beds are narrow, but with a good mattress, they sure beat the couch.

[Hawk-ination]

There’s enough opinions on this feed but I have to say a strong no also. I had grand ideas that my daughter would travel with us on occasion. She is 15 and I can say almost hates going along. We made the mistake of trying to learn the ins and outs of camping in one with her along. She is not outdoorsy like me, and doesn’t see the value in seeing the country, nor can I convince her of doing so.

I thought there would be enough room, not much, but enough, to bring what we needed, but I’m finding more I’d like to bring that we just can’t. Less is very much more in the Interstate, and especially the Lounge model. I’m trying to shrink the items even more this year. The 13” x about 54” you have under/behind the couch and having to reach while you are in the rig is just challenging in itself.

I hope you have better luck than me with your kiddos but it’s a lot tighter and in my opinion, a bit uncomfortable for teens or kids who might not get the grand scheme of things. Sorry to say! Good luck on your purchase!