@Bumber tow RV purchase advice@

[Hawgdawg]

Howdy HWF!!!

Looking for info. I am thinking of buying a Bullet (Keystone) 246 RBS  year 2014 

Anybody have any input? positive and negative please. 

Also anyone dealt with Fife RV center in bonny lake.  Sales person Stevie Ray Vahn and sales manager James Walker. All horror stories will be given great reading.

 I will check my PM and delete any correspondence for personal reasons.

Thanks for your future input.

 Hawgdawg

[jrebel]

Don't know anything about the camper you are considering but do know that no one could beat Blue Dog RV's prices and customer service.  It was so good I drove to Idaho to pick up my camper and smiled the whole way.  Blue Dog RV was a great dealership to work with. 

I only say this cause I looked fare and wide for a good camper / dealership and most the dealerships on the west side were rude and overpriced. 

Good Luck with your purchase

[Hawgdawg]

thanks, I have been thinking of out of state and making a mini vaca out of hauling it home. Montana looks good also! Keep the info coming guys.

[CAMPMEAT]

Fife Rv, dealt with them and got lies too from the get-go. Get out of the Seattle area, call or online only. That way you won't waste your time. RV dealers are the lowest of low for lying. FYI, buy an extended warranty and DO NO NOT PAY full price. It's very expensive to have things fixed on your dime. The shop rate is probably $95 per hour at least, plus, RV appliances are spendy on top of that. I've bought several NEW RV's and learned the hard way on my first couple. Also, try buying it out of state at the mfgrs location.

[xxlx7]

From me personally, I was a sales manager at Poulsbo RV for awhile, the big thing to know is price. EVERYTHING HAS A INVOICE PRICE, however most stores will never never never show you the invoice, mostly because the cost versus price they are selling for are crazy different. DEALER DOC FEES, don't pay them, most dealers will try to add 150, don't pay it. Don't pay for delivery and walk through, that is part of buying a trailer, most dealers will say we add this cost for a walk through and to show you how to use your new rv, nope, that you need to get included. Also know your stuff. Its not that the sales guys are "lying" some just don't actually know about the rv your buying, but they know general information about a broad amount of rv's, such as vacuum bonded sidewalls, all aluminum framing, ect. When I was selling, I would grab a brochure and go through it with the customer. I just bought a used trailer this summer, poulsbo will not sell me an rv because they know I know how to guess a pretty close price to what they are in them, but i bought a trailer for 8k otd that a rv store was trying to get 17500 for.  Good luck and remember although they try to control the buying process, you are 100% in charge of the process. And as far as extended warranties, make sure you know what you are buying, what coverage in more detail then, platnium plan, gold plan, bronze plan. Good luck and have a great adventure in your new trailer!!!!

[6x6in6]

Pm sent, shortly...

[chevyistop]

   I purchased our toy hauler from Fife RV (fife location) last summer. They are just like most dealers, want to make money. The asking price was 48k and after a week of playing hard to get we paid 33k out the door. A good RV dealer that has good prices is General RV in Utah. Imagine them the Dave smith of RVs. we just didn't want to go pick it up. Don't be in a hurry, know that all RV's have a 30-40% mark up and happy RVing.

[baker5150]

I have a keystone sprinter. And love it.  The bullet is the entry model of,the keystone
Line.  The sprinter and cougar are the mid level.  Ask to look at higher end models   They have more options and you can get them for the same price. 
I bought mine new in 2012. Asking was 33k. And I walked out with it for 21 at camping world in Burlington

[Hawgdawg]

thanks for all the great advice. If I could just get the little lady to calm down and let me beet these guys down to an expectable level of profit. I don't want it for cost but they make used car dealers seem like the pope! Keep your info coming. She want's to commit by Sunday.....don't want to miss out on the winter discounts

[jburkett]

I have bought three trailers from canopy country rv in Yakima, and have always left happy, and would recommend the to anyone.  As for keystone I have had good and bad luck with them. My first keystone trailer had an electrical fire in the converter on the first trip out only a week after buying it. Canopy country replaced the converter and I had no trouble  after that. Last spring  after having a second child, we upgraded to a 28 ft. With a big slide, and it has been great.   I have only got to spend about twenty nights in it so far, but am very pleased. Two of the three revs I've bought we're keystone  hideouts

[Bean Counter]

I've hunted out of an RV and it was a great experience. Seems great to have. I don't have any experience about maintaining one. That said. I'm a math guy, so here goes: Are you rich? Can you pay cash for this? If you didn't know, these things depreciate a TON. Way more than a car. If you'll take one 2-3 years old, you could get it 50% the cost of new.

I'm projecting to be rich when I retire, decades from now, but I bet even then if I decide to buy one that I'd still prefer to buy used. Just better economics to buy even at least a year old and save 20-25%.  etc

[Hawgdawg]

I've hunted out of an RV and it was a great experience. Seems great to have. I don't have any experience about maintaining one. That said. I'm a math guy, so here goes: Are you rich? Can you pay cash for this? If you didn't know, these things depreciate a TON. Way more than a car. If you'll take one 2-3 years old, you could get it 50% the cost of new.

I'm projecting to be rich when I retire, decades from now, but I bet even then if I decide to buy one that I'd still prefer to buy used. Just better economics to buy even at least a year old and save 20-25%.  etc

I hear ya. Not rich by any means.  :bash:We love this rvs layout and cannot find a used one so far.

[Hawgdawg]

Am leaning towards a Tracer. Anybody have any information  they might want to share.
In addition, have you heard that you might be able to write off your interest if you claim it as a second home. I was told this by a SALESMAN so I'm sure it is true!

[CAMPMEAT]

Go to where they make these things at and pick it up. You'll save a ton of money. You're paying for shipping, fuel surcharges etc. Look on ebay and work something out with a local dealer from that area..

[6x6in6]

In addition, have you heard that you might be able to write off your interest if you claim it as a second home. I was told this by a SALESMAN so I'm sure it is true!

Take the wheels off of it and call it a manufactured home.   

[Bean Counter]

They actually told you the truth this time. A home needs to have sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities.  http://www.irs.gov/publications/p936/ar02.html#en_US_2013_publink1000229900

Nevertheless, I find the idea deplorable. No way I would finance a motor home whether or not my primary home was paid for. 

[Hawgdawg]

They actually told you the truth this time. A home needs to have sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities.  http://www.irs.gov/publications/p936/ar02.html#en_US_2013_publink1000229900

Nevertheless, I find the idea deplorable. No way I would finance a motor home whether or not my primary home was paid for. 

I never said anyone lied to me! In addition I'm looking at a bumper pull travel trailer not a motor home!
(deplorable ) Websters  Definition of DEPLORABLE. 1. arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust <we will not tolerate such deplorable behavior in a house of worship>

Sorry you feel that way bean counter.... Thanks for your two cents. 

Everybody else please keep the information coming regarding RV's.
 I already have a financial adviser.

[CAMPMEAT]

My camper is a 2nd home = write off.

[jrebel]

 

Absolutely

And for the money issue.  You can't take it with you when you die, so you should enjoy life while your young enough to do so.   

[Bean Counter]

Hawgdawg,

Didn't mean to impugn your integrity. Sorry if I came across that way.

Butting out now.

[Hawgdawg]

Absolutely

And for the money issue.  You can't take it with you when you die, so you should enjoy life while your young enough to do so.   

jrebel ,  good point. Had a neighbor that worked his but off for 36 years for Puget Sound Energy.  When he retired they made a big deal about it and he got the gold watch and a cruise ship vacation.  He had the big one on the boat and died. Wasn't even wearing the watch.  Life's short ................play naked!!!

Also, who said I was financing anything. Love the look between the line hyjacked posts!

[6x6in6]

Also, who said I was financing anything. Love the look between the line hyjacked posts!

What were you referring to when you mentioned that the salesman (liar  ) said you might be able to write off the interest?

[Hawgdawg]

Also, who said I was financing anything. Love the look between the line hyjacked posts!
[/quote]
What were you referring to when you mentioned that the salesman (liar  ) said you might be able to write off the interest?

66 Thanks for the pm. I checked out your lead.

Not sure what all the little smiley people are that you can click on. Maybe HWF should have  a glossary so rednecks like me don't post the wrong smiley face!  but when I posted one of those little critters it was not stating in my mind that someone was lying but mostly that they were salesman in the RV biz and I would speculate that they might color outside the lines to get you to commit on a transaction which they would profit from.

 I'm just funny that way. Possibly tell you that it was a tax right off. Which by the way, he mentioned to check with my accountant or attorney. 

Sorry 66 that my smiley guy made you think something else. I wasn't referring to anything else.

 Dang, wish I could get more positive response's on track to my original post. 

[Wake1]

All I can say is do not give Fife Rv your business. You will learn to regret it quickly if you do. Just my opinion. 

[STED9r]

Bought a new 29' Areolite from fife Rv Feb 2013.
They were not willing to negotiate a price at first, told me that going into the season they could get people lined up to buy and hard to keep stock. I kept looking and got a call about 3 days after my last visit there. Got the price $4k off list, 1 flat screen and an awning for slide out. I figured I got $5k off list after add ons.
Now, I've had trailers since 1985, have rebuilt a couple ins totals and guess I know my way around them and probably overly anal with my monies and want everything I buy perfect.
No trailers coming out of factory is perfect. Its just the way it is, cheaper labor, felons etc. They push them out and let the dealers fix the small stuff.
I went through mine rather thoroughly and had a 3 page punch list.
Jim, service mngr at fife Rv in Bonney lake bent over more than I thought they would, I went in doing a shock an awe with as much trivial *censored* I could find and they took care of it. Now, did have a roof issue with a poor job from factory, didnt leak just layed wrong. Factory wanted me to send it to them and I told them no, fix it local or give me a new one. They choose fix local. Now I wasn't going to be without my new trlr until after elk hunting so actually use the trlr all summer and fall to wind up dragging up to Bonney lake the next wknd I was back from hunting, dirty. Took them a month and a half to do the roof and some other warranty things that cropped up over using for a few months but it all worked out great.
Don't know what alls been said about fife Rv but, not even a second thought on my end to go back and buy another in a few years. I could equate that as lucky but, as much as I'm an obstinate and know it all ass, they did a very nice job on sale and service work.
I gave it to them filthy, they polished it inside an out and it looked new when I picked it up. It usually takes more 5 hours to clean it in and out after a hunt trip, I got a free cleaning job and winterization free along with the rest of what they did with zero out of pocket.

[JackOfAllTrades]

the big thing to know is price. EVERYTHING HAS A INVOICE PRICE, however most stores will never never never show you the invoice, mostly because the cost versus price they are selling for are crazy different.

I never have, and NEVER will buy a new RV from a dealer. The markup is incredible for cheap wood, 2x2 walls, linoleum, crappy mattresses, sub-par wiring, proprietary 'Entertainment' systems.  I've always felt better off purchasing used from someone (an old couple), that kept their RV stored out of the weather. If the AC goes out.. Replace the whole darn thing since none of them are rechargeable. It ain't rocket science. When the entertainment stereo goes out, replace it with some smart woodwork to fill the hole with a car stereo/deck if you want some tunes to set the mood. Hot water tanks corrode. Elements fail. It is not hard to replace them. I've saved a ton of money on the original cost by buying used and maintaining things or replacing a few failed components over the years.
 
Sorry, I can't give any personal advice about Fife RV. Mom bought a 5th wheel there years ago. They let her trade a car in on it. Pretty much ripped her off.
 
-Steve

[Hawgdawg]

Thanks for all the info. Ended up buying and will pick it up this Friday.

[Hawgdawg]

 

To pissed to go into it. But just a nibble. Signed, inked the deal, cash. Show up to pick it up tonight and a different trailer....Color, etc.  Unbellieblale ,  so sorry you signed the contract. any of you going to the wood shed rv show I will be the one with the picket the Sunset RV company. On believable......................$%#@&&^%(##

[Hawgdawg]

Bump this please to save any brothers and sisters going to the rv show this weekend. Please pm me if you even drive by Sunset RV.................

[6x6in6]

So, no vin # on the contract you signed the other day?

Shoulda went to Oregon like I suggested.
Enjoy the picketing experience.  Pictures please.   

[Hawgdawg]

Ten for Seiner....Momma signed and you are spot on. 20 visits, pictures, climbed on the roof. This is what you get when you deal with parasites!

[CAMPMEAT]

I'm pissed for you. Sounds like you need a baseball bat at the next meeting with them......................ugh !!!

[6x6in6]

Well that blows. 
So did they refund you the money or did you take it home with you?  Or waiting for another to come in?

[Hawgdawg]

So, no vin # on the contract you signed the other day?

Shoulda went to Oregon like I suggested.
Enjoy the picketing experience.  Pictures please.   

Give me a break, I didn't post to hear a I told you so. I did what every smart informed consumer would do. My Gal got involved....big mistake. They have caved in and will have our cash at 9 in the morning. I will be at the rv show with my sign and fliers warning other potential customer's. Buyer Beware......................... BBB and Attorney General on my bitch list to complain.  Stop by and I'll by you a beer. Ps, In the market for a bumber tow !

[Hawgdawg]

Well that blows. 
So did they refund you the money or did you take it home with you?  Or waiting for another to come in?

are you serious, they beg and pleaded, I will not even piss on their building if it is on fire. Money is back in am. Going to spend my weekend at the rv show with a sign and flyers warning other victim's. They have screwed with the wrong guy................

[HntnFsh]

That sucks! Sorry to hear it. Would a talk with an attorney be in order?

[Hawgdawg]

That sucks! Sorry to hear it. Would a talk with an attorney be in order?

I mentioned earlier in this post that I didn't call him a liar. Now I am!  After 4 months of educating myself with the different products. I did my best to make a fair deal for all involved. Yes, I made them throw in a extra battery, awning for the slide, oversized propane tanks, topped off, install my easy lift hitch system. But when we go to have the walkthrough and pick it up it is the wrong trailer...He claims oops. don't know how that happened.
 Went and got the cash back this am. Found out today it was there last one of that model and I beat them up to bad on it, so they decided to show case it at the Tacoma rv show this weekend and sell it for a few grand more. I have had better experiences in Mexican prisons that dealing with Sunset RV.

No, I won't get an attorney. I am sure they have several on retainers. Letters to the bbb and attorney general are being drafted. And the ole Internet is a huge resource to give others a heads up.

Good news is I found the same rig in Portland and looks like it might work out. We will find out tomorrow if they can make it happen for my price I am willing to pay.

Down side is if I need warranty work done I will have to take it to Sunset if I don't feel like the 3 hr haul to Portland.............So I am going to back off the demonstration at the wood shed this weekend. Just inform others on the internet about my experience.
Up until they did the bait and switch I was fairly happy with the experience. It was mentioned about checking the vin number. I have paid cash for a few vehicles and never once did I have to check the vin. I could tell by looking at it if it was the rig I had been looking, feeling, dreaming about.
Just sharing my experience, and venting my frustration's. Hope someone can benefit from my mistakes.
To be continued..........................................