How to Outsmart Any RV Salesman For Your Best Deal Ever! 

In my opinion, the salesman isn’t who you need to be wary of. The finance people are the ones who will act like a long lost friend while they try to pick your pockets

Go to minutes 6 to hear what ur here for.

Advice to newbies, rent, several times with different layouts, before purchasing an RV. Secondly, buy a used one that is pristine (do your research). If you want to buy new, you want to think what is the OTD? (out the door price). The OTD usually will have these parts . . . 1. Base Price (MSRP), 2. "Doc Fee" (don't pay it), 3. "Prep Price (gas, oil, battery, etc. (don't pay it), 4. Sales Tax, 5. DMV Registration. 6. Extended Warranty (usually you will have about 1 year to decide). 7. RV Insurance (shop around). Ask for a full gas tank (some of the large Class As will have a 100 - 150 gallon tanks. In Kalifornia, where fuel prices are outrageous, you could pay an average of $4.00 per gallon (do the math). When negotiating for a reasonable purchase price don't fall for the $89,990 crap. Instead think $90,000. Some buyers base their decision on brands because of good club activities. Final advice . . . ask experienced RV owners advice on various models, etc. Remember, there is no such thing as the "perfect RV". Happy trails and camping ~

I HATE haggling. It is a waste of time and in many instances, unproductive. I have always been like this with dealers (car, motorhome, etc.) I do my research, looking around, etc. In the old days, I'd cruise the lots during off hours, now we use the internet. I find what I want. I go into the dealer with the intent to purchase that item. I still look around for last minute additions, but ultimately settle on the one I want from my looking around. Now, what I do is this...I say to the saleman. I'm not a haggler. You have ONE shot at this. We will make a deal or break a deal in 30 seconds. No need to spend all day on this. What is your rock bottom price? Now, I have a number already in my head for what I am willing to pay. Say, 50K as you mentioned. They try to get a number, but I tell them, you are the one selling, you know what you have it in and what you need out of it. Where I'm at has nothing to do with your numbers. They don't believe me, they think they can play the game. I stop them and say, I'm not haggling. 30 seconds, make or break. Bottom line, out the door, done deal, go see your boss, give me that ONE NUMBER and it will be a yes or a no. Eventually, they figure out my body language and facial clues and if they want to make a sale, they will see their boss. Then they have to sell him on the ONE SHOT. I don't even go into the office nor take a seat. If I do go in, I stand by the boss' door. No seat to punctuate the ONE shot at this. Now they come out and hit me with a price. Let's say 62.5. My hand goes out to shake their hand and I say Nope, too high, thanks for your time and I turn and walk out. Now they are going to try to stop me. Depending on my mood, I may be generous and say, OK, last chance, you know I'm serious now. Or I keep walking. However, let's say they hit me at 56.8. OK, we're in the same zip code/ballpark/area code, whatever slang term you use. Depending in my read from the their body language and such, I might counter and say something like, Well, I can see your number with the naked eye, but I'm still not willing to walk that far. I'll tell you my bottom line. Out the door, everything thrown in, not a penny more for anything...clean and green, my number is (depending on how much I want it)...work the numbers any way you want, but the the total in the last box will not exceed 52.1. Take that to your boss. You don't even need to come back outside with his answer...just give me a thumbs up if we are doing business...or wave good bye to me if he says no. End of it, 30 seconds starts now. YES or NO to 52.1 out the door, end of story. Anything beyond a thumbs up and I'm heading to my car. Once they walk away, I start moving toward my car so that I am not still standing there "giving them hope" when they look out at me in the boss' office. They then wonder where I went and quickly come to a decision. If it is anything other than a thumbs up when the salesman comes out the door looking for where I am...I'm already close to my car and ready to get in. Some live for the haggle. I HATE it. I want in and out in under an hour if the sale is made. 15 minutes or less if not. Trust me, next time I step on their lot, they will remember me and take me seriously if they didn't the first time. They may not remember my face or name, but when the salesman walks in with "This guy says you have one shot/30 seconds to make or break the sale" they will remember me.

The best tool in your tool kit is your ability to stand up and walk out if you don't get the deal you are looking for.

Your last tip reminded me of one time I walked away from a car dealership on a car I wanted. I waited 2 days, went to a different car dealership & test drove a car by myself & drove to the original car dealership, parked the car RIGHT IN FRONT of their front doors. (The car had the other dealership stickers ALL over it!) Walked in & my sales guy comes running up to me & says with a smile, ohhh noooo you didn't, i cant ha e that dealership car here & that's not a parking place & hes laughing. I said last chance, I'm going to buy that car the second it moves away from your front doors & now I want you to match the price of that car (not even the same make or model) or I'll leave here! Yeah I practically stole that car in price & then right before signing I insisted they pay for my tax, title & tags & 6 free oil changes. His mouth dropped but I talked him into it

As an RV Sales Representative I really enjoyed this video. Especially the beginning! One thing I would add being the the opposite side of this video is that not all people do business the same way. So don't have a preconceived expectation to be hit with these gimmicks. So put people before profits. I'm proud to be one of the people to represent a dealership that does exactly that!

Dude nails it! Bought mine in Feb. and lmao 28th. I got $8,000 off mine. Other dealers said, I cant even touch that price. $40,000 sticker and paid $32,000 out the door all taxes , tags, included.

David: That's really great advice and in my experience buying boats, airplanes, RVs and cars, it applies across the board when dealing with sales people. The only thing I'd add, is to be polite and considerate with the dealer. Don't go in with a chip on your shoulder, like it is some kind of battle scenario. Also, don't always assume that the dealer is going to try to rip you off. The dealer is just trying to do their job of selling RVs. Sure, there are some evil b***ards out there, so do be careful. But there are also many, many genuinely nice dealers looking to try to satisfy your needs as well as theirs. We struck one such dealer in Elkhart IN for our very first RV purchase. He did a REALLY good price for us straight up at the beginning. How did I know? Because we didn't buy right then. We went home and spent 6 months in the off season researching prices and found that he had done the right thing by us. We still have that trailer and we're still happy with what we bought and what we paid for it. Thhanks for sharing your tips, I hope they help a lot of people.

He who asks the questions is in charge of the conversation. When salesman asks a question, answer with a question.

The more I watch the more I love your channel, Mr. RV Smarty Pants. Keep up the good work, it is appreciated.

I just came across your channel and I am so happy that you’re advising people to stay debt-free. Especially when purchasing what is basically a toy!

Great advice. I used to teach sales people how to negotiate and the "look" the salesperson gives you and his response is called a flinch and its intention is to make you feel uncomfortable about your offer and to get you to offer more. The "end of the month" approach typically only works if you take delivery by the end of the month. Having spoken to sales people at car dealerships, they get their commission AFTER the vehicle has been inspected, prepped and delivered. This can take up to a week after the deal has been closed.

Thank you for the video. Good tips. Major points: know your material, don't talk about finance until a bottom line is decided, and be prepared to walk away. Edit: you want the RV dealer to make money so they stay in business and you want to get a good deal, be fair to each other.

Pay cash live debt is your best advice ever. Everybody has a choice if they want to be debt free. Yes finance a house it will appreciate in value. Pay cash for everything esle. A RV will depreciate down to the vaule of scrap metal. Buy a RV for what you can pay cash for if it is a tent, pop up camper, travel trailer or motor home. Live with in your means and you will be happy.

If you've been following the previous year(s), note the seasonal sale prices. The sale price is the price.

You were right! I mean like nailed it perfectly! I tried your technique with the offer and their reply "oh nooo, that's too low! I can't do that" I told him that he said to make him an offer and I did. A used Camper, was priced at 22, I offered 16. Value was 19 online. I didn't press it, I could have/should have said to take it to his sales manager like you said.

Pretty much like negotiating for any purchase, particularly cars!

Hi Doctor Dave. I am from the UK and about to change our RV ('motorhome' here in Europe). Loved your no nonsense advice which is fair and robust. Shall try to brace myself to rebut the salesman indignation! Thanks again. Andrew.

So here’s a thought.... What if.... There was a "virtual" service that a consumer could buy where people hire you to negotiate their sales deals for them with the salesman via FaceTime, etc.? I could never do this... I'm a pushover... but if you were "in my pocket".... 🤔. Just a thought... I would totally pay for that.

!. When you find your RV at the dealer. use the internet to find the lowest price in the region and country. for the make a model you want. drop the price about 10% and start there ----

You are not going to have to work hard to out smart me. As long as I sell you a RV I am happy. If have to out smart your salesman, you are at the wrong RV dealer.

Been watching your videos for a week and I've gotten more info here than any other place. Simple yet effective. Thank you.

Dave, ... You ain’t no dummy. Love your channel and format offering your wise and commonsense solutions. Keep up the good work my friend!

If they come way down on the price, provided you finance it. (expecting to make it up in interest) You can always agree then pay it off with the first payment.

Don't forget to eat a good meal and hydrate BEFORE you go to the dealership bcz we all know what happens when we get there. We spend all day, our defenses wear down and we get dealt a deal we don't want but we feel we have put in so much time already we just want to get it done and go home! How many have felt this way buying a regular car? The same if not more goes for RVs! Low blood sugar is not our friend lol!

I just bought a new RV for 35K cash....MSRP 52K......new Ram 2500 for 42K.....basic truck w crank windows etc....whole thing 80 K and Freedom and no debt....Cash on the barrel....

At 6 minutes when naming your price. I ask this question the gauge whether they are in the ball park. Some people think they can get a $100k RV for $50k. If we know that up front it can make negotiations quicker cause there is no way a dealer would mark it up that high and come down that low.

Wow, Dr. Dave outsmarts RV Salesmen, shocker.

Better yet by a used one private party

i love going to the rv show and seeing the signs, $199 a month, $150 a month , for 84 months , 120 months. what a joke...

Love the content of your videos. I'm still doing research on the RV that is the best for me.

These are the exact tactics to use when buy any new vehicle.

Thank you for the heads up!!!

Don't buy new. I'm usually someone who prefers buying new-whether it's cars or motorcycles-because of the clear advantages. But when it comes to RVs, buying new from dealers is full of drawbacks, and buying used from dealers is even worse. Instead, buy used from a private party and negotiate directly with the owner.

Watch out for dealers who say they are going to fix things before you pick it up, but won’t put it in writing. Just went through this with Sewell motorcoach in KY. They had a lovely rug I wanted, but owner Doug refused to put any of his promises in writing. Insisted that this was the only way he did business. Treated us like we were jerks because we didn’t “trust” him. Watch out! This is Frightening.

This guy David is being nice. All salesman are trying to get you into major bills. The sales guys want to get their bonus. They dont care about you.

You ain't no dummy my friend. Thanks for all the information 👍

We've had RVs for years. We went to probably the same RV show as you went to. We saw a RV we were interested in and had done some pricing research. As they had discounted pricing at the show and we had purchased and RV from this deal before I told I would come to his dealership the following Friday after the show and bring him a check for the sale price. He said No he wouldn't do that I said thats fine there lots of RVs here. We left. I figured they didn't care if the sold anything or not. I later bought a more expensive motor home from a individual for cash. Your right cash is king. Also. . . You may find an RV that you really really love but guess what. They made more than one of them so don't be afraid to say No and walk away.

If the trailer sticker says $40,000 msrp but on sale for for 35,000 can u still negotiate

I agree with never discussing a monthly payment & doesn't matter if you're buying an Rv or a new vehicle. Always buy on price, that's where your research will pay off. Dec 2018 we bought a new Jayco White Hawk three days after Christmas. We went to the dealer told them exactly what I wanted all the upgrades to 50 amp service, second air, fireplace, upgraded the fan, propane tanks, theater seating, insulation package. The salesman gave me the written quote of $38,000 I asked to borrow his pen & I crossed out his price & I wrote 26,000 including tax & gave it back to him. his eyes just about fell out of his head LOL! He said there is no way he could that, I stood up thanked him for his time reached to shake his hand & he said wait a minute let me get the manager. We ended buying our trailer for 26,000 including tax that day. Don't let them play you, the buyer should be in charge of the entire sale. There are many other dealers out there that sell them same trailers.

This seems the the very basics to me, the much harder part is finance. Loan percents, down payments, warranty, services, etc etc. They can make more on the backend easy. They also will drag it out, keep you there forever, if you don't walk away there is a bunch of time invested and they know it, your tired and they get you to add stuff in the back since at this point you think you won. You probably didn't.

Do price research from out of state dealers. We found same new camper for less even with shipping. Go to local dealers with that price. Local dealer won’t match price so having it delivered. Only risk is haven’t seen in person whether there is damage. Ask deliverer to take pictures before leaving. So you know who to blame.

What fun to hear your thoughts! You reinforced what I know, but it was excellent info!

Your Presentations are fabulous and provide excellent advice. Thanks

Find out the cost to the dealer and add a fair profit. Make your offer and if they don't except walk out.

You can apply this to all sales transactions. RV Cars, etc.

Also, I took 10 months to buy my rv and several lots threw me off their property. However, one finally called me back on a labor day special closeout day, and I bought a brand new RV priced at $134,000 for $99,625!

Great video, thank you for sharing.

We had a terrible experience at General rv in Tampa thank goodness my husband knows numbers. But this jerk told us I don't have time to show you rvs go to a show. Tim my husband said if you don't have time take us back to our truck. Well we knew what we wanted he thought he could tell us what we wanted.

Can you provide some advice on pre-owned motor homes as well as advice on purchasing during this pandemic.

They should definitely appeal this, what has our country come to?

Awesome advice. You need to be - Dave Discovers RV . ur no dummy

Thank you!

May I recommend buying used from Private sellers. Let the initial owner take the huge depreciation. I’m on my 2nd class A. Our previous RV buyers were on their 8th! No sales tax, all service records and owners manuals always included. You take the same risks and yes you can purchase your own extended warranty if that’s your thing-not mine. Use the RV trading apps. Lots of RVs local and in Texas. When your gas prices are real low, that’s the time to buy in Texas. Numerous tips, biggest one is to never go to the stealership anywhere near tax time!

So funny, my Ex husband was such a sucker. He finally learned to let me handle the dealing. My example: went to buy a new truck. 58 years young at the time, found the one I wanted, salesman started his pitch. Said he'd give it to me for like 12% interest rate, I COULDN'T BREATHE FROM LAUGHING. Shook his hand n said ENJOY YOUR TRUCK n I left. He called me next day, 8% rate. I said DONT CALL ME AGAIN I MEAN IT till it's at 0% n the price I want. I don't have to have a new vehicle. I hung up. Mind you my boss is sitting there rolling n saying THEY HAVE NO IDEA.... by Friday he called, I answered with YOUR WASTING MY TIME! He said COME GET YOUR DAM TRUCK!! 😁

Thats good advice.. i hate that line ( what price can we do today to make it happen.. deal is no good after today.. that line is awful 😖

Great advice!!

Better information would be simply how much margin do dealers make.. that's what we really want to know

I'm just beginning the process of looking for and buying my first RV. In doing my research I have compared asking price against the listed NADA price. Is this a good or bad practice? I intend to buy used.

Well we went to the Timonium show two weekends ago. We found the camper we wanted to walk through because we hand only been researching them on line. We love it and did put $1000 down and got our own financing. How do we ask them that we think there’s a better deal here then what we are getting. We did win $1000 at the show from this company to spend in the parts/accessories department. Great video mate. The camper we are looking at is an Grand design imagine XLS 17MKE.

I agree; don’t finance. Cash is best.

What is the ideal percent off msrp I should pay?

Thanks for your great advice. I got a laugh from your “pure Baltimore” accent. It was so familiar. I’ve lived in Maryland since 1977. Bob C. Columbia, MD

I don’t understand the RV, boat, and auto industry. We don’t live in Mexico where you haggle prices, so when you go grocery shopping here the “price is the price”. Do the same damn thing in this industry! You’ll never walk away scratching your head wondering, “Did I get screwed?”

Just wait 2 weeks after it gets to the dealer and it starts leaking, or the slides stop working. Then hit it up lol

I like this video and the good advice but I have to disagree with one or two things. I don't think it's out of the ordinary for a person to let the salesman know they're excited about the prospect of buying an RV that they like. Being enthusiastic isn't necessarily a sign that you're weak when it comes to negotiating. Avoid that by getting as much research before you enter the dealership. Inform yourself. There are all kinds of resources out there so there's no excuse to walk in uninformed. Having that deer in the headlights look at an RV dealership is like opening up an artery in your leg and jumping into a shark tank. Salespeople can sense fear, intimidation, and lack of confidence. Don't be that person. If you walk in with confidence and know exactly what you want, and what things typically cost, the features you want in the RV, then you can easily say "no" to the things they try to upsell you on. I took a different approach and told my dealer that I want them to make money. I want them to be a success. I want them to remain in business because I want to be able to bring my RV to them for routine maintenance and repairs. Profit is not an ugly thing, it's what keeps businesses open. The only thing I asked them to make it fair and reasonable and transparent. No hidden costs.

Great information!!

I’m looking to buy now. I’m buying small. 23-26ft. With old vs new, do I really care about depreciation considering my total cost? Do I care about the x amount I just lost driving off the lot when I’ve got new, under warranty items? Buying a camper is a whole 🤯

Thank you for this awesome information!

Thanks Doc

Thanks Doc 🌬💚

Wow I wish I had seen this 2 yrs. ago, we did everything wrong & now I am stuck with an RV that I hate & owe to much to come out even.

Thanks!!

If the msrp is 42k and the summer sale price 31k how much lower is realistic?

ABSOLUTELY

Thanks

Great video thank you 🙏

What can I get on a 2012 new 3750 fl Montana big sky

We went to the RV show in Timonium in 2019.....

Camping World only has 2.5 stars on review sites. Why would anyone buy anything from them?

I understand about not paying MSRP, but when they show the “SALE” price. Is there usually negotiation room there? Thx

When the price conversation starts...the one who speaks first loses

Damn, Im currently in a pickle in CA (spring)! Wish I could reach you.

Hi Jen @ RV Rookie sent me to your channel to subscribe. Love your advise!!!

Thank You this was very helpful to me, l will take it in and use it, Thank again

If you can't pay cash you have to at least drop a serious down payment on it, on top of a large discount so you wont be under water on it and can always sell and walk at any time. You're going to be in serious trouble if you finance such a depreciating asset with zero down. You'll literally have to pay $20K + just to get rid of it.

Dont ever "negotiate" a price. The salesforce will beat you on this game, hands down. They do this for a living. Instead, do your research - visit dealers, shows, rent...to decide on the exact model you want. Then go back home and email (or fill out web forms) a request for out the door price to fifty dealers, near and far. Follow up once with every dealer that does not respond within three days. If they still dont respond, it means they dont want to play your game - move on. In about a week you will collect twenty prices, about five of which will be good quotes. There are ways to bring down the best price even further down but not by much. This will be some of the most productive and satisfying time in your life. Now you can go to the dealer and buy your RV. Obvious tip: Use the same exact tactics when shopping for cars.

Most RV lots in Ohio these days, won't let you look at RV's unless you are buying that day!

Just came across this video and subscribed. These techniques work on used rv’s too ? If a dealer is asking $100 grand on a used class A what would be an acceptable starting offer ? Thanks

So I went to check out a travel trailer and it was in my price range and the size for my needs. Then went to start paper work and the salesmen gives me a out the door price . So I asked him what the bottom dollar was and he said they couldn't move on then price. But he said he couldn't move much and I said whats the bottom dollars cause you did say you cant move much . The camper was around $12k and then out the door price was a little over 15k . Is there a way that they could come down more then the 12k price?

Also watch for their questions: - What do you do for a living? - Is this your first motorhome? And most importantly, wear your oldest clothes ..And don't wear any jewelry... 😆

Another gimmick they use is to sell you a monthly payment. Here’s your RV for only $200 a month. It’s a very effective sales gimmick that shows people that they can easily afford that dream RV. That goes along with the 20 yr loan you mentioned. RV’s are such a waste of money. The quality is terrible. There are all kinds of horror stories on the internet of RV’s that are falling apart and they’re not even one year old. I’m not really sure why we buy them. You could do some pretty awesome traveling for the $100k you spend RVing.

I sell RV’s for a living and I believe the gentleman who made this video had a bad experience and is making assumptions. For example, a $50k RV can’t be sold for $38.5k! Depending on the situation but it’s likely the company would LOSE money by doing that

That’s what they do, to make sure they earn more money

Well I guess if you can by a RV that is 30K$ or more in cash you don’t have to much to worry about lol

I also have in my recesses are the taxes, dealer fees and the extra needs so how do I figure these additional into the bottom line I have?

We are planning on buying a trailer or fifth wheel soon at the end of January. How much would be enough to knock off the sales price? $15000? Thanks!

I hear a lot that slides outs BREAK a lot!!!

Financing an RV is financial suicide. No matter what the deal you will be upside down on the loan in short order.