Fleetwood Arcadia

jbb · May 13, 2008, 07:51 AM

Alright, me and the wife have been looking and it looks like the wife will win out (I wanted the williamsburg for weight and $$ price), but I think I am about to purchase the fleetwood arcadia, local dealer has it on sale at a real good price. I would like to hear from the Arcadia owners if they like this pup and whether they have had any problems with it. I am looking at the 2007 model.

Also, I am a complete newbie, and was wondering in addition to the purchase price for the pup what else would I HAVE to purchase to tow and use it. I know I will have to purchase the anti-sway bars and the salesman on the phone said somthing about brake control or something for about $125 and the anti sway bars would be about $525.00. I drive an 04 LandCruiser V8 with the tow package. I am rated at 6500 lbs. Do these prices sound right and also what other extra purchases would I be looking at. I assume the water lines and sewer hose are extras. Are the batteries and propane tanks usually standard? I have been emailing peco campers and they acted like the deep cycle "battery package" was an extra charge.

I am going over on Friday to start my negotiations? TIA

waygard33 · May 13, 2008, 09:03 AM

I'm not an Arcadia owner so I have no experience to offer you there.

Regarding the $525 price for the sway bars - This seems very high. I would think you're getting a weight distribution hitch with a sway bar for that price. You should check on that.

As for the batteries - My experience is the propane tanks and a minimal deep cycle battery are included. Again, I'm guessing the 'extra cost' you mentioned is for an upgrade to a deep cycle battery with more amp hours.

Good luck with the new Pup. I'm sure you will have way more fun than is legal! :-()

Shepherd · May 13, 2008, 09:53 AM

Quote from: jbbAlright, me and the wife have been looking and it looks like the wife will win out (I wanted the williamsburg for weight and $$ price), but I think I am about to purchase the fleetwood arcadia, local dealer has it on sale at a real good price. TIA

I brought up the idea of getting a pup, envisioning a small, compact unit since my wife didn't want to sleep on the ground anymore. While we were looking at them, I suggested getting one with two large beds for the boys to grow into. My wife, who comes from a family of motorhome users took the idea and ran with it. We bought the Niagara (used) which is like yours but has a counter on one side where you have an additional sofa seat. I call it the "motorhome with a canvass top."

Can't help you with what extras the dealer may or may not throw in, but if the brake controller is a Prodigy, $125 is a good price. We don't have a lot of experience with the pup yet, but I'd go with some kind of sway control. You're correct about having to buy the water hoses, sewer lines. Depending if you are going to dry camp alot, I'd buy a second propane tank and second battery. If you are going to use hook ups everywhere you may be able to get by on only the one of each.

jbb · May 13, 2008, 10:17 AM

Quote from: ShepherdI brought up the idea of getting a pup, envisioning a small, compact unit since my wife didn't want to sleep on the ground anymore. While we were looking at them, I suggested getting one with two large beds for the boys to grow into. My wife, who comes from a family of motorhome users took the idea and ran with it. We bought the Niagara (used) which is like yours but has a counter on one side where you have an additional sofa seat. I call it the "motorhome with a canvass top."

Can't help you with what extras the dealer may or may not throw in, but if the brake controller is a Prodigy, $125 is a good price. We don't have a lot of experience with the pup yet, but I'd go with some kind of sway control. You're correct about having to buy the water hoses, sewer lines. Depending if you are going to dry camp alot, I'd buy a second propane tank and second battery. If you are going to use hook ups everywhere you may be able to get by on only the one of each.

Thanks. Yea, we have been avid tent campers and backpackers, in fact our favorite place is RMNP and Estes Park, but we just had a new baby and wife refuses to tent camp and use public showers etc, soooo, I am entering the world of pop up camping and day hikes at least until the little man can care for himself.

Shepherd · May 13, 2008, 02:14 PM

Quote from: jbbThanks. Yea, we have been avid tent campers and backpackers, in fact our favorite place is RMNP and Estes Park, but we just had a new baby and wife refuses to tent camp and use public showers etc, soooo, I am entering the world of pop up camping and day hikes at least until the little man can care for himself.

My favorite campsite to date is the Moraine Park CG in RMNP. I spend days just hiking around the valley taking photos. I've seen lots of pop ups there for those that don't mind no hookups.

Babies tend to make tent camping harder. :yikes: My wife hasn't camped since we've had the twins, but now is excited to get back into it using the pup.

jbb · May 13, 2008, 03:12 PM

Quote from: ShepherdMy favorite campsite to date is the Moraine Park CG in RMNP. I spend days just hiking around the valley taking photos. I've seen lots of pop ups there for those that don't mind no hookups.

Babies tend to make tent camping harder. :yikes: My wife hasn't camped since we've had the twins, but now is excited to get back into it using the pup.

Moraine park is where have stayed the last two times out. We bascially tent camp there for three days and do day hikes and then we would pack up and do 2 nights backcountry. Absolutely beautiful, cant quite imagine driving the pop up with gas prices the way they are but I am sure we definitely will. I am from Alabama

Shepherd · May 13, 2008, 06:26 PM

It is a beautiful place isn't it.

I thought you might be from Colorado or a nearby state. I never thought you'd be all the way from Alabama. That is a long way for a drive.

PattieAM · May 14, 2008, 07:11 AM

You might want to check the FleetwoodRV website as to what is 'standard' on the unit you are interested in.

My dealership kinda threw in the brake controller/sway bar when I purchased, and the battery was standard equipment.

I have an 06 Niagara, and the installation of the brake controller wasn't an issue as I too had the 'tow package', and was pre-wired for my 2000 Durango. Later on when I wanted to tow with my 97 Ram P/U, I went elsewhere for the installation of the brake controller and lucked out - that year evidently some models were pre-wired, other's weren't.....mine was, and at a hitch/trailer place, I was in and out in 20 minutes and around $100 for the installation and unit (no, I didn't get the Prodigy, but got one from same company).

I have a sway bar (Draw-tite), and it's worked well with both of my tow vehicles - no sway. The distribution of weight (cooking/eating/bedding/etc. gear) within your unit will play a part too ... I had some bounce after I'd reloaded my PUP and it was due to weight distribution.

spicyville1 · May 14, 2008, 07:46 AM

Here is my take on the deal. The dealership is trying to sale you a weight distribution hitch for that amount of money. There is no need with your TV. I would suggest that they contribute an antisway bar at no cost. They are only $35-$40.00 dealer cost and easy for them to install. I would have them wire your brake controller too. They know what they are doing. You will be surprised what you can bargin with during the economic times we are in right now and even on a 2007. The pup should come with the 12v system included and 1 full propane bottle. If it is not full, insist on it being a full tank. Does it come with an a/c? If not I would have one installed. The dealer installs a 15,000 btu a/c for only $395 and it is sure worth it. Yes $395! Even at the sale price of the pup they are still making out ahead.I am not hard or anything like that, it is just that I know I can bargin and get what I need. Plus I know what the dealerships are willing to do to complete the sale That is a nice camper and you will enjoy it. Reason I am suggesting the things above is my best friend just bought a new Fleetwood and he pretty much told them what he wanted and the dealer ensured he was a "happy camper" Sorry could not resist that! Good luck on your bargaining and have a great time in your new pup!

jbb · May 15, 2008, 06:43 AM

Okay, here is what I got so far. 07 Arcadiia. List at 16,500.00 on sale for 12,995.00. This price includes, A/C installed, two full propane tanks, battery, battery wiring, awning, sewer line, gift certificate to store for water hoses etc, inspection and set up tutorial.

The salesman told me he had just taken in a wdh with sway bars on a trade and that he would throw those in for free at a value of approx 400. So all I would have to do is have my brake controller installed.

Going to probably offer 12K today. I have a kayak trout fishing trip planned for memorial day with a little luck hopefully I can leave the tent at home and sleep in my new pup

Shepherd · May 15, 2008, 07:13 AM

Quote from: jbbOkay, here is what I got so far. 07 Arcadiia. List at 16,500.00 on sale for 12,995.00. This price includes, A/C installed, two full propane tanks, battery, battery wiring, awning, sewer line, gift certificate to store for water hoses etc, inspection and set up tutorial.

The salesman told me he had just taken in a wdh with sway bars on a trade and that he would throw those in for free at a value of approx 400. So all I would have to do is have my brake controller installed.

Going to probably offer 12K today. I have a kayak trout fishing trip planned for memorial day with a little luck hopefully I can leave the tent at home and sleep in my new pup

Good luck! I hope they accept your offer. I'm thinking if they need to reduce inventory since it is the end of the month , they'll jump at it.

spicyville1 · May 15, 2008, 07:45 AM

Quote from: jbbOkay, here is what I got so far. 07 Arcadiia. List at 16,500.00 on sale for 12,995.00. This price includes, A/C installed, two full propane tanks, battery, battery wiring, awning, sewer line, gift certificate to store for water hoses etc, inspection and set up tutorial.

The salesman told me he had just taken in a wdh with sway bars on a trade and that he would throw those in for free at a value of approx 400. So all I would have to do is have my brake controller installed.

Going to probably offer 12K today. I have a kayak trout fishing trip planned for memorial day with a little luck hopefully I can leave the tent at home and sleep in my new pup

WOW :-() I would jump on that! If you and the salesman can agree on 12.5K that would be a steal at that price with all that is thrown in. Told ya they are hungry for business and he is doing you A LOT of justice!

jbb · May 15, 2008, 08:01 AM

Quote from: ShepherdGood luck! I hope they accept your offer. I'm thinking if they need to reduce inventory since it is the end of the month , they'll jump at it.

almost sounds to good to be true. He threw in the wdh unsolicited.

MomboTN · May 15, 2008, 08:06 AM

Quote from: jbbalmost sounds to good to be true. He threw in the wdh unsolicited.

If you want to ask for something else a couple 12v fan/bunk light combos. A bike rack would be nice also.

jbb · May 16, 2008, 11:47 AM

Quote from: spicyville1WOW :-() I would jump on that! If you and the salesman can agree on 12.5K that would be a steal at that price with all that is thrown in. Told ya they are hungry for business and he is doing you A LOT of justice!

All I can get him down is another $100 to 12,895. Says that with the ac installed they will only be making about 300

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