As I get closer to buying a 5th wheel, I am looking for advice about where to buy the larger accessories like: slide toppers, solar panels, satellite dish, window awnings, etc.
It seems to me there are 3 choices:
The dealer
Advantages: One stop shopping rolled into RV Loan, Might get good prices since he is making money on the sale of the RV, No finger pointing if a leak were to develop do to installation.
Disadvantages: Limited choices, Limited location if there is a problem on the road.
Campingworld
Advantages: More choices, Lots of locations if there is problem down the road.
Disadvantages: ???
A Vendor at a Rally or Quartzsite
Advantages: Personalized service, Better prices?
Disadvantage: How do you find them if something goes wrong down the road?
What have I overlooked and what have been your experiences with these purchases?
Grant
blijil said
06:38 PM Sep 14, 2006
There is no easy answer to your question. That's why RV forums flourish. We research on the internet both opinions and retailers, go to a dealer or two, visit camping world, and after we know the facts we make a decision on where to buy. Sometimes support is a big deal and sometimes its not depending on your threshold for pain and the facts.
So research and be glad that so much information is available. We have talked ourselves out of our first take several times after we knew the facts. We think we have made more informed, cost effective, and reliable decisions because of that.
If that's no your thing go to the most ready source and lay your money down.
Larry
Joan On The Road said
09:50 PM Sep 14, 2006
For satellite info try the Datastorm Users site/forum at www.datastormusers.com. Tons of info.
Another way to research is to attend Escapee and FMCA rallys or large RV shows like Pomona, CA.
We've been on the road 3 years and have had pretty good experiences with Camping World and it is handy because of the number of locations.
Happy Travels!
Grant said
01:51 PM Sep 18, 2006
I had asked about where is the best place to buy large accessories, dealer, Campingworld, or at a rally and pretty much received at least one opinion that each was the best.
My experience this past weekend was as follows: the dealer prices were the highest but include installation, Campingworld’s prices were better but installation was extra. I would say the advantage went to Campingworld for slightly more selection.
The next “rally” in our area that I know of is the California RV show in Pomona next month but that’s 450 miles each way. After that the next rallies would be Quartzsite or the Spring Escapade. I think that buying at rallies would probably work the best for fulltimers that have the time to get to these events.
Thanks you all of your thoughts
Grant
bjoyce said
04:20 PM Sep 18, 2006
If you are an Escapee you can make photocopies of your Camping World receipts (current year only) and send them to Escapees CARE and they get 2% as a donation. That might make you feel better about buying at Camping World.
Ken & Sarah said
05:53 AM Oct 23, 2006
I'm not sure if this is the place to put this item or not but here it is anyway. I have been looking for something to put on the dash to hold my cell phone, satelitte receiever, glasses etc. and I didn't want to use tape or drill holes. I found just the item and thought I'd pass it on in case someone else had a need for such an item.
It is called a Sticky pad, no glue or tape, this thing just sits on the dash and doesn't move. I bought it at a local convenience store but the web address is www.handstands.com it is a great item.
There is no easy answer to your question. That's why RV forums flourish. We research on the internet both opinions and retailers, go to a dealer or two, visit camping world, and after we know the facts we make a decision on where to buy. Sometimes support is a big deal and sometimes its not depending on your threshold for pain and the facts.
So research and be glad that so much information is available. We have talked ourselves out of our first take several times after we knew the facts. We think we have made more informed, cost effective, and reliable decisions because of that.
If that's no your thing go to the most ready source and lay your money down.
Larry
For satellite info try the Datastorm Users site/forum at www.datastormusers.com. Tons of info.
Another way to research is to attend Escapee and FMCA rallys or large RV shows like Pomona, CA.
We've been on the road 3 years and have had pretty good experiences with Camping World and it is handy because of the number of locations.
Happy Travels!
My experience this past weekend was as follows: the dealer prices were the highest but include installation, Campingworld’s prices were better but installation was extra. I would say the advantage went to Campingworld for slightly more selection.
The next “rally” in our area that I know of is the California RV show in Pomona next month but that’s 450 miles each way. After that the next rallies would be Quartzsite or the Spring Escapade. I think that buying at rallies would probably work the best for fulltimers that have the time to get to these events.
Thanks you all of your thoughts
Grant
I'm not sure if this is the place to put this item or not but here it is anyway. I have been looking for something to put on the dash to hold my cell phone, satelitte receiever, glasses etc. and I didn't want to use tape or drill holes. I found just the item and thought I'd pass it on in case someone else had a need for such an item.
It is called a Sticky pad, no glue or tape, this thing just sits on the dash and doesn't move. I bought it at a local convenience store but the web address is www.handstands.com it is a great item.