trigger5
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I'm shopping around for a new fifth wheel and found that I could buy the model we're interested in from RV Wholesalers in Ohio for 6 to 7 grand less than my local dealer. They will even deliver the fifth wheel to my door (in Canada) for about a thousand dollars.
Has anyone tried this before? I know I'll have to pay tax on the trailer when I register it, but is there anything else I'll have to do, like federal or provincial inspections?
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mayo30
Lanigan
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Joined: 07/15/2009
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You can find equal or better deals at many dealers,there is no such thing as a wholesale dealer,check out the true owners listed.My S.I.N. ordered a unit at what she thought was a fantastic price,it was ordered in Feb.01 and she got it in Aug.,she did not get what she ordered and was told no $5000.00 deposit refund if she did not accept it.It was never the correct one and and the factory had to get involved to at least get her something close through modifications.She now has her unit,a 2011, a model year old when she got it.Part of it was her fault for assuming some things,other things were in the contract and never supplied.Being out of country she was just out of luck,no dealer support at all.She thanks her lucky stars that the manufacturer was very supportive.Her friend ordered one from a dealer in Minn. got it as promised in 6 weeks,all paper work done etc. same price.Go figure.
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travel4family
Ohio
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For what it's worth I happened to call them today with a few questions about one they had on the lot (we only live an hour or two from them so delivery wasn't a concern). It was the strangest 20 minutes conversation I've had in a long time. Answered a lot of questions with impossible answers and couldn't even give me an address where they were without looking it up? Also quoted me higher than their online price by several hundred dollars. When I asked they were claiming it was a tax of some sort, which when I pushed turned out to be a paperwork fee-and they advertise no hidden fees. We plan on looking elsewhere.
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FLY 4 FUN
Alberta
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I have never been a customer of RV wholesalers, but my camping buddy has. He saved about 10k on the purchase of his 5th from them so a fair chunk of change.
They had it delivered to Bozeman Montana, and this is how it went. Basically the transport driver handed him a clipboard to sign stating the unit was "as ordered". They wanted to do a thorough walk-through, but were assured it had been PDI'd prior to him picking it up so they were rushed along. They noted some deficiencies and took photos and brought it home. They contacted Forest river directly with some outstanding warranty items as instructed by RV wholesalers. Their rig is in getting warranty work now and they are very frustrated by the whole experience and lack of assistance after the sale. Their savings are quickly being eroded as many warranty items are being denied at this point. I understand this is second hand info, but if you are serious please PM me and I can put you in touch with the fellow. Perhaps it's a FR problem, but for 6-7k I would support my local dealer, or at least try to hammer out a smaller difference. My buddy is not happy with the process and I guess he didn't come out as far ahead as expected. Just my take on it and I have read many satisfied reports.
Daryll
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TxTiger
North Texas
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I would never buy anything that I hadn't personally inspected. You can look at two identical units and one may look perfect while the other has obvious quality control issues. If your local dealer is aware that you are shopping other dealers, they may become much more competitive. But most important, buy from a dealer that appears to be competent and that has a good reputation. This will be important after the sale.
Good luck with your purchase.
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rbtglove
Beavercreek OH
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Bought twice from them - first time the local dealer said they would never sell at the price they quoted, he was wrong. They have done exactly what they said both times, never had a problem with warantuy/service either.
Bob /Beavercreek OH
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ksg5000
Oregon
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Can't speak to the outfit in question - but based on my experience in RVing you can expect a fair amt of small stuff to be wrong with most rigs you purchase and I doubt your local dealer is going to be anxious to fix all those misc items if they weren't involved in the purchase - not a big deal if your handy or are patient (local guy maybe obliged to fix but may put you last in line) - if the discount is big enough and your comfortable with the mfg I would probably go for it.
Kevin
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bfast54
Traverse City ,Mi.
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Basically you are getting a "Mail-order-Bride".I.E., you don't hassel with the "dating" (dealing with dealers), but when the stage , or ship comes............theres your "Bride" (RV). You will most likely save money, but you can't kick the tires, get in the unit first (unless you go there). It is not for everyone.
Now, you can get a RV from them but be sure it has the "CSA" label Canada Safety Assoc.(I believe that is the title)
IT will not be allowed into the country, or you would have to "Post a bond" till it is certified if you don't have the label on it.
Transporters run all states(alaska also) and Canada so, getting the rig there would be no issue.
Now, keep in mind, Many of the Manufacturers have stated in their Brocures "Local dealers are Independant business owners, and as such ARE NOT contractually obligated to work on units not bought from them"
Forest River, has this printed on the back of their brocures .............I am sure others do the same type thing.
So, if you have no problems............Great, but if you have problems, possible hassel.You may have to return it tho place where bought (exterme example, but possible)
Once again, are the "savings" worth the possible risk.
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8iron
Canada
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We bought our previous TT from RV Wholesalers and have nothing but good things to say about the process. There were no hidden fees, everything was as ordered and we saved $13,000 over anything local. We did pick it up ourselves so I can't speak to the delivery process but there was one warranty issue that was fixed by our local dealer after RVW called and approved the work. Also, no TT being imported into Canada requires a CSA sticker...this is a popular scare tactic used by Canadian dealers to pursuade buyers away from US dealers. We also imported our last TT from the US from a different dealer. www.riv.ca will have all the importation and inspection steps.
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mayo30
Lanigan
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The local dealer can and will sell at across border prices on some units,but says he can't come close on other models.It seems that it all depends how he buys and what prices manufactures put on certain models or what models the manufacture wants to move.The idea of saving money at supposed wholesalers is great but any deal by a supposed wholesale dealer is easily found by other dealers.Won't comment on any dealers policies regarding doing warranty work on units not purchased from them.If you can save $xxxxxxx go for it just be very careful where you go for it!!!
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