Input needed please

foldbak · 10-25-2020, 10:02 AM

Long story as short as possible. We settled for a new 2018 27' Cougar based on our tow vehicle. We really wanted the 32' but because of weight limits we got the 27'. I'm in the process of updating my tow vehicle to a 2500 Dodge or GMC. So I'm prepared to spend the 60K and will have the ability to go bigger. Although wasn't even considering it until yesterday.

My trailer is paid off and has substantial upgrades and is completely rung out with a lot of warranty work. Some of you may recall, every window replaced and a new roof with a double layer luan. Upgraded antenna, TV, sound system, central vac, built in 4000kw LPG Onan, 4000kw Aims inverter with control panels.

Yesterday we road the Harley to Tahoe for lunch (has nothing to do with the story but

) when we got home a guy on a Harley stops at my gate, gets off his bike and yells "hey want to sell the trailer". I literally laughed and said no!

Back story....the reason we bought a new trailer in 2018 is because a guy stopped at my gate and yelled "hey want to sell your trailer?". I said no but allowed him to look it over and make an offer. He found water damage on the roof that I was unaware of. An 8K estimate to repair forced us to do the upgrade.

So here we are. I showed the guy my trailer yesterday and he asked how much? I paid 40K plus another 5K in upgrades so I blurted 40K....his reply "cash or cashiers check?" After more discussion he asked if I'd do a truck trailer package. I'm thinking 50K for both. So 60K for new truck and up to 60K for new trailer. That pushes our budget to 70k and we get a new bigger better everything.

So the question is to sell or not to sell and fifth wheel vs trailer.....

We're looking at Cougar's

notanlines · 10-25-2020, 10:42 AM

Sell, buy a 3500, not 2500, and a 5ver Cougar. JMO.

Rick · 10-25-2020, 10:50 AM

I think right now it’s a seller’s market. Once a COVID vaccine is in place and distributed, all those people who bought trailers during this pandemic (Google “RV sales” on the News tab) will decide they don’t want their RV anymore (because air travel and hotels are safe again) and want to get rid of it. The market will then be flooded with newer, used RV’s. Anyone trying to sell their RV at this point will have a lot of competition. This is the advice I’m giving to a friend of mine who’ll be ready to purchase a RV in a couple years.

**chuckster57** · 10-25-2020, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

I think right now it’s a seller’s market. Once a COVID vaccine is in place and distributed, all those people who bought trailers during this pandemic (Google “RV sales” on the News tab) will decide they don’t want their RV anymore (because air travel and hotels are safe again) and want to get rid of it. The market will then be flooded with newer, used RV’s. This is the advice I’m giving to a friend of mine who’ll be ready to purchase a RV in a couple years.

Sort of what I'm thinking..Sales of new RV's has slowed but the dealers arent discounting prices.

dutchmensport · 10-25-2020, 10:56 AM

Starting all over again can be fun, yes. Dealing with all the warranty issues again can be a real pain, no. Keeping your current set up is familiar territory and you know what's been done to it and why, yes. Getting a new rig (truck and trailer) is stepping in the unknown again, no. Your current rig is all broke in now, and set up the way you want it, yes. Starting over again with a new unit means dealing with all those issues .... "honey, where did we end up putting that thing-a-ma-bob!" ... no.

Tough call.

ADQ K9 · 10-25-2020, 11:02 AM

I would wait about 10 days from now.

If you are happy with what you have why go in to debt again?

Canonman · 10-25-2020, 11:40 AM

If someone offered full price for our Cougar I'd go for it!!
The new models look to have several improvements and enhancements over ours.
I think I'd stick with a 5th wheel but probably go a bit smaller.
BTW, we got our first snow in the valley today

JJaxon · 10-25-2020, 12:55 PM

I'd be hard pressed to turn down that kind of offer, however. Are you looking at buying replacements right away? As mentioned, finding what pleases you and availability might set your plans back 6 months or more.

Also, Think real hard about a 3/4 ton vs 1 ton, single rear wheel or not. I traded 3 years ago thinking 2500 was enough, then a new RV made me jump to a 3500 SRW a year and a half ago, then a great deal on my dream RV made me jump again. I used to keep trucks 10 years, but the pattern broke, had a 2017, 2019, and now the new 2020 Ram. I can afford them and didn't get hurt on the trades. Just know that when you try a 2500 towing a big RV, you'll wish you went to a 3500 pretty soon. I should have went there 1st and saved in the long run.

Everything I have now is brand spankin new and I own them, and they are what I want, so no reason for me to shop, but if a fellow biker offer me the right money, I'd sell. I don't want to leave my fortunes for my kids to waste away.

linux3 · 10-25-2020, 02:06 PM

The way to a happy life is to owe nobody nothing and enjoy what you have.
Forget the DEAL.
Do you need a new RV?
Do you need, want a new TV?

I mean, if you want it and can easily afford it, go for it but if you are happy with what you have?????
Stick with it.

**sourdough** · 10-25-2020, 04:14 PM

Your post and questions leave a lot of territory uncovered. Why do you want to sell? A good offer or you have been unhappy, sort of "peering over the fence" for something that provides a little more of ?? Family outgrowing the current RV? TV getting older and needs an upgrade?

A zillion questions to me as far as the motivation for wanting to sell. Those questions would have to be answered by you and the family. That said;
If you decide that selling (if that's what you want to do I would) is going to provide/meet a need that you and the family see, don't even think of a 3/4 ton truck - get the 1 ton, btdt. A couple might settle on a smaller trailer but if you have a growing family I would not want that 27' trailer (btdt too).

5th wheel vs TT. I like them both. It ALL depends on what you do, size of family and how you use the RV. For long, lengthy stays I would go with the 5th; if not, the options widen IMO.

A little more info on your particular situation would surely help folks to shed a little more light.

foldbak · 10-28-2020, 07:11 AM

Well we decided to pass on the trailer upgrade for several reasons. The cost of the upgrade would be more then we want to spend. If we were out months at a time it would be worth it but that's not the case. We are however looking at a GMC 2500 with a 6.6 duramax! Test driving it today!

tech740 · 10-28-2020, 07:21 AM

I would seriously skip the 2500 and look at 3500. You are already planning the upgrade of the truck the cost is negligible. You are also already planning an RV upgrade, why limit yourself to a new lower payload? It it costs the same go bigger. No one complains about too much truck. I have had 1/2, 3/4, and 1 ton trucks now. I should have skipped the 2500.

wiredgeorge · 10-28-2020, 07:27 AM

I'd seriously stop asking folks on this forum for spending advice as they are likely easier with your money than their own! Sorry, can't help myself sometimes... don't bother with a 3/4 ton truck; not much of an upgrade as far as towing compared to the 1/2 ton. Go to a 1 ton. Money won't be much of a difference and wait till the buying frenzy is over; should be some time soon especially if that meteor hits the earth and all life as we know it is wiped out (except cockroaches and RV salesmen - well except Mr. Smith in NM).

ewbldavis · 10-28-2020, 07:39 AM

I love my 2500, but must agree - just get the 3500 and be done with it.

Cougar is awesome 5er, but I was seriously drooling over a grey Montana this weekend. They're expensive though. I like how we got alot of the big-boy features (In-Command, auto-level, etc.) but in a unit half the price. Plus I think the electric auto-level will be less maintenance/issues than the hydraulic version.

**JRTJH** · 10-28-2020, 08:24 AM

The ONLY reason I don't have a brand new, larger fifth wheel is because I am "stuck" with a F250. If I had an F350, we'd be looking at new fifth wheels right now.

As a "public service announcement" (free advertising):

DON'T BUY A 3/4 TON TRUCK IF YOU'RE EVEN REMOTELY CONSIDERING A NEW RV !!!!!

Bill-2020 · 10-28-2020, 08:56 AM

Consider this - regarding the Covid camper sales. My 2020 Passport (purchased one year ago this week) cost me about $21000. Today that same camper, 2021 MY, is on sale at the same (large) dealership is $27995 (down from $29K!

). There's nothing different about the two years models, they are identical (I looked). Covid increase going on here??

Keep your rig, that's my input. If you've put all that work into making it just right, and making it your own, keep it. It's possibly worth more now than you think.

Update: and as of today, 10/29, that $27995 is now down to $25,999, merely days later. (They’re busting my resale value bubble!

)

Laredo Tugger · 10-28-2020, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

I'd seriously stop asking folks on this forum for spending advice as they are likely easier with your money than their own! Sorry, can't help myself sometimes... don't bother with a 3/4 ton truck; not much of an upgrade as far as towing compared to the 1/2 ton. Go to a 1 ton. Money won't be much of a difference and wait till the buying frenzy is over; should be some time soon especially if that meteor hits the earth and all life as we know it is wiped out (except cockroaches and RV salesmen - well except Mr. Smith in NM).

George,
Been awhile since I have had a good chuckle from this forum. True statement there. And I thought I was the humorist.
RMc

xrated · 10-28-2020, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

The ONLY reason I don't have a brand new, larger fifth wheel is because I am "stuck" with a F250. If I had an F350, we'd be looking at new fifth wheels right now.

As a "public service announcement" (free advertising):

DON'T BUY A 3/4 TON TRUCK IF YOU'RE EVEN REMOTELY CONSIDERING A NEW RV !!!!!

This ^^^^^ is Quote of the Day material! Actually, Quote of the Year!

foldbak · 10-29-2020, 07:31 AM

I appreciate everyone's input as to the truck but there are other constraints to consider when making this decision. We were at the dealership until 7:30 last night trying to decide on which GMC to get. I had decided on the 2020 Denali until I realized how long it was. The Sierra is almost 4 feet longer then my Expedition, Denali 5 feet and the 3500 longer yet. I have a circular driveway and my current rig barely makes the turn so I decided on the Sierra. I dont even know if it's going to work.....no stress here

Rwake901 · 11-01-2020, 08:56 AM

They talked me into a 3500 a little over a year ago instead of a 2500. I stopped the deal at the last second sitting at the dealer on the 2500 and went with the 3500. I am soooo happy I went with the 3500 and you will be too if you buy it. It’s the best advice I got from this forum.

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