Cost of all the "extras"

[Cold Spot]

Good day guys and gals!

Not sure if this is a "perspective" owners question as I've technically agreed to the sale of the unit but I'm curious about others experience with dealerships trying to gouge you for "Extras".

I've purchased plenty of cars and trucks in my life and know the run around for adding and subtracting accessories, or even extended warranties. However there are a few things you NEED to operate your new RV like - Batteries? But this sale didn't come with batteries I'm told so that's $530 CAD extra for 2 6v. Then they suggest a "Sway Pro" hitch for $861 CAD.... when Im fairly certain I can acquire a nice weigh distribution hitch for $250.

Am i just being overly sensitive to these prices? I would have expected my trailer to be mostly usable for the sticker price - thank goodness I have a trailer brake controller on my truck... cant imagine what that install would have cost me lol.

[Cold Spot]

Just for reference I attached the "proposed" bill. All in Canadian dollars.

[busterbrown]

Just for reference I attached the "proposed" bill. All in Canadian dollars.

Just as a perspective, a CG2 golf cart style 6 volt battery can be purchased at a local Sams Club for aroundn $90. That's $180 USD for two plus the cost of the battery boxes ($15 for 2).

As far as WDHs and sway control, $250 in the states will get you a Harbor Freight or Eaz Lift traditional unit with mediocre friction bar sway control. If the Sway Pro brand that's listed is a Blue Ox, they tend to run between $500-$600 USD. There is significant disparity of performance between brands. At $861 CAD, the dealer is making a little profit off the hitch.

[Cold Spot]

Thank you very much for your reply! The batteries certainly did seem overpriced so when I walk back in I'll have a discussion about that.
The hitch I was referencing is actually $299 now that I checked and its a Husky Round Bar Weight distribution hitch. This TT is only 4500lbs when fully loaded so I dont need anything too advanced. Proper trailer loading and a good brake controller go a long way. My parents and grandparents never had no fancy sway hitches ;)

[flybouy]

Do your homework to find the costs. I'll give you an example that happened to me yesterday.
Our divorced daughter raising 2 little ones is struggling to make end meet. April of this year I bought her 4 new tires at NTB and had them replace front brake pads. She told me the brakes were already shot so she was returning to get the warranty repair. I meet her there to "oversee" the honesty of the establishment.
They diagnosed a stuck caliper on the driver's side which wiped out the brakes and rotor. Now she's trying to keep her 11 yr old mini van limping along until she can replace it, hopefully in the 6 months.
So they work up an estimate for remanufactured caliper, new rotor, and brake hose. Cost? $593! I looked and and told them that charging over $450 for parts! I said I could go 1 block down the street to NAPA and get the parts for less than half that. He said he would be glad to install the parts if I wanted to go get them.
So, 10 min later I come back with the parts for a grand total of $121.
So point is, it's super easy with the internet to research costs and do an "apples to apples" comparison. Thew labor should be the same whether you provide the parts or they do. The only caveat is don't expect them to warranty the parts that you provide.

[Cold Spot]

So, 10 min later I come back with the parts for a grand total of $121.

First of all I’m very sorry to hear that a mechanic was trying to give you and your daughter the run around. I’m a pilot by profession but my father and extended family are mostly mechanics and absolutely despise chains or even the odd local shop that over charge and sell unnecessary repairs.

I will take a kind an honest approach with the dealer and see if they will meet in the middle grounds. I’m well aware that they won’t warranty a battery I provide but that’s what Costco’s return policy is for right?

[Customer1]

A weight distribution hitch is never part of the purchase price and it shouldn't be anymore than a truck should be included. You can buy one anywhere you wish.

A single G24 12v battery is typically included. Two 6v batteries would be an additional cost.

That bill doesn't look outlandish at all, some dealers add;
prep
delivery charges
cleaning
document fees
pizza for the staff
anything else they can think off

[Cold Spot]

A weight distribution hitch is never part of the purchase price and it shouldn't be anymore than a truck should be included. You can buy one anywhere you wish.

A single G24 12v battery is typically included. Two 6v batteries would be an additional cost.

That bill doesn't look outlandish at all, some dealers add;
prep
delivery charges
cleaning
document fees
pizza for the staff
anything else they can think off

This dealership was open about the cost including as much as they could in the sticker price - the battery was never discussed and they did give me the option of a single 12 or dual 6v. I chose the latter for additional amp hours but was expecting closer to $300. Again just something new to me as I’m just getting into the market :(

[German Shepherd Guy]

I guess it must be a particular dealer thing.
When I bought my new TT last year (My first, new out-of-the-box TT) the batteries were included. 2 12V wired in series.
As I already had an equalizer hitch we just transferred it to the new unit when I went to pick it up.


I also switched out my LP tanks. I had two 30 gallon tanks on my old unit and we switched them out for the two 20's that came with it.


So, I am guessing it is a matter of individual negotiations with the dealer.
Good luck.

[xrated]

I guess it must be a particular dealer thing.
When I bought my new TT last year (My first, new out-of-the-box TT) the batteries were included. 2 12V wired in series.
As I already had an equalizer hitch we just transferred it to the new unit when I went to pick it up.


I also switched out my LP tanks. I had two 30 gallon tanks on my old unit and we switched them out for the two 20's that came with it.


So, I am guessing it is a matter of individual negotiations with the dealer.
Good luck.

I'm sure hoping that was a typo on your part. Two 12 volt batteries wired in SERIES would produce 24 Volts and burn up every 12 volt device in the trailer.

[Cold Spot]

I'm sure hoping that was a typo on your part. Two 12 volt batteries wired in SERIES would produce 24 Volts and burn up every 12 volt device in the trailer.

Yeah that would be not so good, I'm sure its a typo. Typically 2 6v in series will give you a little more life than 2 12v in parallel - or so I was told. 2 100Ah 12v = 200Ah or 2 6v at 235Ah will give you 235Ah (doesn't double due to series wiring) hence me asking for that option, but I thought deep cycle 6v were relatively inexpensive.

[German Shepherd Guy]

:eek: :facepalm:


Of course it was, but it would be cool to have a 24v system. :rolleyes:

[Customer1]

This dealership was open about the cost including as much as they could in the sticker price - the battery was never discussed and they did give me the option of a single 12 or dual 6v. I chose the latter for additional amp hours but was expecting closer to $300. Again just something new to me as I’m just getting into the market :(

I buy my 6v golf car batteries at Sam's Club for about $85us. Maybe Canadian Tire would be a good place for you.

My Cougar came with a G24 12v battery included. I put the G24 on my old trailer and put my one year old set of four GC2 golf car batteries on the Cougar.

[Brantlyj]

Before we talked price I made sure to ask if there were any additional fees such as prep or delivery. My dealer did not have any of those extra and was rolled up into the price.
Hitch was extra but when we negotiated it was the price with hitch included. I suppose I could have searched for a cheaper price on the hitch but their stand alone price was not unreasonable.

The real extras cost is all the stuff your going to need if this is your first RV. I suppose I didn’t need all I bought, but I’m at roughly $1500 for stuff like an EMS, leveling blocks, X chocks, decent sewer hose, tool kit, MaxAir fan sheets, towels, all the dining and kitchen stuff as whatever else you might want to make it yours.

[sonofcy]

Battery prices are a ripoff, here is a Canadian link. I have a pair and paid $189 each.
https://www.myequipment.ca/listings/view/20455/trojan-t-105-6-volt-deep-cycle-battery-canada

[sonofcy]

You are correct, but buy and install a shunt so you never use more than 50% as that will kill a FLA battery very quickly. Also invest in a proper smart battery maintainer for off season storage. And of course distilled water, hygrometer and watering device. I bought my Trimetric TM-2030-RV before I bought my first trailer.

[NRaynor]

Beware of the ‘Dealer Fee’ especially in FL; I would shop around until I found a dealer that’s willing to negotiate the fee. The left over, end of model units are usually at a reasonable, negotiable price.

[sonofcy]

Beware of the ‘Dealer Fee’ especially in FL; I would shop around until I found a dealer that’s willing to negotiate the fee. The left over, end of model units are usually at a reasonable, negotiable price.
When I bought my Montana, I watched prices for 2 years before hand. I ordered mine at 62% of MSRP. It took 8 weeks but that was quick compared to the truck at 12 weeks. I also got what I thought was a very generous trade-in on our old TT of about $3k more than I was expecting. Check prices on www.rvtrader.com.

[Frosty46]

Hell no!! I too despise that criminal conduct by dealers. Buy nothing with the rig and add them later for less than one quarter the cost is my experience---besides the techs at dealers are ignorant asses and will cause you problems one way or another installing those add on's. US business morals have declined to a degree I find unmanageable today. I will buy used and rehab my way to want I want in everything until business criminality is ended. I've noticed dishonesty is the modern times motto. Camping World is the winner so far in my life for shady practices on a daily basis.

[Roscommon48]

all trailers should come with at least one battery...part of the price, not an option.


all other options do cost you more money than what you can buy outside of the dealer. the only option we get are the slide covers....

[notanlines]

" the techs at dealers are ignorant asses and will cause you problems one way or another"
A blanket statement with very little truth, in my opinion. You've had a bad experience or two with CW I'm sure, but if you look hard enough you'll do better. The tech's (and management) I've dealt with at CW Fort Meyers have been superb, as has CW in Ocala, Florida. The tech at David Motorhome Mart in Memphis did a walk-thru second to none on our DRV and took a number of phone calls from me and DW while we were settling in to our new RV.
Shop around a little. Good shops are out there.

[Archergodwin]

For what they charge as the purchase price for these rigs, you should expect above notch craftsmanship and quality.

Now that you who have owned these a few years have stopped laughing ;), what you often get is a hastily assembled box, with below standard equipment and horrific messes in the areas that owners would often not see. I have been deep in the bowels of my rig and have performed many upgrades to my 2009 403 Fuzion Touring model 244 of 300 ( I thought I was getting a really nice rig.... it is now).

You should get at the very least, 1 12v battery as part of the cost of the rig. The hitches, yeah.. separate unless you negotiate.

[Laredo Tugger]

I agree with Jim. My two purchases of a TT and a FW from two different dealers have both served me well on the backside (after purchase) with service issues. Both dealers have had techs available for help by phone for "field problems" and have been very helpful when I have had the trailer(s) in their shop.
I have noticed that if a dealership has a high sales volume that is not a bad thing. It means they have a reputable service department that keeps those who purchased happy and in turn prospective buyers take notice.
Social media tells the tale essentially. If the dealers service is always full and has long wait times for repairs it does not necessarily mean they sell bad trailers.
Yes, there may be some "ignorant asses" in the mix,but as stated my (and Jim's) experience does not support that.
RMc

[flybouy]

"For what they charge as the purchase price for these rigs, you should expect above notch craftsmanship and quality."

There's one cure for this, don't buy it. I'm amazed at how many people will make these statements and yet the RV's are disappearing off the lots and the RV shows are breaking attendance records. Do people buy these sight unseen, money up front, no refund policy?
The truth is yes RV manufacturers are making money just any other "viable" enterprise is. Those few that are still in business and offer "above notch craftsmanship and quality" charge many times the price for their units. If you want a Bentley craftsmanship then your going to pay considerably more than you do for an entry level Chevy. You buy an entry level home you get "builder's grade" carpets, cabinets, appliances, fixtures". If you want solid cherry custom cabinets, Italian marble and a steam shower then you need to step up to a "Custom Home Builder". Compare the cost per square foot.
I agree there are dealers that don't do their part after purchase, some I believe are "unscrupulous in their intent" and others that get a bad name because "new or first time buyers" that have unrealistic expectations don't "bend over backwards" when someone demands they "drop everything" and send out the NASCAR pit crew to re-insert a screw that fell out. A lot of New owners" will happily drive off and never look at the roof, never have maintenance done on the bearings, etc. and after driving them like the trailers hitch to a dirt track race car expect the dealership to "'warranty" everything that goes wrong. In my opinion, for what it's worth, if you have a serious issue with a product and getting the dealership and manufacturer to stand behind it then get serious about your actions. One of the strongest people in "your court" is the finance company. If you contact the financial institution that paid the dealership under your contract to pay them and explain the difficulties you're having they can often leverage a solution. This is also effective with other major consumer purchases for goods and services.
It's always been a "buyer beware" market and today, thanks to the internet/social media it's far easier to do the due diligence on the product and the seller before parting with your hard earned money.
JMHO

[Laredo Tugger]

POW!!! flybouy
A beautiful assembly of verbiage there!
Said well my friend.
RMc

[atkinsb3]

The dealership can pretty much make or break your new RV buying/ownership experience. Our local CW has turned over service managers and salesmen approx every 3 months, all promising better service...none able to deliver.

It wasn't until I started taking my trailer to another local rv service center that I actually started enjoying it and felt the stress of ownership go down.

[chuckster57]

---besides the techs at dealers are ignorant asses and will cause you problems one way or another installing those add on's.

Not all of us!!!

[sourdough]

A blanket statement with very little truth, in my opinion. You've had a bad experience or two with CW I'm sure, but if you look hard enough you'll do better. The tech's (and management) I've dealt with at CW Fort Meyers have been superb, as has CW in Ocala, Florida. The tech at David Motorhome Mart in Memphis did a walk-thru second to none on our DRV and took a number of phone calls from me and DW while we were settling in to our new RV.
Shop around a little. Good shops are out there.


I agree with Jim. I've had some bad experiences but by and large any missteps have been rectified and most encounters are OK. Are they like going to a Lexus or Porsche dealership? No, but that's apples and oranges.

I think (JMHO) some folks don't understand these are PLAYTOYS! Some treat them as if they are life and death and they spent their last penny on them. IMO they are just toys, built like toys so big boys can have something big to play with....and constantly fix; a "pastime" so to speak. A person takes his discretionary money, looks around for a "toy", picks an RV (and should know it's a toy) then gets all upset if it's not built like a tank. If it was, none of us would own one and you wouldn't see one on the road. They are built lighter and lighter so smaller and smaller vehicles can tow them. In addition, with all the cost cutting measures it's no wonder they are built like matchboxes, BUT, that's what all the potential customers are clamoring for - so they build them and we buy them as they are. As a previous post said, if you don't like them as they are....don't put your money into them. The market won't change because everyone else wants them the way they are (cheap/light)....but then again, those that just hate them won't have to worry about them and can put their money into a different toy that breaks all the time - boats come to mind. ;)