Possibly buying out of state

**notTobyG** · 12-04-2021, 08:42 AM

Hello, 1st post of what I'm sure will be many. We are looking at upgrading form our old 05' KZ 2405 TT to a 2021 GD 28G toy hauler. To be honest we haven't made the move in the past because we hear many stories of quality issues with the newer trailers and our old girl has been reliable and rock solid. Not to mention it's set up with every mod you could want in a TT but, it is time to upgrade to a toy hauler. We are going to take a leap of faith and buy new(-ish). Now the fun begins... We have come to the conclusion that we will not find what we are looking for without buying out of state. By "out of state" I mean across the country. With that being the reality it will be too far to drive. We are looking for advise from others who have done this. Specifically, what steps have you taken to safeguard yourselves from potential issues.
Did you fly in to see the trailer in person? or just rely on pictures?
Before buying did you rely on facetime walk through of the trailer or a video?
Who did you go through to have the Trailer shipped to you?
Once you purchased the trailer, how did you handle the "walk through" seeing if everything is in working order prior to delivery?

Thank you for any advise you can offer.

**D2Reid** · 12-04-2021, 08:56 AM

Sounds like you are an experienced RV'er and a capable mechanic, having done many mods to the old trailer. I would never take posession of a new-ish RV without personally inspecting it, but that's me. I would make the drive...

Google RV inspectors, you will get several options to pay a trained inspector to survey your purchase, make it part of the sales contract. It's not a guarantee that things won't be wrong, but I believe it's the next best thing to having eyes on it. Ditto with RV transportation, there are several companies that transport rV's.

**FT4NOW** · 12-04-2021, 08:58 AM

Welcome to the forum. If you're talking about buying a used RV across the country, or even local, I would hire a private RV inspector wherever the RV is located and see what you're dealing with. After you get the report, you can then figure out delivery. If a seller wont allow the inspection, it's not the RV you want to buy anyway.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

**huntindog** · 12-04-2021, 09:12 AM

Originally Posted by notTobyG

Hello, 1st post of what I'm sure will be many. We are looking at upgrading form our old 05' KZ 2405 TT to a 2021 GD 28G toy hauler. To be honest we haven't made the move in the past because we hear many stories of quality issues with the newer trailers and our old girl has been reliable and rock solid. Not to mention it's set up with every mod you could want in a TT but, it is time to upgrade to a toy hauler. We are going to take a leap of faith and buy new(-ish). Now the fun begins... We have come to the conclusion that we will not find what we are looking for without buying out of state. By "out of state" I mean across the country. With that being the reality it will be too far to drive. We are looking for advise from others who have done this. Specifically, what steps have you taken to safeguard yourselves from potential issues.
Did you fly in to see the trailer in person? or just rely on pictures?
Before buying did you rely on facetime walk through of the trailer or a video?
Who did you go through to have the Trailer shipped to you?
Once you purchased the trailer, how did you handle the "walk through" seeing if everything is in working order prior to delivery?

Thank you for any advise you can offer.

I have done this. In 2009 I bought a 2010 Palomino Sabre in Ohio. I am in Arizona.

I would only do this on a new unit. Used just has too many variables. Mainly condition. Pictures will be taken showing one in the best possible manner, and any defects will be glossed over.... then you drive halfway across the country and see somrthing that was not what you bargained for. That happened to a buddy of mine.. He ended up buying it anyway, but was really disappointed in it.
With new, you know what the condition should be....But even then be prepared to drive away without it if need be.

My transaction was flawless with the dealership treating us like kings. The best I have been treated on any deal. They of course knew how far we came, and let us know that they appreciated it. All American Coach in Sylvania Ohio. Back then it was a family run buisiness for 75 years. Good people. I hope that hasn't changed.

On the paperwork side of things, my credit union handled it all. From the plates/taxes to the dealers payment, it went without a hitch. I highly recommend enlisting such help if it is available to you.

The walk thru was done it their shop. They had it all setup with all sytems operational. I found one item, a strut that had come loose under the bed. It was fixed immeadiatly.

The power jack I had requested arrived at the dealer with a broken light switch. They were up front about not being able to get the prt in time. It was ageed that they could mail it to me, as it was a simple fix. Then when hitching up, the jack broke. stuck in the raised position. I asked about swapping it out for an Atwood, as I had good luck with them previously. They quickly agreed. Done deal.

**notTobyG** · 12-04-2021, 09:54 AM

RV inspector? I didn't know that was even a thing. LOL Great advice thanks

**notTobyG** · 12-04-2021, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by D2Reid

Sounds like you are an experienced RV'er and a capable mechanic, having done many mods to the old trailer. I would never take posession of a new-ish RV without personally inspecting it, but that's me. I would make the drive...

Google RV inspectors, you will get several options to pay a trained inspector to survey your purchase, make it part of the sales contract. It's not a guarantee that things won't be wrong, but I believe it's the next best thing to having eyes on it. Ditto with RV transportation, there are several companies that transport rV's.

Making the drive would be ideal but, work and family life make a 6k mile round trip adventure not a reality currently. Definitely going to look into an RV inspector. thanks

**Hoopy Frood** · 12-04-2021, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by huntindog

I have done this. In 2009 I bought a 2010 Palomino Sabre in Ohio. I am in Arizona.

I would only do this on a new unit. Used just has too many variables. Mainly condition. Pictures will be taken showing one in the best possible manner, and any defects will be glossed over.... then you drive halfway across the country and see somrthing that was not what you bargained for. That happened to a buddy of mine.. He ended up buying it anyway, but was really disappointed in it.
With new, you know what the condition should be....But even then be prepared to drive away without it if need be.

My transaction was flawless with the dealership treating us like kings. The best I have been treated on any deal. They of course knew how far we came, and let us know that they appreciated it. All American Coach in Sylvania Ohio. Back then it was a family run buisiness for 75 years. Good people. I hope that hasn't changed.

On the paperwork side of things, my credit union handled it all. From the plates/taxes to the dealers payment, it went without a hitch. I highly recommend enlisting such help if it is available to you.

The walk thru was done it their shop. They had it all setup with all sytems operational. I found one item, a strut that had come loose under the bed. It was fixed immeadiatly.

The power jack I had requested arrived at the dealer with a broken light switch. They were up front about not being able to get the prt in time. It was ageed that they could mail it to me, as it was a simple fix. Then when hitching up, the jack broke. stuck in the raised position. I asked about swapping it out for an Atwood, as I had good luck with them previously. They quickly agreed. Done deal.

I totally agree, I'd never buy any trailer without visiting it in person, and a thorough inspection. We bought our last trailer from a dealer in Knoxville, Tennessee, but it was a new unit, and we had the option to refuse delivery if things weren't as we had hoped. Everything worked out just fine, and all issues were dealt with immediately. An excellent experience all in all.

But a used trailer is a completely different kettle of fish. Even if the seller is scrupulously honest, he'll still present it in its best light with photos and such. An in person inspection is an absolute necessity. And you have to be mentally prepared to walk away if not completely happy. Sometimes what looks to be a little annoyance, can turn into a major PIA.

**notTobyG** · 12-04-2021, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by huntindog

I have done this. In 2009 I bought a 2010 Palomino Sabre in Ohio. I am in Arizona.

I would only do this on a new unit. Used just has too many variables. Mainly condition. Pictures will be taken showing one in the best possible manner, and any defects will be glossed over.... then you drive halfway across the country and see somrthing that was not what you bargained for. That happened to a buddy of mine.. He ended up buying it anyway, but was really disappointed in it.
With new, you know what the condition should be....But even then be prepared to drive away without it if need be.

My transaction was flawless with the dealership treating us like kings. The best I have been treated on any deal. They of course knew how far we came, and let us know that they appreciated it. All American Coach in Sylvania Ohio. Back then it was a family run buisiness for 75 years. Good people. I hope that hasn't changed.

On the paperwork side of things, my credit union handled it all. From the plates/taxes to the dealers payment, it went without a hitch. I highly recommend enlisting such help if it is available to you.

The walk thru was done it their shop. They had it all setup with all sytems operational. I found one item, a strut that had come loose under the bed. It was fixed immeadiatly.

The power jack I had requested arrived at the dealer with a broken light switch. They were up front about not being able to get the prt in time. It was ageed that they could mail it to me, as it was a simple fix. Then when hitching up, the jack broke. stuck in the raised position. I asked about swapping it out for an Atwood, as I had good luck with them previously. They quickly agreed. Done deal.

I agree, buying used long distance can be tricky but, I'm hoping for the same luck I've had in the past. Depending on the cost of an RV inspector, it might be worth the cost of a airline ticket to check it out in person.

**notTobyG** · 12-04-2021, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by Hoopy Frood

I totally agree, I'd never buy any trailer without visiting it in person, and a thorough inspection. We bought our last trailer from a dealer in Knoxville, Tennessee, but it was a new unit, and we had the option to refuse delivery if things weren't as we had hoped. Everything worked out just fine, and all issues were dealt with immediately. An excellent experience all in all.

But a used trailer is a completely different kettle of fish. Even if the seller is scrupulously honest, he'll still present it in its best light with photos and such. An in person inspection is an absolute necessity. And you have to be mentally prepared to walk away if not completely happy. Sometimes what looks to be a little annoyance, can turn into a major PIA.

I would agree with that. I have done that in the past with a car and a motorcycle. The car was unseen bought off ebay some 20 years ago. (don't think I would do that now.) the bike was in 2018. I flew out, met the guy at his bank and test rode it up and down the block, finished the paperwork and rode it back home 500 miles. The whole time telling myself if something was off don't hesitate to walk. It's been a great bike ever since. Being the trailers we are looking at are 2021 I would expect a few small blemishes but, mostly like new condition. My biggest concerns are road worthiness, structurally sound and the operation systems. Cosmetic items I can live with at the right price.

**SolarPoweredRV** · 12-04-2021, 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by D2Reid

Sounds like you are an experienced RV'er and a capable mechanic, having done many mods to the old trailer. I would never take posession of a new-ish RV without personally inspecting it, but that's me. I would make the drive...

Google RV inspectors, you will get several options to pay a trained inspector to survey your purchase, make it part of the sales contract. It's not a guarantee that things won't be wrong, but I believe it's the next best thing to having eyes on it. Ditto with RV transportation, there are several companies that transport rV's.

I would add that the Inspector should be chosen by you and they should be a Certified RV inspector. If you are buying from a Dealer, don't go with the Inspector they might recommend, find them your self.