Warning for New Popup Buyers

[east lake hunter]

Just got finished purchasing new Flagstaff 206ST with all the bells except for an AC (what was I thinking).  We have taken PUP on two trips now, and I have yet to use about half of the little extra bells that came with the PUP.   And doubt I will ever use the items.

For example:  

don't let your dealer talk you into a portable grill.  get a portable cook stove instead.   Unless you just enjoy cleaning, a stove is alot easier to clean than a grill.  You won't put the nasty grill back in your new PUP.

don't let your dealer talk you out of an AC to save $$.  Buy a smaller PUP with AC, unless you never camp where its humid.

don't let your dealer talk you into a porta potty.  you can buy a better one online for less $$.  if you do opt for the dealer supplied porta potty and you never plan on using it inside the PUP be sure and tell the dealer not to install the oh so pretty privacy curtain for the porta potty.  

don't let your dealer talk you into heated mattresses, unless the difference in price between heated and non-heated is less than the cost of an electric blanket.

I'm sure there are some other things you should never let a dealer talk you into.   I'm sure some others out there have some good advice along these same lines.

I still like my PUP and won't trade for anything (well except may be another PUP with AC).   I'm saving up my spare change to get AC.

[AustinBoston]

Sounds like you encountered a typical smooth-talking salesman.  If they're really good at it, they can you to sell it to them.

Oh, and if it's not built-in, then it is almost always cheaper somewhere other than the dealer.

Austin

[naganthunter]

Sounds like you encountered a typical smooth-talking salesman.  If they're really good at it, they can you to sell it to them.

Oh, and if it's not built-in, then it is almost always cheaper somewhere other than the dealer.

Austin

To all those lookin' to buy a new PU or other camper, repeat after me: "Nah, I don't want that."

Then go to camping world or some other local RV retailer.  My dealer wanted $1400 to install air, I got it at Camping World for $800 (a MUCH nicer unit with higher rating)

[Campaholics]

Heated matress.  You can get a heated matress pad JC Penny on line, I think we paid about $70.  Plus, you can use it at home during the winter.

Bob

[GeneF]

I won't go into any specifics but I have done enough truck and trailer researching. looking and buying in the past month that my head is spinning.

I am very happy with both of my purchases.  Biggest thing I have learned is that the salesman can care less about what your wants and needs are but he/she is very interested in what his/her commission will be.  He will sell you a pack of gum for your trailer if he is getting a commission on it.

Consider the salesman an adversary and not a friend.  They may do their best to appear to be your friend, but forget it.

One great buddy of a salesman tried to sell me a new trailer for $2000 more than it was advertised for on their website.

My apologies to honest salesmen that are on this board. I was once an honest new furniture store manager who cared about the quality that a customer got at a fair price.

[tjy355]

Here, I shortened up your post to make it more universally meaningful:

don't let your dealer talk ...

 :p

[Campaholics]

The one time to pay very close attention to the a salesman is when he tells you you don't want something he is selling.  Not counting, of course, the old bait and switch routine.

Bob

[cyclone]

I agree on the grill - we bought our Flagstaff used, and the original owners had never used the RVQ.  We tried it a couple of times and HATED it.  At least we didn't pay extra for it.  Now, the heated mattresses are worth the $$ to us.  I thought they were standard in Forest River products - if that's the case it should not have cost any extra money for them.  We love having them, but we also camp into November and start in March, weather permitting.  We used the pup as a guest room during Christmas so that extra heat was wonderful!  And, I would never buy one without the A/C, but I live in the South that's crucial in my book.

[tlhdoc]

It all depends on what you want and how you camp.  An item someone loves is something another camper will think is a waste.  Example I camp in the winter and see no need for heated mattresses, but Cyclone loves hers.  It helps if you talk to other campers and see what they like/dislike about their camper and accessories.  Enjoy your camper.

[sacrawf]

I just got done unpacking from a weekend trip in our Rockwood.  I wouln't do without the heated matresses (of course, not needed this time of year!) but these are a standard feature on Forest River Products, and there would not be a price savings to exclude them. However, having used them many time, including the snowy and frozen Easter this spring, I would be willing to pay extra for them.

I feel that the RVque is essential; we use it on almost every trip for multiple meals. (Steak, grilled onions and summer squash, and breakfast sausage this weekend.)  The old coleman grill hasn't been opend up since I got the RVque, and will probably be a donation to the humane society thrift store.  I just wish there was an optional upgrade model of the RVque, with just a bit more BTU, stainless steel, with a pancake-type grill interchangeable with the grate.  The RVque is great for just the wife and I, but it would be entirely too small for a larger family.

I agree completely with the air conditioning!  When was the last time anyone bought a car without air conditioning?  The last new non-AC vehicle for me was a 1974 Mustang II.  I've seen too many popups in the county parks with a stack of concrete blocks setting next to them, with a residential air conditioner atop, afixed into the side of the camper with duct tape and a cheap blue tarp.

The only thing I would add is don't let the salesman talk you into getting your popup without brakes!

[PattieAM]

When I was buying my PUP, I went for getting 'the most I could afford' - feeling that I'd rather have something and not use it, than not have it and need it later.  In addition, not knowing the future, was considering resale value.  

I never thought I'd use a microwave when camping - first trip and it got used to heat baby's food!  Never thought I'd use the 'oven', but one rainy day, my grandkids were bored and we baked cookies.  My initial requirements for the PUP were AC and potty -- and boy are they features I use to the max.  I bought memory foam toppers at Walmart, as well as heated mattress pads and they make cool weather camping so comfy.  

But what is important to one camper is not important to another!

[Hackker]

When I was buying my PUP, I went for getting 'the most I could afford' - feeling that I'd rather have something and not use it, than not have it and need it later.  In addition, not knowing the future, was considering resale value.  

Thats exactly why we got a loaded Niagara after looking at more basic older popups.  Knowing that we pretty much had everything we would ever want and knew that we shouldn't have any major problems for a long time made the extra cost worth it to us.

We are going camping next weekend and the microwave will come in handy for heating up stuff for the kids.

[kimrb266]

DH and I go in as a team.  I tell them what I want at what price and dh says no at all the offers they give us.  We'll get up to walk out  and they come up with another offer.  They'll tell you that they'll "give you an extended warranty" but what happens, they add the most expensive one onto your contract.   They will throw in running boards for the truck and you again will see that you are paying for them.  I DON'T TRUST SALESMEN.

DH is looking to purchase a new truck and he went to our local dealership this weekend.   As he was leaving a man came up to him and told dh that he'd sold him the truck he was driving.   This guy was the Manager at the dealership where dh purchased his truck.  They pulled the above on him and  more.  DH thought but didn't tell him (I wish he did) that he wouldn't purchase the truck from the dealership because he was working there.   "Don't Burn Bridges, They May Come Haunting You".

[popupduncan]

Hey guys, i dont do much talking on here, but i did find myself a little upset when i read this thread. What i am trying to say is that i work for the 3rd largest rv dealership in the nation and it bothers me when people "hate "salesmen" ". Whenever any of us salespeople have customers (at least at my dealership) we do not "sell" them anything they dont need. I guess im trying to say that there are still places out there that really care about the customer and not their paycheck. Thats no way to do business. By the way if you by a fleetwood or flagstaff (these are the two i carry) the a porta-potti is no extra charge, it is built into the actual cost that the dealership has to pay for the unit and heated mattresses are the only mattresses that come in a flagstaff period. But im not a fan of them anyway, nor am i of the porta potti. As far as the a/c goes i install for $650 including labor on any pop up no matter what! Dont let a salesperson boss you around, YOU are the customer and YOU get what YOU want not what the sleezy salesman whats to make money on. Oh by the way if you have any questions on a fleetwood or flagstaff just let me know as i can contact the factory directly and get some answers or anything really that you may need! Im just saying that a good salesperson gets you what you want and fits your needs best, there are still some out there who care! Thanks for talking time to read this!

[Used 2B PopUPTimes]

We just got back from a week long camping trip in a camper loaded with everything and all I really need is an AC and a soft bed.