The real way people buy RVs - Roaming Times article
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The REAL way people now buy RVs
See reader's comments and experiences at bottom of page

 
The internet plays an increasingly big part in the way people buy RVs.
People tell us this is how they now go about it:
 
  1. They research RV reviews on the internet
    Common search terms: Google rv reviews, Google rv consumer reports
    Or, for example, Google small travel trailers
    RV reviews and consumer reports are popular - Roaming Times gets about 4 million hits per month
      
  2. They go to a dealer to look
    Don't forget - often the local dealer is just part of the research process.
    A scary thought for RV dealers, but it's true.
      
  3. They go back and re-read the reviews and maybe look at other RVs until they decide on type and model.  Often they rent an RV to make sure they like the lifestyle.
      
  4. They search the internet for pricing and special internet offers
    (Often local, but more and more it's the internet that's attractive for buyers)
      
  5. As part of their marketing strategy, dealers and RV rental companies should target some of their advertising during the all-important research part of the process!!
    Our readers tell us they want links to dealers on the Roaming Times reviews and we have now started doing this (new - May 2009). 
     
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READERS' COMMENTS
(Latest comments first)

What do you think? - add your comments here  
  
authorcomments
RosalindI have had 3 rvs. I've had some problems with all of them but I think the information you can get from the web now is really good. Maybe I would have bought better and cheaper.
HughI wouldn't buy anything now without researching on the internet. I'm not about to buy an RV but when I am I'll use Roaming Times and any other information I can find. I'm really tired of tv and print advertising.
DispleasedExtensive research is essential. I just think that everyone in the market to buy a new motor home (or trailer) should extensively research the company first. A great deal of these companies are having financial troubles and going in to bankruptcy. What does this mean for the RV consumer? Many warranty’s are no longer be honoured... I for one am extremely annoyed with my dealership and regret my RV purchase. I hope that others can be saved from this trauma. Maybe get a tent and really experience nature.
KathWe had a Coleman Destiny trailer on loan from a friend. Awesome. Thinking of buying one. We had a great week and the kids loved it. Now doing research.
Peter PAs a person of interest with regards buying his first RV the RoTi reviews are really interesting. I have narrowed my search to three manufacturing companies Tiffin Allegro Bus, Monaco Knight and Thor Damon units. I can't understand why the Damon range appear so cheap in comparison to the other two companies. I am looking for any feedback on this subject. Is quality the major issue here?
Trevor KWe bought a 4 years old class A motorhome on eBay 2 years ago. After reading the reviews and after speaking to the seller we flew from OR to AZ, inspected it and drove it home. The price was good and we had no regrets. My brother did the same and had no regrets with the eBay RV he bought in CA. Ebay is really good, you should use an escrow service if you must buy in an auction but my advice is buy direct with no deposit and ALWAYS inspect.
Dennis MyhreIn 2009 and beyond, the buying decision of consumers will be based upon research of quality and safe design, and not simply "eye candy." Once the RV industry recognizes that fact, interest in RVing will bounce back. It isn't the cost of gas or fuel, nor the economy, that drives buying decisions today. I believe new buyers have heard so many horror stories about the poor quality and poor safety of RV products, which are true, that they do not want to throw their dollars away. We need Japan to start building quality RV's...
GerryBuying an RV is definitely not like buying a car. I never imagined how much maintenance would be involved. You really do need to research before you buy. Almost every item requires maintenance and there are many items. I don't think the literature the manufacturer gives is adequate. In order to keep track of the maintenance you have to keep track of every item and system. But I would never want to be without my RV, the RVing experience makes it all worthwhile.
marian cicciBefore buying an RV, always rent first to see if you like the lifestyle.
Chris and MoWe've had 3 new RVs one great, one OK and one more problems than we should have had. I don't think it's entirely a problem with the manufacturer I think it's just as much or more a problem with the dealer. We had 2 Fleetwoods, one great, one big problems. When I spoke to other customers of the 2 dealers they had similar experiences. Dealers not manufacturers are the problem. The other was a National. It was OK just a few problems my friend with the same RV from a different dealer had a different experience. The dealer network is the manufacturers best friend and I think this is what everyone should check out before buying an RV.
Manon & JohnMy husband and I bought the Hearland Bighorn 3670 in August after research and we really love it! It's our second 5er and we had done a lot of internet research before buying this one. For the price point, it is really luxurious. We haven't had any problems with it.
NickyI rented a very nice 31' Chateau. It was a terrific experience. Looking forward to doing it again and maybe one day buying an RV. Web research is a must. Don't buy ANYTHING without research.
Julie BrennanI've been looking and trying to get the best price on a tab trailer on the internet. So far I've found the best price around $16500. Just toooooo much, I'm now thinking of buying a slightly used t@b. The t@bs wonderful, we rented one last year in San Fran and loved it.
TimIf you buy a motor home or any other RV thinking you're buying just another car, you may not be happy. Research a lot. An RV takes an inordinate amount of time with just routine maintenance, and since there are so many parts in an RV that really aren't meant to travel down the road, you'll be constantly tightening screws and bolts. If you can get past all that, the experience is unbeatable.
RV dealers with internet specials on campers
Little Dealer, Little Prices RV - Arizona
Pedata RV - Arizona
Robert Crist RV - Arizona
World Wide RV - Arizona
Rice RV - rentals and sales - San Diego, CA
Longview RV - CT
Longview RV - FL
Collier RV - IL
American RV - MI
Bill Thomas Camper Sales
WholesaleRVClub.com
Crossroads Trailers - New Jersey
Driftwood RV Center New Jersey
Jeff Couch's RV Nation, Ohio
Specialty Auto and RV - Ohio
Colerain RV - OH
George M. Sutton RV - Eugene OR
Stoltzfus RV - Pennsylvania
PTRV - sales and rental - WI
RV dealers - Advertise with Roaming Times



  

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