EcoboostKev

If it's going to be your first Rv and you are buying used be very careful. You don't want to end up with someones headache that they are trying to get rid of. Lets face it, most Rv's are not built with highest quality in mind. Don't get me wrong because some are much better then others but some of the craftsmanship or should i say the lack of can be mind boggling. Also keep in mind that the older the unit usually the heavier they get.If you are close to a Rv Wholesaler you can get a brand new unit dirt cheap! I went to my local dealer first and got there best price then i drove 5hrs to northern Vermont to Pete's RV wholesalers and ended up buying the same unit(pics in my gallery) for $6,000 less than my local dealers best price.

RedOne

We also are weekend campers and saved over $10K by driving to Petes RV in Shurerville, Indiana to buy ours. Ask for Scott O. and he will help you get set up right...not what his boss tells him he needs to sell to the next person like many salespeople. We thought we could only buy a used one until we talked to Scott. Their prices allowed us to buy new and I don't mean year old leftovers. We bought a 2013 in mid June 2012 and even waited for it to get done being built and shipped to Petes in Indiana. Prices were so good there my dad traded his old Montana in on a new 2013 Montana.

H82LOSE

iTrader: (1)

Absolutely and that goes for anything you buy used these days. I am familiar with several names in the RV business that I feel build quality stuff. I hoping to have narrowed down which brand, size, model and year range within my budget over the next several months. I'm planning on hitting several big RV shows in the upcoming weeks and talk some dealers ears off. I'm confindent with enough patience and research I'll find a killer deal on a like new camper that's been stored and maintained properly. Thanks again for the info

ecobeest

Take a look at the Cougar product line. The 26SAB is a quite light model. I've looked at them and they seem OK. Not my cup of tea but given your numbers you don't have a lot of options.

tomb1269

Just tossing in my 2 cents.... As a 1st time owner I would suggest new, in the end you get what you want and know that what your getting is road worthy. If you buy used you need to check brakes, bearings, and usually need tires. You do not know if it has had any water damage (i.e. water just up to the floor that then wicks up inside the wall). Also you tend to get better financeing over a longer period (if you itemize taxes, and use the trailer more than 30 days per year you should be able to write off the interest on the loan -check w/ a tax advisor or IRS website). This time of year the RV shows tend to be pushing to make sales. My folks 1st unit was a 29ft Jayco Feather lite, wieght around 6500 or 6900. A year and a half later they traded the unit for nearly what they paid. The Show deal was that good (particularly the final day of the show), and the dealer stored it until spring at no charge.

H82LOSE

iTrader: (1)

Thanks again fellas as I will keep all this information for future reference. I will be attending several shows this spring and looking at every brand top to bottom. I would like to find used to avoid financing but I'm sure it won't be easy to find that A-1 used camper at a deal I'll be happy with. Thanks again

lomcd

check out the rear axle weight restriction; it is on the door
you might be overloaded with a 5er; I have seen some f150 and the rear end sags with the weight
make sure you check the height of the 5 wheel; the newer f150 have a high box rail which could cause the box to come in contact.