One major mistake consumers often make when buying an RV is not asking the right questions.
Some shady RV dealers exploit a customer’s lack of knowledge and experience to pad their pockets. Luckily, by asking the right questions, you can reduce the chances of getting the short end of the stick.
Today, we’re sharing the questions you should ask any RV dealer while shopping for your next rig.
Let’s dive in!
Before stepping onto a dealership lot, you must understand the RV buying process. Like automobiles, most manufacturers require purchasing new models through an authorized dealer. Unfortunately, an RV dealer will say and do almost anything to get you to buy one of their units.
You must arm yourself with knowledge and information to avoid becoming a victim. Luckily, with the internet, getting a firm understanding from the comfort of home is possible. We recommend joining some large online communities on Facebook to ask any questions. In general, most members of these groups are friendly and willing to help.
Once you have a general idea of what you’re looking for in an RV, it’s time to head to the dealership. The sales team will likely collect some basic contact information from you and show you around their lot. Communicate any essential features you want in a rig to avoid wasting time on units that won’t work.
Remember, these individuals make money on each unit they sell. Their goal is to close a deal as quickly as possible. Don’t let them push you into making a rushed decision. Take your time through the process and make sure you consider all of your options. Buying an RV is a significant financial decision and not one that you should make quickly.
You’ll enter the financing department once you’ve found the perfect rig. If financing the purchase, ensure you’re comfortable with the terms. Some consumers find it’s best to come into the transaction with financing they’ve acquired elsewhere. Either way, make sure the terms work for you and you’re staying within your budget.
Pro Tip: If it’s your first time buying an RV, be sure to check out What Not to Do When Buying an RV to prepare yourself!
When shopping for an RV, there are some crucial questions you should ask your RV dealer. This can help ensure you’re making an informed decision and considering the entire purchase. Jot down these questions, and be sure to ask them while shopping.
One of the most critical questions you need to ask is the total cost. Some sketchy RV dealers will give the base price before taxes and any fees they charge. Some charge several hundred dollars for pre-delivery inspections, which they should do for free on every unit.
If you’re negotiating, always ensure you’re working with the “out the door” price. When it comes time to sign papers, confirm the numbers you’ve discussed match the paperwork. It’s too late to make changes once you sign on the dotted line.
Many dealerships make a large chunk of their money by financing RVs, not just the campers themselves. If you’re financing, ask them what options are available. They may be willing to give you a discount if you’re using them for financing. However, it can also be wise to come in with an outside financing option in your back pocket.
Many banks and financial institutions working with dealerships allow them to add a percentage point or two onto a deal. Unfortunately, they’re not required to disclose this to you or how much they add. Again, you can eliminate a dealer taking advantage of you by coming in with your financing.
We’ve learned over the years that warranty packages can be tricky. As a result, it’s essential that you’re aware of what is and isn’t covered under any warranties. You don’t want to assume you have coverage and discover that you do not down the road.
When asking about the warranty packages, it’s also a good idea to ask about any special requirements. Some require proof of annual inspections, or else it voids the warranty. Warranty providers are notorious for finding any number of reasons to deny claims. Ask plenty of questions to avoid them leaving you out to dry.
Another question to ask your RV dealer is what standard features come on the model you’re considering. Some manufacturers include air conditioners and other appliances standard on the unit. Unfortunately, some dealers may treat these features as “upgrades” when they’re not.
You may have to put in a little leg work on this one to confirm that what your dealer is telling you is the truth. Luckily, most major manufacturers list the standard options on their websites. Checking these lists can ensure that your dealer is honest with you.
Whether you’re buying new or used, hiring an inspector is something that we strongly recommend. Before getting too far along at a dealership, ask if you can hire an inspector. You should do this early because their answer can save you a tremendous amount of time.
You shouldn’t waste a second more at a dealership that will not allow you to hire an inspector. This should be a significant red flag as it’s a sign that they don’t have confidence in what they’re trying to sell. An inspector will test the various systems and appliances to ensure they’re in good working order. If they’re not, the dealership would be on the hook to fix or replace them.
No matter how sweet the deal, we strongly recommend walking away from any dealership that denies your request to hire an inspector. These trained professionals can help you avoid investing in a lemon. Once you sign the papers, any issues will likely be your responsibility.
It’s also a good idea to ask about the RV’s weight and tow capacity. If you’re considering a towable model, confirm it’s compatible with your tow vehicle.
You must understand that a dealer will likely tell you that your tow vehicle is more capable than it is. However, they won’t be hauling it down the road loaded with their family and other precious cargo. Check your owner’s manual and other documentation to confirm the tow ratings specific to your vehicle. Consider the payload capacity, which is often the weakest point.
Confirm the towing capacity if you’re considering a motorized unit and plan to tow a trailer. Again, it’s your responsibility to know the ratings and weights of any items you plan to haul. A dealer will likely tell you whatever they have to to get you to step into the financing office.
You may find yourself trying to decide between two or three models. If this occurs, you’ll want to ask the dealer what makes each unit unique. They’ll likely provide a pros and cons list of each model but don’t be surprised if the most expensive model wins out.
Again, they’re in sales and often make commissions on purchases. As you might expect, these can influence their recommendations. They may provide basics on what makes each unique, but getting a quality answer might require homework.
After visiting the dealership, look up each model online. Consider construction materials, weights, and features like outdoor kitchens, showers, and multiple air conditioners. While models are typically very similar, there generally are some distinct features.
One of the best questions you can ask your dealer is how long the RV has been sitting on the lot. Typically, dealerships don’t want rigs sitting for months at a time. The longer they sit, the less money they make on it. They’ll often offer discounts towards the end of the season to move inventory and make room for the next round of rigs from manufacturers.
If the rig you’re considering has been sitting for months, you’ll want to factor this into your negotiations. You can save yourself several thousand dollars by doing so.
Many dealerships offer service departments for repairs and maintenance. Depending on your DIY skills and abilities, you may never need to use them. However, it’s best to know what to expect in case you eventually do.
Unfortunately, some service departments have waitlists several weeks or months long. If you bring your rig to them, it will likely sit in their lot until they can get to it. These may not be the best option if you’re looking for a quick fix or have an upcoming trip.
You can typically talk a dealer down 20 to 30% off the MSRP of an RV. However, over the last several years, the RV industry has experienced a massive increase in consumer demand. As a result, many dealers have been hesitant to negotiate. Some consumers even purchased their units at or above MSRP.
Luckily, we’re hearing reports that the market is going through a massive shift. Increased interest rates and an oversaturated market are causing a decrease in demand. As a result, many dealerships are, once again, becoming more willing to negotiate.
Being an informed consumer is the key to getting a great deal on an RV. If you walk into the dealership without a list of questions or information, they’ll see you as an easy target. Ask lots of questions and take plenty of notes. We even created an RV shopping checklist to help you stay organized. Remember, there’s no such thing as a stupid question. So, ask away!
