Quote:
Originally Posted by ShrimpBurrito
For the reasons Bill eluded to, if I were to have a TM shipped cross-country, the ONLY way I would do it were on the back of a truck/flatbed. If my only option was to have someone pull it, I would simply find another TM. There are lots of things that can go wrong, especially on a used unit where the condition of the tires, bearings, and brakes are unknown. If it were towed, what happens when your hired driver goes a little fast through some areas that are hot on a road in rough shape? That's a perfect recipe for a blowout, and on a single-axle TM, that means damage. And it can be pricey -- thousands of dollars potentially if there is damage to the grey tank. Not worth the hassle for a few hundred bucks savings.
I wouldn't spend the extra cash to have it transported in any sort of enclosed trailer. I don't see any benefit.
I too have checked into hauling a TM cross-country, and it too was my experience that flatbeds were more expensive than someone towing it. I presume that is partially supply/demand, but probably mostly because a multi-vehicle carrier can load up with a bunch of cars/trailers, and then start hauling. But even once he drops off a unit, he can keep going to deliver more units. Someone towing a trailer then has to turn around to pick up another job, or have carefully scheduled to pick up another load nearby.
Another option I would consider: go pick it up yourself. It would be a long haul, but you can make it from SoCal to the east in 3-4 days, so you could conceivably be back in a week. You'd camp the whole time the way back and see some incredible countryside in the process, so it would basically be a bit of a vacation. ROAD TRIP. Plus, now is a perfect time because fuel prices are the lowest they've been in years, and most campgrounds are pretty much EMPTY. I drove from LA to Tennessee to pick mine up, then headed to the Northeast to visit some family, then up into Canada where we kept heading west before dropping down into Wisconsin and Minnesota. Then through the Dakotas, etc. It was an awesome trip. After all, these campers have wheels!!
Doing that also gives you an opportunity to see the unit first hand before leaving the lot. I'd ask that the bearings be replaced before pickup (a $100 job), brakes inspected, and I'd also have plans to replace those tires before you get on the road unless they were just replaced (check the date code). You're going to have to do it when you get home anyway, and the extra miles are free since you never replace trailer tires due to tread wear.
Give them a deposit, and start driving!
Dave
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Dave:
Excellent advice & I agree 100% that seeing any TM in person before you buy it is the preferred path. And while I love your idea about a cross country road trip, I am guessing the cost/time to do that will be prohibitive as a viable option.
Quote:
Originally Posted by OCfamily
Thank you Br2
That is the one! I noticed the missing logo in the front window shield/cover as well but from reading the forum, those sometimes are optional items that may have been added after the fact? The dealer does provide a 30 day warranty on everything operating, no leaks, etc. And the warranty allows me to have things fixed and be reimbursed for them.
I plan on taking the TM to a TM dealer in Ontario CA to have everything checked. The reason why I think it's a great deal is because in the west coast, a 2009 2619 at the Ontario CA dealership goes for almost $19k and anything 2010 and up is at least $15k-20k plus in nearby western states.
I ran a check on the VIN but did not find anything. (I couldn't find any info as oppose to the VIN showing no damage). If anyone knows where to look, I would appreciate it.
Br2_ have you have dealt with or spoke with that dealership in Joppa? Over the phone they seem to be nice and accommodating, but that's just my impression over the phone. Any insight on these guys? They claim to be a big reputable company and the reviews online are mixed, but fairly good.
Thank you,
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Hello OCFamily:
I see you are getting quite a bit of responses and some excellent advice! This forum is the reason I decided to get my TM, and the folks here are extremely knowledgeable and hopefully you're not getting too overwhelmed.
I do not know this particular dealership, but did a quick search and did find some of the complaints you may have seen (I'll put the link below). A large RV dealership is always going to get complaints, so I don't know that you dismiss the dealership on that alone.
But I realized in measuring the value of this unit we really have to understand: what are your requirements? Is there a reason you must get a 2619, which is one of the smallest units? Do you have a space limitation based on your garage or the place you'll store it? Does your tow vehicle have limits that prevent you from looking at the larger units?
The reason I am asking is I initially wanted a 2619 and then I went and saw one, and in person it seemed a little small. So I went back and remeasured my garage and figured I could get a bigger unit if it had the swing out hitch option, and I am thrilled I have the extra space and the parallel couches the 3023 offers!
I have just checked rvtrader.com, and there are other larger units then 2619 that look to be in as good or better shape then this one for 15k-17k asking, and they would probably take less if you move quickly and have cash, and they are on the West Coast.
My best advice is to not jump on something simply because you think you are getting a deal; I would suggest doing a little more homework through the weekend on your requirements, and if you haven't done so, go see some of these larger units near you. On a parallel path, you can check on the shipping options as Bill and the others have suggested, and get as much additional information on this particular unit and this dealer as you can. If by Monday you still feel strongly about this 2619, then go for it!
http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/chesac...ryland-1163538